This colorful Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and sweet cranberries. It comes together quickly for a refreshing meal!
You can whip this salad up in no time and enjoy it for lunch or dinner. I love how the flavors pop, and it’s perfect for using up those leftover chicken bits. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect for this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken from another meal. For a vegetarian option, swap in chickpeas or tofu.
Cabbage: Green cabbage adds crunch, but you can easily use pre-packaged coleslaw mix. If you’re in the mood for something different, try Napa cabbage or even kale for a twist.
Dried Cranberries: They give a sweet and tart flavor. If you prefer, raisins or chopped dried apricots can be good alternatives. I love using different dried fruits to change up the flavor.
Mandarin Oranges: These add freshness, but you can replace them with pineapple chunks or even fresh apple slices for a crunchier texture. Canned fruit works well too, just drain it first.
How Do I Make the Dressing Smooth and Tasty?
Making the dressing is simple, but aim for a well-balanced taste. Start with mayonnaise as the base, then add rice vinegar for tang. Adjust the flavor with soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.
- For extra zing, grate in some fresh ginger. It’s optional, but it really brightens the dressing!
- Whisk until smooth, then taste and tweak with more honey for sweetness or vinegar for acidity if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
This way, your dressing will perfectly complement the salad’s flavors!
How to Make Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage (or pre-shredded coleslaw mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted if preferred)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Quick and Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15-20 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Perfect for a busy day or a simple side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Assemble the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, mandarin orange segments, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro if you choose to use it. This colorful mix is not only delicious but also visually appealing!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and grated fresh ginger until everything is well combined and smooth. Taste the dressing and feel free to add more honey for sweetness or more rice vinegar for extra tanginess. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper!
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl and toss well until every ingredient is coated evenly in that luscious dressing. You want to ensure every bite is delicious!
4. Add Poppy Seeds:
Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top of the salad and give it a gentle toss again to distribute them throughout the salad. They add a lovely crunch!
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 15-20 minutes. This short chill time helps the flavors meld together nicely and makes the salad super refreshing!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, you can garnish the salad with a few extra mandarin segments or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Enjoy your vibrant, crunchy, sweet, and tangy Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad!
Your taste buds will thank you! 😊
FAQ for Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and toss it in. If you’re short on time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great option too!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise. You can also use a mix of sour cream and a bit of lemon juice for a similar creamy texture with a tangy kick.
How Long Does This Salad Keep in the Refrigerator?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. However, note that the salad may get a bit watery over time due to the dressing.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumber for extra crunch and color. Get creative with what you have on hand!
