Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Name: Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486315H27M20S
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 small bags coleslaw mix (about 12 cups); 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 cup extra-virgin olive oil; ½ cup balsamic vinegar; 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

Recipe By:

Alexandra

Posted:

May 23, 2025

Updated:

May 23, 2025

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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for a healthy lunch option, this salad brings together the crunchiness of vegetables, the tenderness of chicken, and the sweetness of cranberries. It’s easy to make and packed with nutrients, making it a standout choice for those who love fresh, wholesome meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken, sweet cranberries, and zesty dressing creates a delightful taste experience.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish at gatherings and celebrations.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and healthy fats from almonds or cashews.
Colorful Presentation: The mix of vibrant ingredients makes this salad visually appealing on any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large bowl
Blender
Measuring cups
Chopping knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large bowl: Essential for mixing all the ingredients without spilling.
Blender: Perfect for creating a smooth dressing that coats the salad evenly.

Ingredients

Toast almonds by laying on a paper towel and microwaving for 1 minute, turning once. Or, toast the sliced almonds under low broil for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. You can also make your own cabbage mix with green and purple cabbage with a tiny bit of carrots.

Ingredients:
– 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 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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Layer the coleslaw mix in a large bowl.
Add the finely chopped chicken on top.
Toss in the toasted almonds or cashews along with dried cranberries.
Include diced red onion, sesame seeds, optional sesame sticks, fresh cilantro, and mandarin oranges.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In your blender, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil.
Add 3 tablespoons of water to thin out the dressing if desired.
Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Lightly pour your freshly made dressing over the salad mixture according to your preference for moisture.
Gently toss everything together to combine well without bruising the ingredients.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy! You may have some dressing left over.

Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad!

How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Course

Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal that’s perfect on warm days.
Pair it with steamed jasmine rice for a heartier option.

As a Side Dish

Offer it alongside grilled meats to balance the flavors with its sweetness and crunch.
Complement spicy dishes with this salad’s coolness for added contrast.

In Lettuce Wraps

Use large romaine leaves as a wrap, adding an interactive element to your meal.
This makes for great appetizers during gatherings or parties.

With Tortilla Chips

Serve it with crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
Great for casual get-togethers or game nights.

How to Perfect Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

To ensure your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad reaches its full potential, consider these handy tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.
Balance Flavors: Adjust the ingredients according to your taste. More honey can sweeten the dish, while additional vinegar adds tanginess.
Customize Nuts: Experiment with different nuts like cashews or walnuts for varied textures and flavors.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing separately and mix it in right before serving to keep the salad crisp.
Add Spice: If you enjoy heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances flavor melding.

Best Side Dishes for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame adds protein and is easy to prepare.
Cucumber Sushi Rolls: These refreshing rolls pair well with the salad’s flavors and are fun to eat.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the cold salad perfectly.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Sweet and savory skewers make a satisfying addition to your meal.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls offer a satisfying crunch and pair well with the dressing used in the salad.
Garlic Noodles: Flavorful garlic noodles provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key to a flavorful salad. Always check your nuts, chicken, and vegetables for freshness before use.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed while tossing gently.
Ignoring personal taste: Not everyone enjoys the same flavors. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice levels in your dressing to suit your palate.
Skipping the almonds or cashews: Nuts add crunch and flavor. Don’t leave them out; if you have dietary restrictions, consider alternative toppings like seeds or crispy chickpeas.
Chopping vegetables unevenly: Consistent sizes help ensure even flavor and texture throughout the salad. Take your time to chop red onions and cilantro finely.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Use glass containers, which help prevent odors from transferring.

Freezing Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it may affect the texture of fresh ingredients.
If you must freeze, only freeze the chicken and nuts separately; do not freeze dressing or fresh produce.

Reheating Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread chicken on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat chicken in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the chicken with a splash of broth or water until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad?

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant dish that combines shredded chicken, crunchy almonds, dried cranberries, and fresh vegetables dressed in a zesty vinaigrette.

Can I customize the nuts in my salad?

Absolutely! You can substitute almonds with cashews or sunflower seeds based on your preference or dietary restrictions.

How can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp!

Is Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.

Final Thoughts

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or as a refreshing dish at gatherings. Give it a try, and enjoy its unique flavors!

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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe