Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad
Craving a lunch that's anything but boring? This Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad is your answer! It’s a vibrant mix of juicy chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing that’s incredibly easy to throw together.Perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, potlucks, or any time you need a flavorful and satisfying meal. Get ready to fall in love with this sweet and savory sensation!
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
Nutrition Information (Per Serving - Estimated):
- 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.