Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

🥗 Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (rotisserie or grilled)

• 4 cups napa cabbage (or green cabbage), shredded

• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded (for color and crunch)

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced thin

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup snow peas, thinly sliced (optional but adds crispness)

• 1 packet ramen noodles, crumbled (optional, for crunch)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)

• 1–2 tsp grated fresh ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup olive oil or neutral oil (like avocado or canola)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili flakes for heat

🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken (if needed)

• If not using pre-cooked chicken, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

• Sear in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

• Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred or chop.

2. Toast the Almonds and Ramen (Optional but Recommended)

• In a dry pan, toast the sliced almonds and crushed ramen noodles over medium heat until golden and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Set aside to cool.

3. Make the Dressing

• In a bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and olive oil.

• Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more sweet/tangy components as desired.

4. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine:

  • Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, green onions, snow peas (if using), and shredded chicken.

  • Add cranberries, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crumbled ramen (reserve some toppings for garnish if desired).

5. Dress the Salad

• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.

• Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

• Great for meal prep — store dressing separately to keep salad crisp.

• Garnish with extra almonds, green onions, or sesame seeds.

🔁 Substitutions & Add-Ons

• Protein: Use rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or tofu.

• Nuts: Swap almonds for cashews or peanuts.

• Veggies: Add bell peppers, cucumber, edamame, or fresh herbs (cilantro or mint).

• Crunch: Use crispy wonton strips instead of ramen.

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