If you are craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is absolutely the answer. This lively dish perfectly balances the savory richness of rotisserie chicken, the zesty crunch of coleslaw mix, and the sweet-tart punch of dried cranberries, all brought together by a zingy, homemade dressing. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lunch or a stunning dish to impress at your next gathering, the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad delivers an unforgettable taste experience that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing its own character to the final dish. From the crisp crunch of nuts to the juicy bursts of mandarin oranges, every component enhances the taste, texture, and color in a way that feels both fresh and satisfying.

Coleslaw mix (12 cups): Provides a crunchy, slightly tangy base that keeps the salad refreshing and light.
Finely chopped rotisserie chicken (4 cups): Adds hearty protein and a savory depth that makes this salad truly filling.
Toasted sliced almonds or cashews (1½ cups): Offer a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit and chicken.
Dried cranberries (1½ cups): Bring a sweet-tart chewiness that livens up every bite—the key to the salad’s unmistakable zing.
Finely diced red onion (¾ cup): Adds a sharp, pungent flavor that brightens the overall profile.
Sesame sticks (1 cup, optional): Introduce an additional layer of crunch and subtle sesame flavor.
Chopped cilantro (1½ cups): Provides a fresh, herby brightness that ties the salad together beautifully.
Mandarin oranges (1-2 small cans, drained): Offer juicy citrusy bursts that harmonize perfectly with the cranberries and chicken.
Black or regular sesame seeds (¼ cup): Sprinkled throughout for a slight crunch and nutty aroma.
Extra-virgin olive oil (1 cup): Forms the rich base of the dressing, balancing acidity and sweetness.
Balsamic vinegar (½ cup): Adds gentle tang and complexity, deepening the flavor of the dressing.
Low-sodium soy sauce (4 tablespoons): Brings a savory umami note that complements both the chicken and the nuts.
Chopped garlic (3-4 cloves): Infuses the dressing with a fragrant sharpness.
Honey or brown sugar (4 tablespoons): Balances the vinegar and soy sauce with a subtle sweetness.
Minced ginger (4 tablespoons): Adds a zesty warmth and signature Asian flair.
Toasted sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Intensifies the nutty aroma in the dressing for authentic flavor depth.
Water (3 tablespoons): Helps smooth out the dressing for perfect consistency when blended.

How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Step 1: Assemble the Salad Base

Start by layering the coleslaw mix into a large mixing bowl as the foundation of this salad. Then, add the finely chopped rotisserie chicken evenly over the greens. This base will hold the exciting mix of textures and flavors you’re about to add next.

Step 2: Add Crunch and Sweetness

Next, sprinkle in the toasted sliced almonds or cashews and dried cranberries. These ingredients bring a perfect harmony of crunch and sweet-tart notes that will keep every forkful interesting. Follow with diced red onions and black or regular sesame seeds for an added pop of flavor and contrast.

Step 3: Bring Brightness with Citrus and Herbs

Incorporate the chopped cilantro and drained mandarin oranges to introduce fresh herbaceous and juicy citrus elements that brighten the entire salad. If you love extra crunch, add the sesame sticks here—they add an awesome textural surprise!

Step 4: Prepare the Zesty Dressing

Blend together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, minced ginger, toasted sesame oil, and water until smooth and emulsified. This vibrant dressing is what brings all the ingredients of the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad to life with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Lightly pour the dressing over your colorful salad mixture, starting with a small amount to avoid overdressing. Gently toss everything together just enough to ensure each ingredient is coated without sogginess. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness and crunch, or chill for a bit to let the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Garnishes

To give your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad that extra wow factor, consider topping it with additional toasted nuts or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves. A few sesame seeds on top add delightful aroma and texture that guests will notice and appreciate.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile, so pair it with light Asian-inspired sides such as vegetable spring rolls, steamed edamame, or simply some steamed jasmine rice. These sides keep the meal balanced without overpowering the unique flavors of the salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the salad in crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers. Individual small jars or cups also work beautifully for picnics or lunchboxes, preserving the crunch by keeping dressing separate until serving time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad remains fresh and crisp for up to two days, especially if the dressing is added just before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to its fresh citrus and crunchy ingredients, which can become soggy or lose texture when thawed.

Reheating

Since the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is designed to be served cold, it’s not intended for reheating. However, if you want to bring leftover chicken to room temperature, briefly warming it separately is fine, then add it back to the cold salad just before eating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can grill or poach fresh chicken breasts and finely chop them to replace rotisserie chicken. Using rotisserie just saves time and adds an extra depth of flavor from its seasoning.

What can I substitute for coleslaw mix?

If you don’t have coleslaw mix on hand, a combination of shredded cabbage and grated carrots works perfectly to provide the same crunchy texture and mild flavor.

Is it necessary to include mandarin oranges?

Mandarin oranges add a lovely juicy sweetness that pairs well with the tart cranberries, but if you prefer, you can omit them or substitute with fresh orange segments or even pineapple tidbits.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes! The dressing can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk before using for optimal flavor.

Are there any nut-free options for this salad?

Definitely. Simply omit the almonds or cashews and sesame sticks, or substitute with roasted chickpeas or crunchy seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free crunch.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for any occasion. Its medley of flavors and textures, combined with a zesty dressing, makes every bite exciting and satisfying. I encourage you to give this recipe a spin—you might just find yourself making it again and again!