This colorful salad is a fun mix of crispy chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy veggies. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor that everyone will love!
I like to whip this up on busy days; it comes together in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and you can easily switch up the ingredients if you want!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is quick and adds great flavor. If you need a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu instead for protein.
Coleslaw Mix: This pre-packaged mix saves time. Alternatively, you can mix fresh shredded cabbage and carrots if you prefer to chop your own vegetables.
Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges are convenient, but fresh ones offer a better texture and taste. You could also use pineapple chunks for a different twist!
Dried Cranberries: If you can’t find cranberries, raisins or chopped dates can work too. They add sweetness and chewiness to the salad.
Fresh Ginger: If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can substitute, but start with less—about 1/4 teaspoon. Fresh adds a bright flavor that’s hard to beat!
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Stays Fresh and Crisp?
To keep your salad fresh, it’s important to add the dressing just before serving. Here’s how to do it:
- Prep all ingredients and mix them without the dressing ahead of time.
- Store the salad mixture in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Combine the dressing in a separate container and pour it over the salad right before eating. This keeps everything crunchy!
Lastly, give it a gentle toss to coat everything without bruising the delicate vegetables. Enjoy your salad’s freshness!
Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage and shredded carrots)
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or cashews (optional)
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad requires about 15 minutes of prep time. After mixing, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend, making the total time around 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. In it, add your shredded cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, poppy seeds, and green onions. If you’d like a bit more crunch, toss in the chopped pecans or cashews!
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and grated ginger (if using). Make sure it’s mixed well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix it All Together:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to bruise the veggies too much!
4. Garnish and Chill:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves on top. Then, cover the salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time not only cools the dish but also helps the flavors combine beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it as a light meal or as a side dish alongside your favorites.
This salad is perfect for any occasion and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite! Enjoy the refreshing combo of sweetness from the cranberries and mandarin oranges with the savory chicken and creamy dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Roasted Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken adds great flavor to the salad. Just shred or dice it up and mix it in with the other ingredients for a quick and easy meal.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make the salad vegetarian, substitute the shredded chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also use a hearty grain like quinoa for added protein and texture!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead! Combine the ingredients except for the dressing and keep it in the fridge. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add a splash of dressing when serving to revive the flavors, as the salad may absorb some dressing over time.
