The vibrant and refreshing Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is a delightful mix of crunchy textures, sweet bursts of cranberry and mandarin oranges, and savory chicken that come together to create a salad you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this dish is packed with flavors and colors that excite your palate and brighten your plate. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet is incredibly easy to put together, making it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients is the key to this salad’s success. Each component contributes uniquely — from the crunchy coleslaw mix and toasted almonds to the juicy mandarin oranges and aromatic cilantro, every bite offers a balance of textures and tastes that make this salad shine.
- 12 cups coleslaw mix: Provides the crunchy and fresh vegetable base that makes this salad crisp and light.
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped: Adds satisfying protein and a savory depth that complements the sweet elements.
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews: Gives a nutty flavor and an extra layer of crunch.
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries: These sweet and tart berries introduce beautiful pops of flavor and color.
- ¾ cup red onion, finely diced: Brings a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional): Adds a savory crunch for extra texture and an Asian-inspired twist.
- 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro: Infuses the salad with a fresh, herbaceous brightness.
- 1-2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained: Bursts of juicy sweetness that lift the salad’s flavor profile.
- ¼ cup black or regular sesame seeds: Sprinkle nutty flavor and a lovely visual contrast.
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil: A smooth, rich base for the salad dressing.
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy complexity to the dressing.
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Provides that unmistakable umami depth classic to Asian flavors.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped: Bring aromatic pungency that livens the dressing.
- 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar: Balances the dressing with natural sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons minced ginger: Adds a zesty, warming spice perfect for Asian-inspired cuisine.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Imparts a signature nutty aroma that ties the dish together.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Salad Ingredients
Begin by taking a large bowl and layering in the coleslaw mix as your crunchy green foundation. Next, scatter the finely chopped rotisserie chicken evenly for a hearty texture. Sprinkle the toasted almonds or cashews and dried cranberries throughout, adding that perfect balance of savory crunch and sweet bursts. Toss in the diced red onion for its mild bite, followed by the optional sesame sticks for an extra crunch punch. Finish this layering with chopped cilantro and a generous handful of sesame seeds, ensuring that the salad is as colorful as it is delicious.
Step 2: Fold in Mandarin Oranges Gently
Carefully fold the drained mandarin oranges into the salad mixture. These tender, juicy orbs bring a juicy sweetness and a little citrus brightness that wake up every bite and give the salad its signature freshness.
Step 3: Blend the Dressing
In a blender, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Blend everything together until silky smooth. If the dressing seems too thick, add about 3 tablespoons of water to achieve a pourable consistency. This dressing beautifully marries sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with the subtle warmth of ginger and garlic.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle the freshly blended dressing evenly over the layered salad. Gently toss everything together to ensure each ingredient is coated with that luscious dressing, enhancing every single forkful.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can serve the salad immediately for a crisp, fresh bite, or chill it briefly for about 15-20 minutes if you prefer the flavors to meld a little more. Either way, you’re in for a treat that’s bursting with vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your salad with a sprinkle of extra toasted almonds or cashews for an inviting crunch. A few whole fresh cilantro leaves can add a pop of freshness and a pretty finishing touch. For visual appeal and flavor, a light dusting of extra sesame seeds is always a winner.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides such as steamed jasmine rice or a simple miso soup. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside grilled shrimp or scallions pancake. It’s wonderfully versatile and balances well with many Asian-inspired dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual small bowls for a chic and casual vibe or pile it high on a large platter for sharing at a picnic or party. Wrapping spoonfuls in fresh lettuce leaves or crispy wonton cups offers a fun, finger-food twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and delicate dressing, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The ingredients lose their crunch and fresh taste when thawed—best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want some warmth, gently heat the chicken separately and add it to a freshly tossed salad base without the chilled dressing for contrast.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Grilled or roasted chicken breast works wonderfully. Just chop it finely to keep the texture consistent throughout the salad.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes, simply swap out the chicken for crunchy tofu, chickpeas, or even roasted sweet potatoes to maintain the hearty feel.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Prepare and chop all ingredients ahead of time, but toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
What if I don’t have sesame sticks?
You can skip them or substitute with crunchy chow mein noodles, toasted pita chips, or even crispy fried shallots for added texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in the dressing instead of regular soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe that makes it stand out—whether it’s the stunning blend of textures, the harmony of flavors, or the ease and speed of preparation. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to, sharing with friends, and making your own. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen.
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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful dish combining crunchy coleslaw mix, tender rotisserie chicken, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes with an easy-to-make sesame-ginger vinaigrette, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 cups coleslaw mix (2 small bags)
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds (or cashews)
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
- ¾ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
- 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
- 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds)
Dressing
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 4 tablespoons minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- About 3 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, finely chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, sesame sticks if using, chopped cilantro, and black sesame seeds. This creates a diverse texture and flavor foundation for the salad.
- Add mandarin oranges: Gently fold the drained mandarin oranges into the salad mixture. This step incorporates juicy sweetness while preserving the fruit’s shape and freshness.
- Make the dressing: In a blender, combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Blend until smooth, adding about 3 tablespoons of water to reach a pourable consistency. This vibrant dressing brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to fully coat all components without bruising delicate pieces, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch, or chill for a short time to allow flavors to meld further, enhancing the taste and texture before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute almonds with cashews for a slightly different nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the honey or brown sugar slightly.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
- Adding sesame sticks is optional but adds a nice crunch to the salad.
- The salad is best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
