Table of Contents
Description
This Keto Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is fresh, low-carb, and bursting with flavor—sweet, savory, and perfect for a healthy keto lunch or dinner!
Introduction
If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without breaking your low-carb goals, this Keto Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is exactly what you need 🥗. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and lightly sweet flavors—all wrapped up in a healthy, keto-friendly bowl. Think juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and bursts of cranberry flavor paired with a creamy Asian-inspired dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
This salad is ideal for busy weekdays, meal prep, or when you want something lighter but still filling. Unlike traditional Asian salads that are loaded with sugar and carbs, this version is completely low-carb, keto, sugar-free, and gluten-free. It delivers big flavor without guilt.
Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned low-carb eater, this easy healthy recipe feels exciting and fresh. It’s one of those meals that doesn’t feel like “diet food” at all—just real, vibrant ingredients coming together in the best way. Once you try it, this salad will earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3 cups shredded napa cabbage or coleslaw mix
- ½ cup fresh spinach, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup chopped cucumber
- ¼ cup sugar-free dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
For the Keto Asian Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (avocado oil preferred)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1–2 tsp keto-friendly sweetener (to taste)
Why These Ingredients Work:
Lean chicken provides protein, crunchy veggies add texture, and sugar-free cranberries give a hint of sweetness without spiking carbs. The dressing brings everything together with creamy, umami-rich flavor.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- Cranberries: Always choose sugar-free to keep this salad keto-friendly.
- Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos are a great low-sodium, gluten-free option.
- Mayonnaise: Avocado oil mayo keeps the dressing clean and healthy.
- Nuts: Almonds add crunch, but peanuts or macadamia nuts also work well.
Recipe Equipment
You’ll only need simple kitchen tools:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Stat Sheet (Quick View)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Diet | Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free |
| Net Carbs | ~4g per serving |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken isn’t already cooked, grill, bake, or pan-sear it until golden and juicy. Let it cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
In a large bowl, add cabbage, spinach, cucumber, and green onions. Toss gently to combine. The mix should look fresh, colorful, and crunchy.
Step 3: Add Protein & Toppings
Add the chicken, sugar-free cranberries, almonds, and sesame seeds. This combination creates layers of texture—tender, crisp, and slightly chewy.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sweetener. The dressing should be creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy.
Step 5: Toss & Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Extra Crunch: Add shredded red cabbage or diced bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha (keto-approved).
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store dressing separately and toss before serving.
- Protein Swap: Try grilled shrimp or leftover turkey instead of chicken.
- Sweeter Flavor: Add a bit more keto sweetener if you like a sweeter salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is delicious on its own, but you can also:
- Serve it in lettuce wraps for a handheld meal
- Pair it with keto flatbread or low-carb crackers
- Enjoy it alongside grilled vegetables
- Use it as a filling for low-carb wraps or bowls
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Best Tip: Keep dressing separate to maintain crunch.
- Not Freezer-Friendly: Fresh veggies don’t freeze well in salads.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Estimated)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 22g
- Total Carbs: 7g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 0g
This Keto Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is proof that healthy, low-carb meals can still be exciting, colorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep 🌟.
Give this easy keto recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to share it with friends or family looking for fresh, healthy keto meal ideas.