Are you tired of the same old boring lunch? Do you crave something that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Then get ready to meet your new best friend: Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad.
This isn’t your grandma’s chicken salad. It’s a vibrant, delicious, and surprisingly easy dish that will become your go-to for quick meals, potlucks, and everything in between.
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Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Seriously, get ready to be obsessed. This isn’t just another salad recipe. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
Imagine the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy – all in one bowl. Plus, it’s so simple to throw together, even on your busiest days. Forget complicated recipes; this easy Asian chicken salad is about to become your new weeknight hero.
The Perfect Harmony of Flavors: Sweet, Savory, and Crunchy
What makes this salad so irresistible? It’s all about the flavor symphony. Picture this: tender, savory chicken mingling with the bright, sweet cranberries.
Then, you get a tangy kick from the Asian-inspired dressing, and a satisfying crunch from toasted almonds and sesame seeds. It’s a dance of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more. This sweet and savory salad is truly addictive!
Quick & Easy: Your Go-To Salad for Busy Days
Time is precious, right? That’s why you’ll love how quickly this salad comes together. Especially if you use rotisserie chicken salad as a starting point – talk about a shortcut!
In just minutes, you can have a flavorful, satisfying meal ready to go. Whether you need a quick chicken salad recipe for lunch, a light dinner, or something to pack for work, this is your answer.
Key Ingredients for the Best Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad
Let’s talk about what makes this salad shine. It’s all about using quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly.
Juicy Chicken: The Heart of the Salad
The chicken is the star of the show, so let’s make it count. For ultimate ease, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option. Just shred it up, and you’re good to go!
But if you have a little more time, grilling, roasting, or even pan-frying chicken breasts or thighs will add even more flavor. No matter how you cook it, make sure your chicken is juicy and tender. Nobody wants dry chicken salad!
Pro-tip: Let your cooked chicken cool slightly before shredding – it’s easier to handle and retains more moisture.
Sweet & Tart Cranberries: Bursting with Flavor
Dried cranberries are essential for that signature sweetness and tartness that balances the savory elements. I like to use sweetened dried cranberries for a classic taste, but you can also find unsweetened or even orange-flavored cranberries for a twist. The key is that little burst of chewy, fruity goodness in every bite. This is what elevates this salad beyond the ordinary cranberry almond chicken salad.
Crunchy Goodness: Almonds & Sesame Seeds
Texture is key in a salad, and that’s where toasted almonds and sesame seeds come in. Toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Sesame seeds, especially black sesame seeds, add another layer of nutty flavor and a lovely visual appeal. If you’re not an almond fan, toasted cashews would also work wonderfully for this cranberry almond chicken salad.
Toasting the nuts and seeds is crucial – it really brings out their flavor and crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry pan over medium heat does the trick – keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
The Signature Asian Inspired Dressing: Tangy & Flavorful
The dressing is where the “Asian” magic happens. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful blend of:
- Soy Sauce: Low sodium is my go-to, so you can control the saltiness.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil is a must! It has a much richer, nuttier flavor than regular sesame oil.
- Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and depth, but rice vinegar is another great option for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- Sweetener: Honey is my favorite for its natural sweetness and floral notes, but brown sugar also works beautifully, adding a hint of molasses.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger are non-negotiable! They bring that signature Asian zing and freshness. I like to mince them finely or grate them for the best flavor distribution.
Whisk all these ingredients together, and you’ve got an Asian inspired dressing that’s tangy, savory, and slightly sweet – the perfect complement to the chicken and cranberries. Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. Taste as you go! This is definitely not your typical Chinese Chicken Salad dressing – it’s got its own unique and delicious personality.
Veggies & Extras: Building Your Salad Base
For the base of this salad, coleslaw mix is a super convenient and classic choice. It’s already shredded and ready to go! But if you want to get a little more creative, try using shredded Napa cabbage, baby bok choy, or even a mix of spinach and shredded carrots.
For extra flavor and color, mandarin oranges are a fantastic addition – they add another layer of sweetness and juiciness. Thinly sliced red onion provides a bit of a sharp bite, and fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness. Sometimes, I even sprinkle in some sesame sticks for extra crunch – because why not?
Making Your Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step Recipe
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this amazing salad:
Ingredients List (Concise & Clear)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (or shredded Napa cabbage, bok choy, etc.)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup toasted sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (black or white)
- ¼ cup mandarin orange segments, drained (optional)
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Easy-to-Follow Instructions (Numbered Steps)
- Prepare the Chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, shred it. If cooking your own, grill, roast, or pan-fry chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through and then shred or dice. Let it cool slightly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, mandarin oranges (if using), red onion (if using), and cilantro (if using).
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Asian-inspired dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss to Combine: Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve your Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad chilled and enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips & Variations for Your Perfect Salad
Want to make this salad even more you? Here are some tips and variations to play with:
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep Like a Pro
This salad is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make the components ahead of time:
- Chicken: Cook and shred your chicken up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Dressing: The dressing can be made up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Veggies: Chop your veggies (coleslaw mix, red onion, cilantro) a day ahead and store them separately in airtight containers or zip-top bags.
