Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Have you ever found yourself in a no-cook dilemma, staring blankly into your fridge? That’s when the idea for my Quick Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad struck me, and trust me, it’s a game changer! This vibrant, no-cook marvel brings together tender chicken and sweet cranberries, all enveloped in a zesty dressing that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. Not only is this salad a breeze to prepare, but it’s also meal prep friendly, making it ideal for those bustling weekdays. With simple substitutions available for gluten-free eaters, you can easily customize it to fit your needs. Are you ready to transform your lunch experience into something colorful and energizing?” Why is This Salad a Must-Try? Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those busy days when time is tight. Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu, and use any greens you love! You can even add in some crunchy apples for an extra twist. Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for a quick lunch, this salad stays fresh when stored properly, allowing you to enjoy it over a couple of days. Nutrition Packed: With about 280 calories per serving, this salad combines protein and healthy fats, ensuring you stay satisfied and energized. Gluten-Free Options: Need a gluten-free dish? Simply substitute traditional soy sauce with tamari, and delight in a salad that caters to your dietary needs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your weekday meals with this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. It’s not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience waiting for you! Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Ingredients For the Salad • Cooked Chicken – Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for meal prep ease and added protein. • Cranberries – Dried cranberries are best for sweetness, but feel free to use fresh for a tart kick. • Mixed Greens – Choose your favorite leafy greens for a crunchy, vitamin-packed base. For the Dressing • Soy Sauce – This creates a savory depth; for gluten-free, opt for tamari instead. • Olive Oil – Adds richness and balances the flavors in the dressing. • Vinegar – A splash of rice vinegar or apple cider adds a delightful tang. For the Crunch • Nuts (Pecans or Cashews) – Toasted nuts offer a satisfying crunch and healthy fats; sunflower seeds are a great nut-free alternative. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base In a large mixing bowl, add approximately 4 cups of mixed greens, ensuring they are clean and dry. Next, shred about 2 cups of cooked chicken, whether from a rotisserie or leftover from a previous meal, and combine it with the greens. Toss this mixture gently, letting the vibrant colors come together, setting a delightful base for your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. Step 2: Incorporate Sweetness Add about ½ cup of dried cranberries to the salad base, sprinkling them evenly across the greens and chicken. The cranberries will not only add a burst of sweetness but also a lovely pop of color that brightens your dish. Gently fold the mixture to ensure the cranberries are well-distributed without crushing them, maintaining their chewy texture. Step 3: Whisk the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar until well combined. Look for a smooth, slightly thick consistency that showcases a balanced syrupy texture. This dressing will enhance the flavors of your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, so make sure everything is well mixed. Step 4: Dress the Salad Once the dressing is ready, drizzle it over the chicken, greens, and cranberries in the large bowl. Use a large spoon to gently toss the salad, ensuring every ingredient is coated evenly in the zesty dressing. This step is crucial to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the salad a tantalizing aroma. Step 5: Add the Crunch Finally, top your salad with about ½ cup of toasted nuts, such as pecans or cashews, for a satisfying crunch. If you prefer a nut-free option, sunflower seeds work wonderfully. Gently fold in the nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the salad, as this adds texture and enhances the overall experience of the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. Step 6: Serve and Store Serve your freshly made Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you are meal prepping, store the dressing separately in an airtight container to keep the greens crisp until you’re ready to enjoy. This salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, ensuring that you have a delightful, healthy meal ready to go during your busy week. What to Serve with Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad This vibrant salad is the perfect base for creating a delightful, well-rounded meal that tantalizes the taste buds. Creamy Avocado Toast: The rich, creamy texture of avocado pairs wonderfully with the salad’s crisp greens, adding healthy fats and extra flavor. Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet and fragrant side dish complements the salad’s zesty dressing, making each bite a tropical delight. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Charred veggies bring a smoky, savory element that balances the sweetness of the cranberries perfectly, elevating your meal experience. Crispy Spring Rolls: These light, fresh rolls add a delightful crunch and refreshing bite, enhancing the Asian flavors of the salad. Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruits adds a refreshing, juicy contrast that complements the savory and sweet elements in the salad. Iced Green Tea: This refreshing drink offers a light, herbal note that perfectly balances the flavors of the salad, making it an ideal complement. Dive into a full meal experience, where flavors and textures intertwine, promising satisfaction and joy with each bite! Make Ahead Options These Asian Chicken Cranberry Salads are a wonderful solution for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the salad base—mixed greens, cooked chicken, and cranberries—up to 3 days in advance. Simply combine these ingredients in an airtight container, keeping them refrigerated to maintain freshness. For the best results, store your dressing separately to prevent sogginess and simply drizzle it over the salad just before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, toss everything together and top with toasted nuts or seeds for that satisfying crunch. With these prepping tips, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go in no time, perfect for busy weeknights! Expert Tips for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Keep Dressing Separate: Always store your dressing in a separate container until serving to prevent sogginess of the greens in your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. Experiment with Greens: Use a mix of leafy greens for varied texture and flavor; spinach, arugula, or kale can elevate the salad significantly! Nut Alternatives: If you’re nut-free, replace pecans or cashews with crunchy sunflower or pumpkin seeds, maintaining that delightful texture. Sweetness Balance: If using fresh cranberries for a tart kick, consider adding a touch of honey or agave to your dressing for harmonious sweetness. Prepare Ahead: For meal prep, assemble salad ingredients without dressing to stay fresh, storing it for up to 2 days in the fridge. Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Variations Make your delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad even more exciting by exploring these fun and flavorful twists! Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version that still packs a savory punch. Nut-Free: Swap pecans or cashews with sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep the crunch without any nuts. Add Texture: Incorporate cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber and a filling element that complements the salad. Seafood Alternative: Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp for a delightful seafood twist that brings coastal flavors to your meal. Vegetarian Delight: Use tofu instead of chicken for a satisfying vegetarian option that’s just as tasty. Spicy Kick: Add a splash of sriracha or sprinkle chili flakes in the dressing for those who love a touch of heat. Seasonal Fruits: Incorporate diced apples or pear slices for a sweet, seasonal surprise that elevates the salad’s freshness. Herb Boost: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an aromatic lift that brightens the entire dish. These delightful variations ensure everyone can enjoy and customize their Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad to their liking! Don’t forget to check out our Meal Prep Tips, and explore how to make Gluten-Free Sauces to take your dishes to the next level! Storage Tips for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Fridge: Store the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Dressing: Keep the dressing separate in a small container until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the greens from becoming soggy. Freezer: This salad is not recommended for freezing as the texture of the greens and cranberries will change once thawed. Reheating: If you prefer your chicken warm, you can gently microwave the chicken portion on low for 30 seconds before serving, then add to the salad without reheating the greens. Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use? For this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, using cooked chicken like rotisserie or leftover chicken is ideal. It saves time and offers a delicious taste that blends well with the other ingredients. If you’re in a hurry and would like an alternative, you can easily use pre-cooked grilled chicken strips. How do I store leftover salad? Store the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the salad’s freshness, keep the dressing in a separate container until you’re ready to serve. This helps the greens stay crisp and prevents sogginess. Can I freeze this salad? I don’t recommend freezing the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, as the texture of the greens and cranberries can change and become mushy once thawed. However, if you have leftover chicken, you can freeze it separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and then use it in a fresh salad later! What if I have allergies to nuts? No worries! If you’re allergic to nuts, simply replace the pecans or cashews with crunchy sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They provide that delightful crunch without the risk, making your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad a safe and enjoyable option. How can I make this salad gluten-free? Absolutely! To make your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavor while catering to your dietary needs! Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad: A Fresh No-Cook Delight A vibrant, no-cook Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combining tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and zesty dressing for a delightful meal prep option. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: AsianCalories: 280 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad2 cups cooked chicken Use rotisserie or leftover chicken½ cup dried cranberries Or use fresh cranberries4 cups mixed greens Choose your favorite leafy greensFor the Dressing3 tablespoons soy sauce Substitute tamari for gluten-free2 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon vinegar Use rice or apple cider vinegarFor the Crunch½ cup toasted nuts Pecans or cashews; sunflower seeds as nut-free alternative Equipment Mixing Bowlsmall bowlwhiskLarge spoon Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Asian Chicken Cranberry SaladIn a large mixing bowl, add approximately 4 cups of mixed greens. Shred about 2 cups of cooked chicken and combine it with the greens. Toss gently.Add about ½ cup of dried cranberries to the salad base and gently fold the mixture to ensure the cranberries are well-distributed.In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar until well combined.Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every ingredient evenly.Top your salad with about ½ cup of toasted nuts, gently fold in to distribute evenly.Serve immediately or store the dressing separately until ready to enjoy. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg NotesKeep dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess. Meal prep by assembling salad ingredients without dressing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
