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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

4.8 from 16 reviews

A vibrant and healthy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combining fresh mixed greens, shredded chicken, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty sesame ginger dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded carrots, red cabbage, dried cranberries, sliced almonds or peanuts, and chopped green onions to create a colorful, textured base.
  2. Add the Chicken: Add the cooked, shredded or diced chicken to the salad bowl and gently toss together with the vegetables and greens to distribute evenly.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the flavorful dressing.
  5. Serve or Chill: Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate the salad for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

  • This salad is quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal option any time of day.
  • Feel free to substitute almonds with peanuts or other nuts for different flavors and textures.
  • For a vegan version, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
  • Add more crunchy vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for extra freshness.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours for best quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian chicken salad, cranberry salad, sesame ginger dressing, healthy salad, quick salad recipe