Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Imagine biting into a crisp, flavorful forkful where sweet cranberries meet savory chicken, all wrapped in a tangy Asian-inspired dressing that dances on your taste buds. This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is the perfect harmony of textures and flavors – crunchy almonds, tender rotisserie chicken, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a zingy ginger-soy dressing. It’s a refreshing yet satisfying meal that works equally well as a light dinner or show-stopping potluck contribution. You’ll learn how to balance the sweet, tangy, and umami elements while creating a colorful salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad isn’t just another boring bowl of greens – it’s a symphony of contrasting flavors and textures that make each bite more exciting than the last. The crunch of fresh coleslaw mix and toasted almonds plays beautifully against the tender rotisserie chicken, while sweet cranberries and mandarins provide little bursts of fruity goodness throughout.

What makes this oriental chicken salad with cranberries truly special is its versatility. Need a quick weeknight dinner? This salad comes together in minutes. Looking for a meal prep option? It actually tastes better after the flavors have melded in the refrigerator. Hosting friends? The vibrant colors and interesting mix of ingredients will have everyone asking for the recipe.

The homemade Asian-inspired dressing ties everything together with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors. Unlike many pre-made dressings, you control the ingredients, ensuring a cleaner, more authentic taste experience. Best of all, this recipe is endlessly customizable – swap proteins, add extra vegetables, or adjust the sweetness to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients List for the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

This ingredient list combines fresh, vibrant produce with pantry staples to create layers of flavor and texture. The aromatic Asian elements like sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger perfectly complement the sweetness from the cranberries and mandarins.

• 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)
• 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

Pro Tips

Want to elevate your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad from good to spectacular? These professional techniques will ensure perfect results every time:

Toast your nuts and seeds: Never skip toasting your almonds and sesame seeds! This simple 5-minute step in a dry skillet dramatically enhances their flavor by releasing natural oils. Watch them closely and stir frequently – they go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly. You’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant and turn golden brown.

Balance the dressing: The magic of this salad lies in its perfectly balanced dressing. For optimal flavor, mix the dressing ingredients at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the garlic and ginger to infuse the oil. Always taste and adjust – if it’s too tangy, add a touch more honey; too sweet, add a splash more vinegar or soy sauce.

Layer, don’t toss too early: For the best texture contrast, especially when serving guests, layer components rather than tossing everything together. This prevents the coleslaw from becoming soggy. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving, or layer the dressing at the bottom of the bowl with heartier ingredients on top.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dressing
Add all of the dressing ingredients (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil) to a small bowl or mason jar and mix well to emulsify. For best results, shake vigorously in a sealed jar or whisk continuously until the mixture becomes slightly thickened. Set aside to allow flavors to develop.

Step 2: Prepare the salad components
Place the coleslaw mix in a large serving bowl. Add the finely chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted sliced almonds, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, sesame sticks (if using), chopped cilantro, drained mandarin oranges, and black sesame seeds.

Step 3: Assemble and dress the salad
Pour about half of the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, being careful not to crush the mandarin oranges. Taste and add more dressing as needed. For best flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Variations

Mediterranean Twist
Transform your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad into a Mediterranean delight by swapping the soy sauce for lemon juice, using feta cheese instead of sesame seeds, and replacing the ginger with dried oregano in the dressing. Substitute olives for the mandarin oranges and add cucumber for extra freshness. This variation maintains the sweet-savory contrast but introduces a completely different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with grilled seafood.

Vegetarian/Vegan Option
Create a plant-based version of this cranberry Asian salad by replacing the chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh. Simply cube extra-firm tofu, press out excess moisture, and sauté in a tablespoon of the dressing until golden. For a vegan version, swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Add edamame for extra protein and avocado chunks for creaminess that complements the crunchy vegetables.

Grain Bowl Adaptation
Turn this salad into a heartier meal by adding a base of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or soba noodles. The grains will absorb the flavorful dressing and create a more substantial dish that works perfectly for meal prep. Consider adding roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for additional fiber and nutrients that pair wonderfully with the cranberries.

Storage and Serving

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. If you’ve already dressed the entire salad, expect the coleslaw to soften somewhat, though many people enjoy the mellowed flavors that develop overnight.

For an elegant presentation, serve this vibrant salad in a large shallow bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for a buffet table or family-style dinner. Try serving it with warm rice paper wrappers on the side – guests can create their own fresh spring rolls filled with this delicious mixture.

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon or shrimp for a complete protein-rich meal. For a simpler option, serve with warm crusty bread and a light soup for a satisfying lunch. During summer months, it makes a refreshing side dish for barbecues alongside grilled meats and corn on the cob.

FAQs

Can I make this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. For best results, prepare all components and store them separately, combining just before serving. If you need to assemble it entirely in advance, layer ingredients with the most sturdy items at the bottom and wait to add the dressing until 30 minutes before serving.

What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?
Grilled chicken breasts, leftover turkey, or even cooked salmon make excellent substitutions. For a vegetarian version, try marinated tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas instead. The key is to ensure your protein is well-seasoned to complement the flavors in the dressing.

Is there a way to make this salad less sweet?
Absolutely! Reduce the amount of cranberries by half and use unsweetened dried cranberries if available. In the dressing, decrease the honey or brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia. You can also increase the vinegar slightly for a more tangy profile.

How can I add more vegetables to this salad?
This recipe welcomes additional vegetables! Try adding julienned bell peppers, shredded carrots, snow peas, or edamame. For more substance, include diced cucumber or avocado. Just be mindful of water content – vegetables like tomatoes or cucumber may release liquid and make the salad soggier faster.

Can I use a different type of vinegar in the dressing?
Yes, this recipe is flexible with vinegar choices. Rice vinegar creates a more authentic Asian flavor profile, while apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note that complements the cranberries. White balsamic preserves the brighter color of the dressing if presentation is important.

Print