Zesty Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe for Lunch Magic

Summers call for lighter meals that burst with flavor, and this vibrant Asian chicken cranberry salad brings a delightful twist to your dining table.

Tender chicken pieces dance with crisp vegetables in a zesty dressing that tingles your taste buds.

Bright cranberries add a pop of sweetness against the savory backdrop of perfectly seasoned meat.

Crunchy nuts provide an unexpected textural surprise that makes each bite exciting.

The blend of ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors that feels both refreshing and satisfying.

This salad offers a quick, nutritious option for lunch or a light dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Dive into this colorful dish and let your palate explore a world of delicious possibilities.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Mixed Greens: Crisp base that adds volume and nutrition to the salad.
• Shredded Carrots: Brings vibrant color and sweet crunch with loads of vitamin A.
• Shredded Red Cabbage: Adds gorgeous purple hue and provides excellent antioxidant boost.
• Green Onions: Delivers sharp, fresh flavor with mild onion undertones.

• Chicken: Lean protein source that makes the salad hearty and satisfying.
• Sliced Almonds, Chopped Peanuts: Provide delightful texture and nutty richness with healthy fats.
• Dried Cranberries: Introduces sweet-tart burst and beautiful deep red color.

• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and authentic Asian flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Contributes tangy brightness and balances overall taste.
• Sesame Oil: Imparts distinctive nutty aroma characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind dressing ingredients.
• Ginger: Introduces warm, slightly spicy undertone with digestive benefits.
• Garlic: Provides pungent kick and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Crucial for final flavor adjustment and seasoning.

Tools for Salad Prep: Chicken & Cranberry

• Large Salad Bowl: Perfect for mixing and tossing all ingredients together smoothly.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for whisking and combining dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing components until smooth and well-incorporated.
• Knife: Needed for slicing green onions, chopping nuts, and cutting chicken if necessary.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning dressing ingredients.

Tossing Together Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Salad Base

Create a vibrant foundation using mixed greens, adding colorful layers of shredded carrots and red cabbage for crunch and visual appeal.

• Protein Harmony

Integrate tender shredded chicken throughout the salad, ensuring balanced distribution of meat and vegetables.

• Flavor Explosion

Craft a tangy dressing by combining Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.

• Texture Enhancement

Sprinkle crunchy almonds and sliced green onions over the salad, providing unexpected bursts of texture and freshness.

• Final Touch

Drizzle the prepared dressing across the salad, gently tossing to coat every ingredient with the zesty Asian-inspired flavors. Serve chilled and enjoy immediately for maximum taste experience.

Flavor Mix-Ins for Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Salad Savvy Secrets: Elevate Your Asian Chicken Cranberry Creation
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or pulled pork for a delightful twist that keeps the flavor profile exciting and versatile.
• Crunch Factor Boost: Add extra texture by including crispy wonton strips, water chestnuts, or edamame to give your salad a delightful crunch that surprises every bite.
• Dressing Drama: Experiment with different honey alternatives like agave nectar or brown sugar, and try adding a splash of sriracha for an unexpected spicy kick that transforms the entire dish.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and dressing separately, storing components in airtight containers for up to 3 days, allowing quick assembly of fresh salads throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Serving Asian Chicken Salad Cold & Fresh

• Festive Party Platter: Create an eye-catching spread by arranging the salad on a large wooden board with extra nuts and herbs sprinkled around the edges for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Fresh Lunch Companion: Pair this vibrant salad with crispy rice crackers or warm sesame flatbread to add a delightful crunch and complete the meal with extra texture.
• Asian-Inspired Protein Boost: Transform the salad into a heartier option by adding edamame, tofu cubes, or extra grilled chicken for protein-conscious diners seeking a satisfying meal.
• Summer Picnic Star: Pack the salad in individual mason jars with dressing on the bottom, keeping ingredients crisp and fresh for outdoor dining or quick workplace lunches.

How to Store Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Prep-Ahead Magic: Chop vegetables and cook chicken up to 2 days before assembling the salad, storing each ingredient separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness and flavor.
• Dressing Separation Strategy: Keep the dressing in a sealed jar away from salad ingredients until serving time, preventing soggy greens and maintaining the perfect texture of nuts and vegetables.
• Lunch Box Champion: Pack components individually in compartmentalized containers, combining just before eating to ensure maximum freshness and crunchy satisfaction for work or school meals.
• Quick Refrigerator Revival: If salad becomes slightly wilted, refresh by adding a handful of fresh greens and toasting nuts briefly to restore crunchiness and revive the overall taste profile.

Bright Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful Asian chicken cranberry salad marries tender chicken with crisp vegetables and tangy cranberries. Zesty dressing and crunchy almonds complete this refreshing meal that delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken (cooked, shredded or diced)
• 4 cups (946 ml) mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)
• 1 cup (237 ml) carrots (shredded)
• 1 cup (237 ml) red cabbage (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup (118 ml) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (118 ml) almonds or peanuts (sliced or chopped)
• ¼ cup (59 ml) green onions (chopped)
• ¼ cup (59 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp (5 ml) ginger (fresh, grated)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Greens Foundation: Arrange a lush bed of mixed greens in a spacious serving bowl, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
2. Vegetable Layer: Distribute shredded carrots and red cabbage across the greens, introducing a colorful textural landscape.
3. Flavor Enhancers: Generously sprinkle dried cranberries and toasted almonds or peanuts over the vegetable base, adding dimensions of sweetness and crunch.
4. Aromatic Accent: Intersperse finely sliced green onions throughout the mixture to provide a sharp, refreshing note.
5. Protein Integration: Gently incorporate shredded or diced chicken, ensuring even distribution across the salad.
6. Dressing Composition: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey or maple syrup in a separate bowl, creating a harmonious Asian-inspired vinaigrette.
7. Flavor Infusion: Blend grated ginger and minced garlic into the dressing, developing a complex and vibrant flavor profile.
8. Final Touch: Season the dressing with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste and ensuring a balanced flavor spectrum.
9. Dressing Application: Delicately drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, coating ingredients without saturating them.
10. Serving Preparation: Gently toss the salad to marry flavors, then serve immediately or chill briefly to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Prep: Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooled and shredded into uniform pieces for even flavor distribution and ideal texture.
• Dressing Balance: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats ingredients evenly without pooling.
• Nut Toasting Technique: Lightly toast nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sogginess in the salad.
• Serving Strategy: Best consumed within 2 hours of preparation to maintain crisp vegetables and prevent wilting or dressing saturation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg