Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Name: Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486329H19M4S
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups); 4 cups rotisserie chicken (finely chopped); 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds; 1 ½ cup dried cranberries; ¾ cup red onion (finely diced); 1 cup sesame sticks (optional); 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro; 2 small cans mandarin oranges (drained); ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds); 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; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

May 23, 2025

Updated:

May 23, 2025

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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a light lunch, or planning a potluck dinner, this salad stands out with its vibrant colors and tasty ingredients. The combination of rotisserie chicken, crunchy almonds, sweet cranberries, and a zesty dressing creates an irresistible dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it a speedy option for busy days.
Flavor Explosion: The mix of savory chicken and sweet cranberries offers a delicious contrast that tantalizes your taste buds.
Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the salad with your favorite nuts or add more veggies for added crunch.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this salad is a nutritious choice for any meal.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To make your experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this fantastic salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all the ingredients without spilling.
Blender: Ensures your dressing is smooth and well-mixed, integrating all flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Toast almonds by laying on a paper towel and microwaving for 1 minute, turning once. Or, toast the sliced almonds under low broil for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. You can also make your own cabbage mix with green and purple cabbage with a tiny bit of carrots.

For the Salad Base

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 cup dried cranberries (I used Orange Cranberries from Trader Joe’s)
¾ cup red onion (finely diced)
1 cup sesame sticks (found in the bulk aisle at grocery store – optional)
1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
1-2 small cans mandarin oranges (drained)
¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds)

For the Dressing

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or you can use 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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Layer the cabbage in a large bowl with chicken, almonds (or cashews, or both), cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (optional), and fresh cilantro. Add the mandarin oranges if desired.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients—olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey or brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil—in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons of water to help blend smoothly. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Lightly pour the dressing over the salad mixture according to how moist you like it. Gently toss everything together until well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate if serving later; you may have some dressing left over.

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is sure to impress at your next gathering! Enjoy!

How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

This vibrant Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether as a main dish, a side, or even a light appetizer, it’s sure to impress your guests and family alike.

As a Main Dish

A hearty meal: This salad is filling enough to be served on its own, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Meal prep option: Prepare a larger batch for easy lunches throughout the week.

In Lettuce Wraps

Crisp and fresh: Serve the salad in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option.
Customizable: Allow guests to add their favorite toppings like extra nuts or dressing.

As a Side Salad

Accompany main dishes: This salad pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.
Boosts flavor: The tangy cranberries complement savory dishes beautifully.

On a Bed of Greens

Extra greens: Serve the salad over baby spinach or mixed greens for added nutrients.
Textural contrast: This adds freshness and crunch to each bite.

How to Perfect Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Creating the perfect Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your salad game:

Choose quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken make all the difference in flavor.
Toast nuts: Toasting almonds or cashews enhances their flavor and adds crunch.
Make your own dressing: Homemade dressing ensures freshness and allows you to adjust flavors as needed.
Balance textures: Combine crunchy ingredients like nuts and sesame sticks with softer elements like cranberries for variety.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes helps flavors meld together.
Garnish thoughtfully: Fresh herbs like cilantro not only enhance taste but also add visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some delicious suggestions:

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients while being easy to prepare.
Fried Rice: A classic side that complements the flavors of the salad; consider using leftover rice for convenience.
Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a light, crunchy contrast.
Miso Soup: This warm soup offers a comforting balance to your refreshing salad.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers pair nicely with the Asian flavors of the salad.
Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad brings additional crunch and freshness alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad turns out perfectly, be aware of these common mistakes.

Ignoring ingredient quality – Using low-quality or expired ingredients can diminish the flavor of your salad. Always choose fresh produce and quality chicken for the best results.
Overdressing the salad – Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, ensuring each bite is just right.
Not seasoning properly – Forgetting to season can result in bland flavors. Don’t overlook the importance of salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of your dish.
Skipping the toasting step – Toasted almonds or cashews add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. Take a few minutes to toast them for a superior texture.
Using premade coleslaw mix without checking ingredients – Some mixes contain unwanted additives or preservatives. Opt for a simple coleslaw mix or make your own for a fresher option.
Failing to let it chill – Serving immediately may not allow the flavors to meld. Letting your salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge enhances its taste significantly.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the vegetables and chicken.
If you must freeze, store only the chicken separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop – Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through without cooking further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes! Grilled chicken works wonderfully in this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. It adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

How can I customize my Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad?

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. You can add different nuts, fruits, or even switch up the dressing for a unique twist on this recipe.

What can I serve with Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp or as a side dish alongside any main course. It also makes a great lunch option on its own!

How long does leftover Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is not only flavorful but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize it by adding different ingredients like fruits or nuts based on what you have at home. Try this refreshing salad today and enjoy its delightful combination of textures and tastes!