This Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a colorful mix of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and sweet cranberries. It’s packed with great flavors and is super refreshing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken gives the salad its protein. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover grilled chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using tofu or chickpeas instead.
Shredded Green Cabbage: This adds crunch and volume. You can also use pre-packaged coleslaw mix, or substitute with kale for added nutrients.
Mandarin Orange Segments: These bring sweetness and brightness. If you can’t find mandarins, pineapple tidbits or fresh orange segments work well too!
Dried Cranberries: They add a nice touch of sweetness. For a twist, you could substitute dried cherries or raisins. Just keep in mind that cranberries are less sweet compared to raisins.
Sliced Almonds: These provide crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives.
How Do I Make the Dressing Creamy and Flavorful?
Making the dressing is key to tying all the flavors of the salad together. Start by whisking the mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. The honey balances the acidity from the vinegar, while the sesame oil adds a lovely depth.
- Mix well until there are no lumps. This will yield a smooth and creamy dressing.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the sweetness with more honey or add extra soy sauce for saltiness.
Chill the dressing briefly if you have time; a cooler temperature can enhance the flavors even more!
How to Make Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and requires an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. Overall, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing salad ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, chopped red onion, and cilantro if you’re using it. Gently toss everything together with your hands or a spoon so it’s well combined.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, making sure everything is nicely coated. Gently toss everything together until the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
4. Add Poppy Seeds:
Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top of the salad. Give it a light toss to mix the seeds in without losing their crunch.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the salad extra refreshing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the salad cold as a delightful main dish or as a side. Enjoy the combination of savory chicken, sweet cranberries, and the burst of mandarin oranges!
This vibrant salad is perfect for any meal and is sure to impress! Enjoy the flavors and colors in every bite!
FAQ for Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s shredded and cooled before mixing it into the salad.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise. You can also use vegan mayonnaise or a homemade dressing made from tahini or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly soggy over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers, cucumber, or snap peas for extra crunch and color. Just make sure to keep the ingredient ratio balanced for the best flavor.
