This colorful salad features tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy veggies, all tossed in a tasty Asian dressing. It’s light but packed with flavor!
I love how refreshing this salad is! It’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Plus, who doesn’t love a salad that feels like a treat? Just grab a fork and dig in! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is the main protein here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even leftover chicken. For a lighter option, try using shredded turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Cabbage: Green cabbage adds a great crunch, but you can also mix in some purple cabbage for color or use romaine for a different texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try chopped lettuce instead!
Mandarin Oranges: These add a refreshing sweetness. If you can’t find them, feel free to use canned pineapple or fresh apple slices for a fruity touch. Just be sure to drain them well.
Dried Cranberries: These bring a nice tartness. You could swap them for raisins, dried cherries, or even chopped fresh apples for a crunchy bite.
Almonds: Sliced almonds add nutty flavor and crunch. You could use walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds if you prefer something different or have nut allergies.
How Do I Make the Dressing Smooth and Flavorful?
Making the dressing is a simple yet crucial step for the salad. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving a balanced flavor, so here’s how to get it just right:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
- Whisk everything together until it’s smooth. The mayonnaise gives creaminess, while rice vinegar adds brightness. Adjust the honey for sweetness based on your taste.
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Start with a pinch and adjust as needed!
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (or diced)
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sliced almonds (or your choice of nuts)
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes of preparation, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time to let all the flavors come together. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to enjoy this refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the shredded chicken, green cabbage, shredded carrots, drained mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Gently mix everything together until it’s well combined and colorful.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more salt and pepper if you like!
3. Dress the Salad:
Now, pour your freshly made dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are coated with that delightful dressing.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors develop beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, take it out and garnish with a few extra sliced almonds or cranberries on top. Enjoy your refreshing Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the sliced almonds with any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution in the salad!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. You can also increase the amount of nuts and seeds for added texture and nutrition!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, mix in more nuts or fresh ingredients to refresh the flavor!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, the vegetables stay crisp and fresh, and the flavors will develop beautifully overnight!
