Description
A refreshing and vibrant Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combining tender cooked chicken with crunchy vegetables, sweet dried cranberries, and a tangy sesame-soy dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and 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 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrots, red cabbage, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to mix the vegetables and nuts evenly.
- Add the Chicken: Incorporate the shredded or diced cooked chicken into the salad bowl with the mixed ingredients and toss gently to combine without breaking up the chicken pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring it is well blended and flavorful.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients, then toss gently to coat all components thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to enhance flavor melding before enjoying.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken for optimal flavor and texture.
- For a nut-free option, omit almonds/peanuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
- The salad can be refrigerated for a couple of hours before serving to allow flavors to blend but is best eaten fresh.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup according to taste.
- For added crunch, consider topping with crispy wonton strips or fried shallots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
