Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Shredded Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for ease. It’s flavorful and saves time. If you’re vegetarian, consider using tofu or chickpeas instead for a protein boost.

Coleslaw Mix: This is a simple way to add crunch and nutrition. If you can’t find it, you can shred your own cabbage and carrots. Napa cabbage works well for a lighter texture.

Mandarin Oranges: These add sweetness and a juicy pop. If you don’t have mandarins, canned pineapple chunks can be a delicious substitute.

Dried Cranberries: They provide a nice tartness. You could swap them for raisins or even chopped apples for a fresher bite!

Almonds: Toasted almonds enhance the flavor, but sunflower seeds or walnuts are great alternatives if you want something nut-free.

How Do I Make Sure the Dressing is Perfectly Balanced?

The dressing can really make or break this salad. Start with the right ratios to get that sweet and tangy balance. Here’s how to nail it:

• Use a mix of mayonnaise and rice vinegar as your base. The creaminess of mayo paired with the tanginess of vinegar is key!
• Honey adds sweetness, but adjust it according to your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the honey or substitute it with agave syrup.
• Fresh ginger gives a nice zing. If you don’t have it, ground ginger works too. Just remember it’s more concentrated, so use a bit less.
• Don’t forget to start with salt and pepper! Taste as you go—this helps you find the right balance for your palate.

Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted if preferred)
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time. After mixing everything, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors. Altogether, you’ll need about 45 minutes before digging in!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Salad Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. This colorful mix is not only tasty but also nutritious!

2. Whisk Together the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Make sure to taste the dressing; you can adjust sweetness or tanginess if you like!

3. Combine and Toss:

Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Then, sprinkle the poppy seeds over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to break up the orange segments too much!

4. Chill and Serve:

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is essential for a tastier salad! Before serving, give it a light toss again, adjust seasoning to taste if needed, and garnish with a few extra almonds or cilantro leaves if desired.

Enjoy this refreshing and colorful salad that combines sweet and tangy flavors with crunchy textures and savory chicken! It’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish at your next gathering!

FAQ for Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Frozen Chicken?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw and heat the frozen chicken before shredding it. To quickly thaw, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad and dressing a day ahead. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve to keep the salad crisp. When ready to eat, combine them and toss!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to add the poppy seeds and any extra nuts right before serving.

What Can I Substitute for Nuts if I Have Allergies?

If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit the sliced almonds and replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch. You can also use extra vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for a different texture!