Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a quick, vibrant, and delicious lunch option ready in just 15 minutes. Featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, crunchy cabbage and carrots, chewy dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and a perfectly balanced sweet-savory dressing with sesame and ginger, this salad is an easy way to brighten your day with bold flavors and satisfying textures. The almonds add a final delightful crunch, making it an irresistible meal that’s both nutritious and refreshing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Dressing
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, shredded cabbage and carrots, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly without adding almonds yet.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk with a fork or shake vigorously until the honey dissolves and the dressing is fully mixed.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients lightly, preserving the crispness of cabbage and carrots.
- Add Almonds and Garnish: Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the dressed salad to add a crunchy texture. Garnish with extra sliced green onions if desired.
- Let Flavors Meld: For best flavor, allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the dressing soaks into the chicken and cranberries for a harmonious taste.
Notes
- Use chilled, pre-cooked chicken to keep the salad cool and maximize ease.
- Dress the salad just before eating to keep the vegetables crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Allow the dressed salad to sit for 10 minutes to let flavors meld perfectly.
- Optional additions: mandarin orange segments for sweetness, chopped red bell peppers or chow mein noodles for extra crunch, and sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
Keywords: Asian chicken salad, cranberry salad, quick lunch, rotisserie chicken salad, healthy salad, no-cook salad, easy dinner, gluten free option
