Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a crunchy, sweet-savory medley that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. With tender chicken, crisp cabbage, sweet dried cranberries, and a tangy homemade dressing, every bite is a lively celebration of textures and tastes. Whether you’re planning a speedy lunch, a show-stopping potluck dish, or a refreshing weeknight dinner, this salad will capture everyone’s attention and become a fast favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is how every simple ingredient brings a unique flavor, vibrant color, or irresistible crunch. Each element has its delicious purpose, making the end result truly craveable.

• Chicken Breast: Tender, shredded cooked chicken soaks up the punchy dressing and adds satisfying protein.
• Napa or Green Cabbage: Its fresh, crisp texture forms the crunchy backbone of the salad.
• Shredded Carrots: Bring a touch of sweetness and vivid orange color to every bite.
• Dried Cranberries: Their tartness and chewiness pop against the savory ingredients.
• Sliced Almonds: Offer up a nutty crunch and toasty aroma that perfectly balances the tangy flavors.
• Green Onions: Fresh, slightly sharp, and a must for that subtle zing.
• Fresh Cilantro: Lifts the salad with bright, herbaceous notes; skip if you’re not a cilantro fan!
• Crispy Wonton Strips or Chow Mein Noodles: The ultimate crunchy topping—add just before serving for best results.
• Rice Vinegar: Forms the tangy base of the homemade dressing.
• Honey: Adds just the right touch of natural sweetness to balance the dressing.
• Soy Sauce: Brings salty umami depth to the mix.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A drizzle of this makes the entire salad pop with a rich, nutty finish.
• Olive Oil: Smooths out the dressing and helps everything blend together.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds a zesty, peppery warmth that makes the flavors sing.
• Garlic: Bold and aromatic; just a bit packs a punch.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors forward.

How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients—shred the cooked chicken, slice your cabbage into thin ribbons, grate the carrots, chop the green onions and cilantro, and get your almonds and cranberries measured out. Having everything prepped and organized makes assembly quick and easy!

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. The key is to whisk until the dressing is well emulsified and the honey dissolves completely, yielding a glossy, fragrant vinaigrette.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cabbage, carrots, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the mix and toss thoroughly, making sure every bit gets perfectly coated in that luscious, tangy-sweet dressing. This is where all the flavors start to mingle!

Step 4: Add Crunchy Toppings

Just before serving, scatter the crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles over the salad. This keeps them fresh and crisp—which means every forkful delivers a satisfying crunch, making this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad really unforgettable.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Dive in while it’s cold or at room temperature for peak flavor. Trust me, this is the moment where that bright, crunchy, tangy magic really shines.

How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, sprinkle the salad with extra cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and a handful of toasted sesame seeds. A little zest of lime or a drizzle of Sriracha also adds a fun twist if you want a bit more zip.

Side Dishes

Pair your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad with a simple bowl of miso soup, steamed edamame, or fluffy jasmine rice. Each of these mild sides balances the vibrant flavors of the salad while allowing it to remain the star of your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad scooped into lettuce cups for a party-friendly, hand-held bite, or pile it high over a bed of mixed greens for an elegant lunch. For a heartier meal, tuck it inside a whole-wheat wrap or serve alongside grilled skewers for a fun, build-your-own dinner experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For the best taste and texture, keep the crunchy wonton strips separate and add them right before eating. That way, every bowlful will still be vibrantly crisp and irresistible.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. The cabbage and fresh vegetables tend to lose their crunch and become watery after thawing, which interferes with the salad’s signature texture. It’s so quick to make fresh, you won’t mind!

Reheating

This salad really shines when served cold or at room temperature. If you’d like, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving straight from the fridge to take off the chill. There’s no need to reheat, and the crisp factor will thank you.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut that adds savory depth and makes prep even speedier. Simply shred and toss right in with the other ingredients.

What kind of cabbage works best?

Both Napa and green cabbage are wonderful here. Napa has a softer, more delicate texture, while green cabbage stays extra crisp. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand—both will deliver great crunch and flavor!

How far ahead can I make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad?

You can assemble the salad (minus the crispy noodles) up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then add the wonton strips or chow mein noodles right before serving for the perfect crunch.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the chicken for shelled edamame, baked tofu, or even extra veggies for a hearty plant-powered version. The tangy dressing ties everything together, no matter the protein.

Are there nut-free alternatives?

Yes, you can simply omit the sliced almonds or use toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a tasty crunch that’s totally nut-free.

Final Thoughts

Give this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad a try and let it brighten up your table with its bold flavors and brilliant colors. You just might find it becomes your go-to for potlucks, meal prep, or those days when you’re craving something as easy as it is extraordinary!

Print