If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, you must try this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. Combining crispy vegetables, tender rotisserie chicken, and a wonderfully zesty dressing, this salad is everything you want in one bowl. The sweet and tangy cranberries paired with crunchy almonds and a hint of sesame oil create a perfect balance that tantalizes your taste buds. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and healthy.
What makes this salad truly attractive is its simplicity and versatility. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck dish, or when you’re just looking to brighten up a dinner table. With the gorgeous medley of colors and textures, you can feel good serving this dish at any gathering. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the texture crisp—a win-win! This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful blend of comfort food with a twist of exotic flavor that anyone can appreciate.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- Quick and Easy Prep: This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weekdays.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrition.
- Versatile Options: Feel free to adapt the recipe based on your preferences—substituting proteins or crunchy toppings to suit your taste.
- A Flavorful Dressing: The homemade dressing is both light and satisfying, enhancing the overall experience without overwhelming the salad.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for make-ahead meals or feeding a crowd, this salad holds its crunch and flavor well!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. First and foremost, ensure you have a large mixing bowl to hold the immense volume of ingredients. A chopping board and a sharp knife are necessary for cutting the vegetables and chicken accurately. Use measuring cups for accuracy when portioning out ingredients, and a blender is crucial for whipping up the dressing. To make your life easier, have all your ingredients laid out and prepped beforehand—this includes chopping, measuring, and possibly toasting your nuts for added crunch. This way, the process will flow smoothly, and you’ll enjoy the cooking journey as much as the results!
Ingredients
- 12 cups coleslaw mix (about 2 small bags)
- 4 cups finely chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries (try orange-flavored for extra brightness)
- ¾ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional, for crunch)
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh cilantro
- 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained (optional)
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (black or regular)
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3–4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons water (to thin and blend)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start off by laying down the foundation of your salad. Spread 12 cups of coleslaw mix evenly in a large serving bowl. This will serve as the crunchy and sturdy base, providing texture and flavor to your dish. The coleslaw mix, often consisting of cabbage and carrots, brings a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins
Now, it’s time to layer on the fun part: the mix-ins! Gently add the chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, diced red onion, optional sesame sticks, fresh cilantro, and mandarin oranges on top of your coleslaw layer. Make sure to keep the layers nice and light; this will help maintain the textures of each ingredient when tossing them together. The colorful mix creates an appealing visual that’s sure to entice everyone around the table.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
To bring everything together, let’s whip up a luscious dressing. In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, toasted sesame oil, and water. Blend the mixture for around 30–45 seconds until it forms a smooth, emulsified dressing. As a pro tip, taste and adjust your dressing by adding more sweetness or saltiness according to your preference. This is where the magic happens, so feel free to personalize it!
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Finally, it’s time for the grand assembly! Gradually drizzle your freshly made dressing over the layered ingredients. Start tossing gently to coat everything evenly—use just enough dressing to create a light, glossy coat on the salad without making it soggy. Serve immediately to savor the full burst of flavors and enjoy the freshest taste.
Variations
- Protein: Try substituting the rotisserie chicken with cooked shrimp, crispy tofu, or grilled salmon for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Swap out the coleslaw mix for shredded napa cabbage or romaine lettuce for a lighter green base.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices in the dressing; rice vinegar or lime juice can add a bright twist while enhancing the overall taste.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to toast the nuts and sesame seeds for added depth of flavor and crunch.
- Massage the coleslaw mix lightly before adding the dressing to help it absorb the flavors while ensuring it remains crisp.
- Use ripe avocado slices just before serving for a creamy touch!
- Prepare extra dressing for using on grilled meats, noodles, or roasted vegetables—it’s versatile!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the salad in butter lettuce cups for easy hand-held portions — perfect for parties!
- For a heartier main dish, pile the salad over rice, quinoa, or soba noodles.
- Alternatively, use the mixture as a filling for wraps or pita pockets for an on-the-go lunch option.
- Arrange on a platter with rice crackers or wonton crisps for a stunning presentation at receptions.
Tips
- Make sure to toss and combine the ingredients just before serving to maintain the pleasant crunch.
- When using dried fruits, opt for something with a complementary flavor to enhance the overall dish.
- Storage-wise, keep leftover salad in an airtight container, but be cautious—it’s best enjoyed fresh!
- Add a squeeze of lime over the top just before serving for an extra acidic kick!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Shrimp, tofu, or turkey all work well.
What nuts can I substitute?
Try walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add edamame, chickpeas, or crispy tofu instead.
Can I make the dressing ahead?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for 2–3 days and shake well before use.
Conclusion
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and a great way to infuse your day with freshness and nutrition. Whether served at a casual lunch or a festive gathering, its vibrant colors and delicious taste are sure to impress. We encourage you to try out various substitutions and make this dish truly your own, adapting it to suit your culinary preferences. Don’t forget to share your experience or comments below—happy cooking!
Print
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, packed with nutrients and flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 cups coleslaw mix (about 2 small bags)
- 4 cups finely chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries (try orange-flavored for extra brightness)
- ¾ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional, for crunch)
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh cilantro
- 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained (optional)
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (black or regular)
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3–4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons water (to thin and blend)
Instructions
- Start off by laying down the foundation of your salad. Spread 12 cups of coleslaw mix evenly in a large serving bowl.
- Gently add the chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, diced red onion, optional sesame sticks, fresh cilantro, and mandarin oranges on top of your coleslaw layer.
- In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, toasted sesame oil, and water. Blend for around 30–45 seconds until smooth.
- Gradually drizzle your dressing over the layered ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a short time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 22 g