If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender rotisserie chicken, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a marvelous blend of Asian-inspired dressing, this dish is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want a delicious lunch, this salad delivers an exciting twist on classic flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each item brings something special—whether it’s crunch, sweetness, or that unmistakable Asian flair—creating a well-rounded and irresistibly flavorful dish.
- 12 cups coleslaw mix: Offers a crisp, refreshing base full of colors and nutrition.
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped: Provides tender protein that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds (or cashews): Adds a satisfyingly crunchy texture with a toasty nuttiness.
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries: Brings a sweet and tart burst to brighten each bite.
- ¾ cup red onion, finely diced: Gives a mild sharpness for balance and color contrast.
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional): Boosts the crunch factor and adds a subtle sesame flavor.
- 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro: Infuses fresh herbaceous brightness throughout the salad.
- 1-2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained: Provides juicy citrus notes that complement the richer ingredients.
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds): Adds a lovely nutty taste and visual appeal.
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Creates a smooth, flavorful dressing base.
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar: Offers tart complexity to balance the sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Brings in savory depth and umami.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped: Infuses aromatic punch into the dressing.
- 4 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar): Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons minced ginger: Introduces warmth and zest to brighten the flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Enhances the salad with unmistakable nutty fragrance.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Salad Base
Start by layering your coleslaw mix in a large bowl as your fresh and crunchy base. Then add the finely chopped rotisserie chicken for protein, followed by toasted almonds or cashews that will bring a delightful crunch. Next, sprinkle in the dried cranberries and diced red onion for bursts of sweet and sharp flavors. If you enjoy added crunch, toss in those sesame sticks, then finish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for a lovely touch of color and earthiness.
Step 2: Add the Mandarin Oranges
Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges to the salad mix. Their juicy sweetness not only brightens the overall flavor but also adds a juicy, refreshing surprise in every bite. Be careful to fold lightly so the oranges keep their shape and avoid breaking down too much.
Step 3: Prepare 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 these ingredients until smooth. To reach a pourable consistency without losing flavor, add about 3 tablespoons of water gradually. This dressing is the backbone of your salad, harmonizing all the components with its bold, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your freshly made dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with that luscious sauce. Tossing with care keeps the delicate mandarins intact and combines flavors without wilting the veggies.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
This salad shines when served immediately, boasting crisp freshness and vibrant flavor. However, if you have a bit of patience, chilling it briefly allows the dressing to seep deeper into the ingredients, enhancing the taste.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, sprinkle some additional toasted sliced almonds or cashews on top just before serving. A few fresh cilantro leaves or an extra pinch of black sesame seeds can add visual appeal and a fresh kick of flavor. You might also consider adding thinly sliced green onions for added zest.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light, simple sides. Think steamed jasmine rice or a side of warm miso soup for a harmonious, Asian-inspired meal. Alternatively, some crusty bread or a simple cucumber salad can provide complementary textures and flavors without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase all those colorful layers. Another fun idea is to use butter lettuce leaves as cups and spoon the salad inside, offering a delightful hand-held appetizer that’s both elegant and practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its fresh texture, especially the crunchy elements. If possible, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Freezing
This salad contains fresh ingredients and a dressing that doesn’t freeze well, so freezing is not recommended. The texture of the coleslaw mix and mandarin oranges would suffer greatly, resulting in an unappetizing mush once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advisable. If you want to enjoy the chicken warm, consider serving the salad alongside freshly warmed chicken instead of mixing it in.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs, then let them cool before adding to the salad. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds a flavorful depth with its seasoning.
What if I don’t have sesame sticks? Can I leave them out?
Yes, sesame sticks add a fun crunch but are optional. You can substitute with crunchy chow mein noodles or simply omit them without compromising the overall taste.
Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for extra chickpeas or tofu cubes to keep it protein-packed while maintaining the other delicious flavors.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, making the dressing a day ahead actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a quick whisk before drizzling it over the salad.
What other fruits pair well with this salad?
Besides mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds or thinly sliced apples could complement the cranberry and add exciting new layers of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s quick, delicious, and wow-worthy. I promise once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again—whether for a family meal or a special occasion. So grab those fresh ingredients, whip up the dressing, and treat yourself to a salad that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
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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-inspired
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combining crunchy coleslaw mix, tender rotisserie chicken, toasted nuts, and sweet dried cranberries with a tangy homemade sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect as a refreshing, quick-to-prepare meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
- Layer the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 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 or regular sesame seeds. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add mandarin oranges: Gently fold the drained mandarin oranges into the layered salad mixture, taking care to keep fruit pieces whole and avoid crushing.
- Prepare 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. Add about 3 tablespoons of water as needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all components with the dressing.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for fresh crispness or chill it briefly to enhance flavors before serving.
Notes
- To toast almonds or cashews, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Sesame sticks add a crunchy texture but are optional if unavailable.
- The dressing can be adjusted in sweetness and saltiness by varying honey and soy sauce to taste.
- This salad keeps well for up to 1 day refrigerated but is best fresh.
- Substitute mandarin oranges with canned pineapple tidbits for a different twist.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
