This Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad mixes crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and sweet-tart cranberries. It’s a colorful dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken gives this salad protein and heartiness. If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken works great as it’s already cooked. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Shredded Cabbage: Green cabbage is crunchy and provides a nice base. If you want a different flavor, use napa cabbage or even a pre-packaged coleslaw mix!
Mandarin Oranges: These add a sweet touch to the salad. If oranges aren’t available, try canned pineapple or apple slices for a similar sweetness.
Dried Cranberries: They give a burst of flavor and color. For a twist, use dried cherries or raisins instead!
Almonds: Sliced almonds boost the crunch factor. Sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts also work well if you’re looking for an alternative.
How Do I Prepare the Perfect Asian Dressing?
The dressing ties all the flavors together and is super easy to make! Here’s how to go about it:
- In a bowl, whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This mix creates a delightful balance of sweet and tangy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, add more honey or maple syrup.
- Make sure to taste it; adjusting the seasoning is key to getting it just right!
This dressing not only complements the salad but can also be used on other salads or veggies. It’s a keeper!
Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prep. After mixing, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully. So, in total, you’ll need about 45 minutes, with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Grab a large salad bowl and toss in the shredded chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red onion, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and chopped cilantro. Give everything a gentle mix to combine well.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth. This will give your salad a tasty zing!
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are combined and evenly coated with the dressing. You want to make sure every bite is flavorful!
4. Add the Finishing Touch:
Lightly sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top of the salad. Give it another brief toss to distribute the seeds just right.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld into something delightful. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy every crispy, crunchy bite!
This salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients that makes it a perfect dish for lunch or a light dinner. It’s easy, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just shred it and toss it in—it’s a great way to use up leftovers!
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just be mindful that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again, and add a splash of dressing if needed to refresh the flavors!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare the salad and dressing, mix them, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before serving. Just sprinkle the poppy seeds on right before serving to keep them crunchy!
