Why You’ll Love This Salad?
If you’re searching for a salad that’s light and filling, refreshing but bold, then you're at the right place! This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is about to become your new favorite. This salad is packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, crunchy almonds, and a burst of sweet dried cranberries, the recipe that I am about to share with you is the type of dish that doesn’t just sit quietly on the table it steals the spotlight.
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The flavors come together with a tangy-sweet Asian-inspired dressing that ties everything beautifully.
Balanced taste – a mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures
Light yet satisfying – perfect for quick lunches or dinners
Versatile – serve at a BBQ, family dinner, or even meal prep for the week
Salads Beyond Just Greens
Salads have evolved far beyond just greens on a plate. Today, they’re hearty, flavorful meals that blend global inspirations. The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is one such fusion that brings together tastes from both East and West.
East Meets West Flavors
Western touch – Sweet cranberries add pops of natural sweetness.
Asian essence – Sesame-soy dressing and toasted nuts give a rich, savory depth.
The combination makes it a refreshing yet deeply satisfying dish.
My First Encounter With This Salad
I was at a summer potluck when first time I came across a version of this salad. Among all the casseroles, grilled meats, and desserts, there was this colorful bowl that drew me in immediately. It was a mix of crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and a dressing that was unlike anything I’d tasted before light yet flavorful.
But what sealed the deal for me were those little ruby-red cranberries that popped with sweetness in every bite. From that day on, I knew I had to recreate my own version of it one that’s just as wholesome but a little more balanced for everyday meals. This is the recipe that came out of that inspiration.
A Salad That Shines Anywhere
Whether you’re:
- Hosting a BBQ party
- Prepping quick meals for the week
- Serving guests at a family dinner
This salad adds both elegance and convenience to your menu.
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for something juicy, sweet and nourishing? Try my favorite salad recipe Fruit salad. Perfect for hot summer days!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Salad?
- A Perfect Balance of Flavors
- My First Encounter With This Salad
- More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Ingredients For Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Instructions For Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Substitutions and Variations For Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Serving Suggestion For Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Storage For Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- Top tip
- Asian Chicken Cranberry salad recipe
- FAQs
- Related
- Pairing
Ingredients For Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Cooked Chicken Breast – Lean, tender, and protein-rich, it forms the base of the salad. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly if you want a shortcut.
- Cabbage (green or napa) – Crisp and fresh, cabbage gives the salad crunch while staying hearty enough to hold up under the dressing.
- Carrots – Bright and sweet, shredded carrots add color and a natural crunch.
- Almonds (toasted) – Nutty crunch that adds depth and richness. You can also use slivered almonds for a lighter bite.
- Dried Cranberries – Sweet, chewy, and tangy, they balance the savory chicken and crunchy veggies.
- Sesame Seeds – Lightly toasted, they add a nutty aroma and Asian flair.
- Asian-Inspired Dressing – A mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and a hint of garlic, this dressing ties all the ingredients together.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions For Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, iceberg lettuce, cooked chicken and dried cranberries.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce and honey. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture
Step 3: Toss until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Step 5: Chill for 15–20 minutes (optional) and serve fresh.
Hint: For maximum flavor, toast your nuts and sesame seeds just before adding them. This quick step intensifies their aroma and gives your salad that restaurant-quality finish.
Substitutions and Variations For Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Fruit Substitutions: Instead of cranberries, try dried cherries, raisins, or even fresh pomegranate seeds.
Dressing Variations:
- Add peanut butter for a creamy, Thai-inspired version. (1 table spoon)
- Add honey in place of maple syrup for a vegan-friendly salad.
- You can use lime juice in place of rice vinegar for a zesty kick.
Extra Add-Ins: Mandarin orange slices, crispy wonton strips, or edamame can make the salad even more filling.
Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or baked salmon. For vegeterian twist add tofu.
Cabbage Alternative: If you don’t have cabbage, use romaine or a coleslaw mix for convenience.
Nut-Free Option: Swap almonds for roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestion For Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad works as both a main course and a side dish. Serve it on its own for a light lunch or pair it with crusty bread for dinner. It’s also excellent as a side alongside grilled meats at a barbecue or even as part of a holiday spread since the cranberries bring a festive touch. For meal prep, portion it into containers and keep the dressing separate until it's ready to serve.
Storage For Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Without Dressing: Store the salad in a container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
With Dressing: Once dressed, it’s best eaten within 24 hours to maintain crunch.
Dressing Storage: Keep extra dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
Looking for more refreshing and healthy salad ideas? Check out our full collection of salad recipes to try something new today.
The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is more than just a salad it’s a beautifulcombination of textures, colors, and flavors. From the savory chicken to the sweet cranberries and the nutty sesame seed dressing, every bite offers something exciting and satisfying to eat. It’s healthy, you can easily customize this salad according to your preference, and perfect for you if you're looking to brighten your meal routine with something refreshing yet hearty. Do share your feedback with me in the comments below once you try this recipe!
Top tip
Always add the dressing just before serving to preserve the crunch of the veggies and nuts. If you’re meal prepping, pack the dressing separately and drizzle it when ready to eat.
Asian Chicken Cranberry salad recipe
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a refreshing mix of tender chicken, crisp cabbage, crunchy almonds, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a light sesame-soy dressing. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors that makes for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or side dish. Quick to prepare, full of color, and bursting with texture, this salad is both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded green & purple cabbage & carrots)
- 1⁄2 cup Iceberg lettuce
- 1 1⁄2 cups cooked chicken ( chopped or shredded)
- 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- For Classic Asian Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
Instructions
STEP 1
In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, iceberg lettuce, cooked chicken and dried cranberries.
STEP 2
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce and honey.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture
STEP 3
Toss until everything is well coated.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Chill for 15–20 minutes (optional) and serve fresh.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1421Total Fat: 88gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 66gCholesterol: 208mgSodium: 1515mgCarbohydrates: 110gFiber: 11gSugar: 90gProtein: 55g
FAQs
Yes! Just prepare all ingredients and store them separately. Add the dressing right before serving for the freshest taste.
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken saves time and still tastes amazing in this salad.
It can be! Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos in the dressing.
Yes! Simply swap rotisserie chicken for tofu, chickpeas, or extra nuts and seeds, and use agave or maple syrup instead of honey.
You sure can! Prepare the components ahead of time, but keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to preserve crunch.
Stored in an airtight container with the dressing on the side, it stays fresh for 2–3 days.
Dried cherries, raisins, or fresh fruit like mandarin oranges or diced mango work nicely as substitutes.
Cashews, pecans, candied walnuts, or sunflower seeds are great alternatives depending on taste and availability.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
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