Name: Quick Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 4 cups mixed salad greens; ½ cup shredded carrots; ½ cup sliced almonds; ½ cup dried cranberries; 2 green onions, sliced; ¼ cup cilantro, chopped; Dressing: 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option); 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp grated ginger; Salt and pepper to taste

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and delicious blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a quick and healthy meal. Featuring tender rotisserie chicken, crunchy almonds, sweet dried cranberries, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
4 cups mixed salad greens
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup sliced almonds
½ cup dried cranberries
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, salad greens, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, green onions, and chopped cilantro.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
For an added crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or crispy wonton strips over the top of the salad.

Variations

Protein Variations: Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein twist.
Nutty Flavor: Substitute almonds with cashews or peanuts for varied nutty flavors.

Cooking Note

For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit for about 5-10 minutes after adding the dressing, letting the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner parties. It pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes or a simple grilled fish.

Tips

Chicken Preparation: Using rotisserie chicken saves time, but you can also use any leftover cooked chicken.
Dressing Adjustment: Adjust the amount of soy sauce and honey in the dressing to balance the savory and sweet elements to your liking.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
Protein: Rich in protein from chicken and almonds
Dietary Fiber: Provided by the greens and almonds

FAQs

Q: Can this salad be made ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing ahead of time but toss them together just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

Q: What makes this salad Asian-inspired? A: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger in the dressing, along with traditional ingredients like cilantro and green onions, lends an Asian flavor profile to the salad.

Conclusion

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a refreshing mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and can be customized in numerous ways to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences. Whether as a main or a side, this salad is sure to impress!