Name: Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (rotisserie or grilled); 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, baby spinach, and arugula); 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 large carrot, julienned; 1/2 cup sliced cucumber; 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (canned, drained or fresh); 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup roasted cashews or slivered almonds; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional); For the dressing:; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed recipe that brings together a harmony of Asian-inspired ingredients with a sweet and tangy twist.

This salad has gained popularity for its perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy nuts, and the occasional tangy bite of dried cranberries—all tied together with a homemade sesame-ginger dressing.

Whether you are looking for a refreshing lunch, a light yet satisfying dinner, or a meal-prep favorite for the week, this salad checks every box. Historically, chicken salads have been enjoyed around the globe for centuries, with different regions adding their unique spins.

Asian chicken salads, in particular, have become staples in Western kitchens, especially with the influence of fusion cuisine. Adding dried cranberries to the mix is a distinctly modern update, blending East Asian flavors with a Western touch.

The "Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad" also aligns with contemporary trends favoring fast preparation, healthy ingredients, and convenience without sacrificing taste. This recipe captures the essence of fresh, wholesome eating with a burst of flavor, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters who love international flair.

If you're eager for a salad with layers of crunch, a spectrum of colors, and bold tastes that are both savory and sweet, this recipe will become a fixture in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (rotisserie or grilled)
4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, baby spinach, and arugula)
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 large carrot, julienned

1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (canned, drained or fresh)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup roasted cashews or slivered almonds

2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
For the dressing:

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the dressing first: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and Sriracha (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
In a large serving bowl, combine the salad greens, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, mandarin orange segments, and dried cranberries.
Add the shredded cooked chicken on top of the mixed vegetables.
Drizzle the prepared sesame-ginger dressing over the salad ingredients.

Gently toss all the salad components together until evenly coated with the dressing.
Sprinkle the roasted cashews or slivered almonds, toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves (if using) over the assembled salad.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for a chilled flavor blend.
Optional: Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.

Nutritional Information

When you serve yourself a portion of Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, you’re not just enjoying an explosion of flavors but also nourishing your body with a wealth of nutrients.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional profile per serving (based on a recipe serving four): Calories: Approximately 330; Protein: 24 grams; Carbohydrates: 28 grams; Sugars: 13 grams; Fiber: 5 grams; Total Fat: 14 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Sodium: 590 milligrams.

The variety of fresh vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate. Chicken breast contributes a lean source of high-quality protein with very little saturated fat. The inclusion of nuts or almonds delivers healthy fats and some micronutrients like magnesium.

Dried cranberries add natural sweetness and extra dietary fiber. The homemade dressing, controlled in sodium and sugar compared to store-bought varieties, allows you to enjoy a flavorful salad while maintaining healthy eating habits.

Moreover, healthy fats from sesame oil and nuts help with nutrient absorption and promote satiety, making the salad both filling and energizing. This recipe offers a well-balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

Complement your Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad with a refreshing beverage. A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc harmonizes beautifully with the salad’s citrus and savory notes. These wines offer crisp acidity, enhancing the freshness of both the vegetables and the dressing.

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, an iced green tea with a wedge of lime or a sparkling water with fresh citrus slices works perfectly.

Jasmine iced tea, with its delicate floral aroma, also makes a sophisticated, complementary pairing, offering gentle refreshment to balance the zing of the sesame-ginger dressing and the sweet-tart cranberries.

Cooking Tips and Variations

For the best results with your Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, use freshly cooked or leftover rotisserie chicken to save on preparation time while maximizing flavor. Feel free to swap in grilled chicken thighs for even juicier bites.

Make the dressing ahead and refrigerate—this helps the flavors to meld and gives your salad an even deeper taste dimension. When it comes to vegetables, don’t hesitate to include bell peppers, snow peas, or even shredded broccoli stems for more color and crunch. Craving a vegetarian option?

Substitute the chicken with baked tofu or edamame. If you want to reduce sugar, opt for unsweetened dried cranberries. For added crunch, garnish with crispy wonton strips. Mix up the nuts by using peanuts or pumpkin seeds if you prefer.

To keep your Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad crisp when meal-prepping, store the dressing separately and toss just before eating. For those seeking extra heat, add a little more Sriracha to the dressing. Mandarin oranges can be replaced with pineapple chunks or fresh mango for a tropical vibe.

If you need to serve a crowd, simply double or triple all the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

For the most enjoyable dining experience, serve Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad in wide, shallow salad bowls or on a large platter, allowing all the vibrant colors and textures to be appreciated at a glance.

This salad stands proudly alone as a light main course but can also be served as a striking starter before an Asian-inspired meal. Pair with crusty whole-grain bread or delicate rice crackers for added crunch and heartiness.

If you’re hosting a lunch or brunch gathering, assemble the ingredients and allow guests to build their own salads, offering extra toppings on the side such as chopped peanuts, crispy wontons, or additional mandarin orange segments. For meal prep, portion the salad ingredients into airtight containers, keeping the dressing separately.

Adding the dressing just prior to eating helps to maintain the salad’s refreshing crunch and prevents sogginess. This also makes Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad a top pick for picnics, office lunches, or school meals.

Garnish each plate with extra cilantro and a lime wedge to elevate the visual appeal and flavor profile, ensuring a memorable, restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own home.

Health Benefits

Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits. Featuring lean protein from chicken, this salad supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer while being low in saturated fat.

The abundant fresh vegetables provide powerful antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins like vitamin A, C, and K, all of which support immune health, digestion, and heart function.

Cranberries, though dried, still deliver a dose of antioxidants and support urinary tract health, while cashews or almonds supply magnesium, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. Using a homemade sesame-ginger dressing helps control added sugars and sodium, supporting heart health and better weight management.

The salad is naturally gluten-free when you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. High in fiber from vegetables and fruits, this salad promotes digestive health and stable energy levels throughout the day.

Overall, it’s a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal perfect for healthy lifestyles or those seeking lighter yet satisfying food options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad components up to 24 hours in advance. For best results, store the dressing separately and toss with the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.

What can I use instead of chicken for a vegetarian version?

For a vegetarian option, substitute the shredded chicken with cubed tofu, cooked edamame, or chickpeas for a hearty, protein-rich alternative.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Portion the salad and keep the dressing separate. Add the dressing right before eating to keep the salad crunchy and fresh.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart than dried and often require sweetening. If you use fresh, consider chopping them finely and mixing with a little honey to balance the tartness.

Is the dressing spicy with Sriracha included?

The Sriracha adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the quantity or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad offers a fresh twist on classic chicken salads, merging zesty, sweet, and savory flavors for a meal that is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Its quick preparation, vibrant presentation, and diverse ingredients make it a top choice for healthy lunches, dinners, and easy meal prep. Whether sharing with family or enjoying solo, this salad brings a taste of Asia with a Western twist to your dining table. Give it a try and turn every mealtime into a delicious, colorful experience.

Quick and Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad