If you’re searching for a delightfully fresh and vibrant salad that bursts with flavor and texture, this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a fantastic fusion of tangy cranberries, crunchy almonds, zesty mandarin oranges, and tender chicken all tossed in a luscious, homemade Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, potluck, or a light dinner, this salad offers that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh notes in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple yet thoughtfully combined is the secret to the success of this salad. Each element brings its own special charm—earthy cabbage for crunch, juicy mandarin oranges for brightness, and toasted nuts that add a satisfying texture and depth.
- 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups): This provides the crisp, refreshing base that’s essential to the salad’s texture.
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (finely chopped): A quick, flavorful protein that keeps the salad hearty and satisfying.
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds (or cashews): These add a subtle nutty crunch and richness.
- 1 ½ cup dried cranberries: Sweet and tangy, perfectly balanced by other savory ingredients—Orange Cranberries are a particularly delightful choice.
- ¾ cup red onion (finely diced): Adds a pop of color and a mild sharpness that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional): These add a fun, crunchy twist and a hint of sesame flavor.
- 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro: Brings an herbaceous freshness to brighten the whole dish.
- 1-2 small cans mandarin oranges (drained): Offers juicy bursts of sweet citrus that elevate the salad’s flavor profile.
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds): Adds visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Acts as the creamy base of the dressing, smoothing and balancing all flavors.
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white): Gives the dressing a beautiful tang and depth.
- 4 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce: Provides that unmistakable umami punch typical of Asian flavors.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (chopped): Infuses the dressing with aromatic warmth.
- 4 Tbsp. honey or brown sugar: Sweetens the dressing just right to balance the tangy and savory elements.
- 4 Tbsp. minced ginger: Adds a fresh, spicy zing that livens up the salad wonderfully.
- 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way to lend a deep, nutty finish to the dressing.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Start by layering the coleslaw mix in a large bowl, then add in the finely chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, diced red onion, black sesame seeds, and sesame sticks if you’re using them. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top, then gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges. This layering ensures every bite is packed with a beautiful mix of flavors and textures that make the salad so dynamic.
Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing
In a blender, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, toasted sesame oil, and about three tablespoons of water. Blend everything until the dressing is silky smooth and perfectly emulsified. This homemade dressing is the magic behind the dish, marrying the tangy, sweet, and savory notes all at once.
Step 3: Toss the Salad and Dress It
Lightly pour the dressing over the salad, starting with a little to avoid overdressing. Gently toss everything together with care to evenly coat the ingredients without bruising the delicate mandarin oranges or fresh cilantro. You want every forkful to have that balanced burst of flavor without becoming soggy. Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preferred moisture level, but this salad tastes best when lightly dressed to keep all the crispness intact.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, consider sprinkling extra toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds right before serving. A few fresh cilantro leaves or even a wedge of lime on the side can elevate the presentation and add a fresh highlight that complements the salad’s flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs fantastically with simple, light sides like steamed jasmine rice, vegetable spring rolls, or even a bowl of miso soup. The refreshing qualities of the salad balance richer sides beautifully, making it ideal for a complete, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve portions of the salad inside crisp lettuce cups for a delightful handheld treat. Alternatively, layering it in clear glass bowls allows the vibrant colors and textures to shine, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving to maintain the crunch and freshness.
Freezing
Because of the fresh ingredients and the dressing, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as it will affect the texture and flavor. Stick to making fresh batches or refrigerate leftovers instead for the best experience.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If your chicken is chilled, simply let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. There’s no need to reheat as the flavors are designed to shine fresh and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken other than rotisserie?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken breast or thigh you have on hand will work perfectly in this salad. Just make sure it’s finely chopped for the best mix of textures.
Are there any good substitutes for the dried cranberries?
If cranberries aren’t your thing, dried cherries or raisins can be a delightful substitute. Keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly, but the salad will still be delicious.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be blended and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good shake or stir before using as some ingredients may settle.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always double-check your sesame sticks and other packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
What’s the best way to toast almonds at home?
To toast almonds, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once halfway. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is truly a joyful celebration of textures and tastes that you can whip up in no time. It’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor in every bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it soon—it’s perfect for those busy days when you still want something satisfying and special on your plate. Once you do, it might just become your new favorite go-to salad!
Print
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining crisp coleslaw mix with tender rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and fresh mandarin oranges. Tossed in a zesty, homemade balsamic-ginger dressing with hints of sesame and garlic, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Ideal for a quick and healthy meal, it serves 10 and can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups)
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries (such as Orange Cranberries)
- ¾ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
- 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
- 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges (drained, optional)
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds or regular sesame seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
- 4 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 4 Tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 4 Tbsp minced ginger
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix with finely chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, diced red onion, black sesame seeds, sesame sticks (if using), and chopped fresh cilantro. Add drained mandarin oranges if desired to enhance sweetness and texture.
- 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, toasted sesame oil, and 3 tablespoons of water. Blend the mixture until smooth and well emulsified, creating a flavorful and balanced dressing.
- Dress and Toss the Salad: Lightly pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture according to your preference for moisture. Gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat the salad with the dressing without crushing the delicate components.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor, but cooked shredded chicken breasts can substitute.
- Sesame sticks are optional but add a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
- Dried cranberries can be replaced with dried cherries or raisins if preferred.
- The dressing can be adjusted in sweetness or acidity according to taste by modifying honey or balsamic vinegar quantities.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; keep dressing separate if storing longer to prevent sogginess.