When you’re ready to eat, just toss everything together! This make-ahead chicken salad trick is a lifesaver for busy weeks.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl
While this salad is amazing on its own, get creative with how you serve it!
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the salad into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal.
- Sandwiches or Sliders: Pile it onto croissants, buns, or slider rolls for a satisfying lunch.
- Crackers or Crostini: Serve it as an appetizer or snack with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
- Grain Bowls: Add it as a protein topping to quinoa, rice, or farro bowls.
This party chicken salad is always a hit at gatherings, too!
Dietary Adaptations: Make it Your Own
Need to adjust for dietary needs? No problem! This salad is easily customizable:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, firm tofu (pan-fried or baked), or edamame for a protein boost. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey in the dressing to make it vegan.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, as soy sauce often contains wheat. Double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. Enjoy a delicious gluten-free chicken salad!
- Lower-Sugar: Use unsweetened dried cranberries or reduce the amount of sweetener in the dressing. You can also use sugar-free sweeteners if desired.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended for ease)
- 1 cup coleslaw mix or shredded Napa cabbage, bok choy
- ½ cup dried cranberries sweetened or unsweetened
- ½ cup toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds black or white
- ¼ cup mandarin orange segments drained (optional, for extra sweetness and juice)
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion optional, for a sharp bite
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro optional, for freshness
For the Signature Asian Inspired Dressing:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken (grill, roast, pan-fry, then shred or dice). Let cool slightly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, mandarin oranges (if using), red onion (if using), and cilantro (if using).
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Asian-inspired dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss to Combine: Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Optional, Recommended): For optimal flavor, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled as a main course salad, in lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or as a side dish.
Tips & Variations:
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare chicken, dressing, and chopped veggies separately up to 3 days in advance. Combine just before serving.
- Customize Your Crunch: Substitute almonds with cashews, pecans, or walnuts.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dressing.
- Dietary Adaptations: Easily adaptable for vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free, and lower-sugar diets (see article for details).
- Serving Suggestions: Serve in lettuce wraps, on croissants, with crackers, or over grain bowls.
Notes
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Note: Fat content can vary based on chicken type (breast vs. thigh, skin on/off) and almond quantity.
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Note: Carbohydrate content is primarily from cranberries and honey. Choosing unsweetened cranberries and reducing honey can lower carb count.
- Fiber: 5g
- Note: Fiber primarily from coleslaw mix and almonds. Contributes to satiety.
- Sugar: 10g
- Note: Sugar content is mainly from dried cranberries and honey. Adjust sweetness by using unsweetened cranberries or alternative sweeteners.
- Sodium: Note: Sodium content will vary based on soy sauce used. Using low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control sodium levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let’s tackle some common questions about Asian chicken salad:
What goes in an Asian chicken salad?
Generally, an Asian chicken salad includes cooked chicken, an Asian-style dressing (typically with soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar), crunchy elements like nuts or wonton strips, and often some type of greens or cabbage. Many versions also include sweet elements like mandarin oranges or, in our case, cranberries!
Is Cranberry salad good for you?
Cranberry salad can be good for you, depending on the ingredients! Cranberries themselves are packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
This healthy lunch salad version, with lean chicken and plenty of veggies, offers protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Just be mindful of added sugars in the dressing and dried cranberries – you can always adjust those to make it even healthier. For more information on the health benefits of cranberries, you can check out resources like the National Cranberry Cooperative’s website.
What is Chinese Chicken Salad dressing made of?
Chinese Chicken Salad dressing typically includes a base of soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar (often rice vinegar or cider vinegar). It usually also has a sweetener like sugar or honey, aromatics like ginger and garlic, and sometimes other additions like mustard, hoisin sauce, or peanut butter. The exact ingredients and ratios can vary quite a bit! For a deeper dive into different types of Asian dressings, you might find resources like Serious Eats’ guide to Asian vinaigrettes helpful.
How does Rachael Ray make chicken salad?
Rachael Ray’s chicken salad recipes often lean towards a more classic, mayonnaise-based style. She frequently includes ingredients like grapes or apples for sweetness and sometimes adds curry powder for a unique flavor twist. Her chicken salads are generally richer and creamier than our Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad, which is lighter and tangier thanks to the Asian-inspired dressing and lack of mayonnaise.
Craving More Chicken Salad Inspiration?
If you enjoyed this Asian-inspired twist, you might also love exploring other delicious chicken salad variations! For a creamy and comforting classic, check out our recipe for Cape Cod Chicken Salad. It’s a wonderful example of a traditional American chicken salad, perfect for sandwiches or serving on crackers.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Salad Awaits!
So there you have it – Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad, your soon-to-be favorite salad! It’s flavorful, easy to make, incredibly versatile, and even pretty good for you.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a potluck dish, or just a delicious way to mix up your salad routine, this recipe is a winner. Go ahead, give it a try and get ready to fall in love with this sweet and savory sensation. You might just find yourself craving it all the time!
