The Best Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Asian chicken cranberry salad combines vibrant flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected harmony.

Bold ingredients craft a simple dish into a culinary adventure that challenges traditional salad expectations.

Crisp vegetables and tender protein create a delightful texture contrast that keeps each bite interesting.

Sweet and tangy notes weave through the composition, offering a complex sensory experience beyond standard meal preparations.

The recipe balances nutritional needs with gourmet sensibilities, making it perfect for health-conscious food enthusiasts.

Bright, colorful components promise a meal that looks as spectacular as it tastes.

Packed with international inspiration and fresh ingredients, this salad delivers a sophisticated dining experience that will impress everyone at the table.

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Bursting with Flavor

• Burst with Flavor Fusion: This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad packs a punch of sweet, tangy, and savory tastes that dance together in every single bite, creating a flavor explosion that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Crunch-tastic Texture Adventure: The combination of crispy coleslaw mix, crunchy nuts, and crisp sesame sticks delivers a delightful textural experience that keeps every mouthful interesting and satisfying.
• Whip Up in a Snap: This recipe is a quick-and-easy meal solution that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunch cravings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Culinary Playground: With optional ingredients like mandarin oranges and the ability to swap nuts or adjust dressing intensity, this salad becomes your personal canvas for culinary creativity and personalized taste preferences.

Ingredients for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Coleslaw Mix: Fresh, crunchy cabbage blend for a light and crisp foundation.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy vegetable for a zesty bite.

• Almonds, Cashews: Crunchy nuts that provide texture and nutty flavor.
• Cranberries: Tart and sweet dried fruit for a burst of flavor.
• Mandarin Oranges: Optional citrus fruit for added sweetness and brightness.
• Sesame Seeds: Tiny seeds that add nutty flavor and visual appeal.
• Sesame Sticks: Optional crunchy garnish for extra texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a bright, herbaceous note.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base for the dressing with a mild flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy and slightly sweet liquid for depth.
• Soy Sauce: Salty, umami-rich condiment for seasoning.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds robust flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener to balance the dressing's flavors.
• Ginger: Spicy root that provides a warm, aromatic touch.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty oil that enhances the Asian-inspired profile.
• Water: Helps to thin and blend the dressing smoothly.

How to Assemble Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Step 1: Prepare Salad Base

Gather a large mixing bowl and add layers of coleslaw mix as the foundation for your salad.

Step 2: Add Protein and Toppings

• Almonds or cashews
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped red onion
• Sesame seeds
• Sesame sticks (optional)
• Chopped cilantro

Optional: Add mandarin orange segments for extra sweetness.

Step 3: Create Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Honey
• Grated ginger
• Sesame oil
• Water

Blend ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle prepared dressing over salad mixture.

Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating.

Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavor combinations.

Tip: Store remaining dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for future use.

Tips for the Best Texture and Balance

• Massage Coleslaw: Gently break down the cabbage's tough fibers by softly massaging the coleslaw mix with your hands for a more tender texture.
• Toast Nuts Perfectly: Lightly toast almonds or cashews in a dry skillet until golden brown to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
• Customize Protein: Swap grilled chicken with rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or tofu for a quick and easy protein variation.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop ingredients and make dressing separately, storing them in airtight containers to assemble the salad quickly when ready to serve.
• Dressing Balance: Adjust dressing ingredients to taste, adding more honey for sweetness or extra soy sauce for depth, creating a personalized flavor profile.

Storing Leftover Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Separate the dressing from the salad to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain crisp textures.
• Reheat Chicken: Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. Avoid microwaving to preserve meat's moisture and tenderness.
• Dressing Storage: Keep extra dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each use to remix separated ingredients and restore original flavor.

Toppings and Sides for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Craft a Crisp Wine Companion: Pair this vibrant Asian chicken salad with a chilled glass of Riesling. Its slight sweetness and bright acidity complement the tangy dressing and balance the nutty almond crunch perfectly.
• Elevate with Refreshing Beverage: Serve alongside a cold jasmine green tea. The subtle floral notes enhance the salad's Asian-inspired flavors while providing a light, cleansing palate experience.
• Boost with Citrus Sparkler: Add a zesty mandarin orange spritzer to amplify the salad's fruity undertones. Mix fresh mandarin juice with sparkling water and a touch of honey for a vibrant, refreshing drink that mirrors the salad's ingredients.
• Create a Textural Side Pairing: Accompany the salad with crispy rice crackers or a light sesame lavash. These crunchy additions provide extra texture and reinforce the Asian-inspired flavor profile, making each bite more exciting and dynamic.

Unique Spins on Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Spicy Citrus Crunch: Replace almonds with spicy jalapeño pepitas and add fresh orange segments for an extra zesty kick. Swap balsamic vinegar with rice vinegar to enhance the Asian-inspired flavors.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute chicken with grilled lamb, use feta cheese instead of cranberries, and add kalamata olives. Switch sesame seeds for za'atar seasoning to create a Mediterranean-style salad.
• Vegan Green Protein: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or edamame, use maple syrup instead of honey, and add roasted green onions. Include pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and plant-based protein.
• Tropical Island Remix: Swap coleslaw mix with fresh baby spinach, add grilled pineapple chunks, and use macadamia nuts instead of almonds. Incorporate coconut amino sauce for a tropical Hawaiian-inspired dressing.

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty Asian chicken cranberry salad delivers a perfect harmony of tangy and sweet flavors. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and tart cranberries create a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds, or cashews
• 1 ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained

Base:

• 2 small bags of coleslaw mix, about 12 cups

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
• ¾ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
• ¼ cup black sesame seeds
• 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 tablespoons minced ginger

Dressing:

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the salad base by spreading a generous layer of coleslaw mix in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a crisp foundation for the dish.
2. Systematically arrange shredded cooked chicken over the coleslaw, ensuring even distribution throughout the base layer.
3. Sprinkle a combination of sliced almonds and cashews across the salad, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the texture.
4. Scatter vibrant dried cranberries and thinly sliced red onion over the mixture, introducing bursts of color and tangy flavor.
5. Enhance the salad with a light dusting of sesame seeds and optional sesame sticks for additional textural complexity.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, providing a bright, herbaceous note to the overall composition.
7. Optional: Gently fold in mandarin orange segments for a sweet, citrusy complement to the savory elements.
8. For the dressing, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, honey, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil in a blender.
9. Add of water to the blender and pulse until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
10. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, using as much or as little as preferred for desired flavor intensity.
11. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
12. Serve immediately, with any remaining dressing stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for future use.

Notes

• Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Asian-inspired dish that combines sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements in one delightful bowl.
• Customize the protein by using rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy salad syndrome.
• Toast nuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the salad.
• Dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick meal preparation.
• Balance flavors by adjusting honey and vinegar quantities to suit your personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 435 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg