If you’re craving a salad that bursts with flavors, textures, and bright colors, look no further than this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe. It’s a wonderful combination of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, tart cranberries, and nutty almonds all brought together with a zingy sesame-ginger dressing. This salad is not only refreshing and vibrant but also incredibly satisfying, making it a fantastic meal on its own or a stunning side dish to share. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or impressing guests, this recipe never fails to deliver with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this salad is a breeze, yet each one is essential to build the perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the creamy, tender chicken to the crunch of toasted almonds and the tartness of dried cranberries, every bite offers something special.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: The protein powerhouse that makes this salad filling and hearty.
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix: Provides a crisp, refreshing base packed with nutrients.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- ½ cup sliced green onions: Delivers a subtle, fresh onion flavor without overpowering.
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted: For a toasty crunch that complements the softer textures perfectly.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Offers a tangy sweetness that enlivens the entire salad.
- 1 package ramen noodles, broken (discard seasoning): Adds fun crunch and an unexpected texture contrast.
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkles extra nuttiness and visual appeal over the salad.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar: Gives the dressing a bright, tangy backbone.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings the savory umami flavor essential to Asian cuisine.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Balances tart and salty with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the dressing with rich, toasty notes.
- â…“ cup olive oil or neutral oil: Smooths out the dressing and carries the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty kick.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Provides depth and a hint of warmth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Adjusts seasoning to perfectly round out the dressing.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine All Salad Ingredients
Start by tossing the chicken, Napa cabbage (or coleslaw mix), shredded carrots, green onions, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, broken ramen noodles, and sesame seeds (if you’re using them) in a large bowl. This colorful medley forms the base of the dish and invites a variety of textures and flavors to mingle.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, olive oil, fresh ginger, and minced garlic. The dressing is the heart of this salad, delivering that classic Asian-inspired tang and sweetness that pulls everything together brilliantly. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 3: Toss and Marinate
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly so every bite is coated with that delicious sauce. Let the salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully, softens the ramen noodles slightly, and lets the cabbage wilt just enough for perfect texture.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad, consider sprinkling extra toasted almonds or sesame seeds on top before serving. Freshly chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can add even more brightness and make the salad pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, fresh side dishes like a steamed vegetable medley or simple jasmine rice. You can also serve it alongside crispy spring rolls or grilled shrimp for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad inside hollowed-out bell peppers or crispy wonton cups. You can also plate it on a bed of mixed greens for extra lushness or pack it into mason jars for a portable, beautifully layered lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep the veggies crisp and the ramen noodles crunchy. Toss just before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, this salad is not suited for freezing. The texture and flavor will suffer if frozen and thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need (and it’s not recommended) to reheat. Simply give it a toss and serve for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works beautifully here—chop or shred it to mix easily with the salad ingredients, saving you prep time.
What can I substitute for ramen noodles?
If you’re avoiding ramen noodles, try using crispy wonton strips, chow mein noodles, or even crushed tortilla chips for a similar crunchy texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional ramen noodles contain gluten, so for a gluten-free version, substitute them with crispy rice noodles or omit them altogether and add extra nuts or seeds for crunch.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before tossing with the salad to refresh the flavors.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
Stored properly with the dressing separate, the salad will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Once tossed with the dressing, it’s best enjoyed within a day for optimal crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to. It’s easy to prepare, packed with vibrant textures and flavors, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or impressing family and friends, this salad brings brightness and satisfaction to the table. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is!
Print
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad featuring shredded chicken, fresh Napa cabbage, and crispy ramen noodles, tossed in a tangy, flavorful sesame-ginger dressing. This no-cook salad is perfect for quick meals or meal prep with a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 package ramen noodles, broken (discard seasoning)
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- â…“ cup olive oil or neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cooked chicken, shredded Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, broken ramen noodles, and sesame seeds if using.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, olive or neutral oil, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let it Rest: Allow the salad to sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld and the ramen noodles soften slightly for optimum texture and taste.
Notes
- This salad is excellent for meal prep—store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep the noodles crispy.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Add mandarin oranges or edamame to enhance flavor and texture.
