Name: Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 cups coleslaw mix; 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds or cashews; 1/3 cup dried cranberries (preferably Orange Cranberries); 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup sesame sticks (optional); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup mandarin oranges (optional); 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds); 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (regular or white); 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (more to taste); 2 to 4 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)

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Introduction

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy vegetables and a sweet-tangy dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side for dinner.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a fresh layered salad on a white marbled texture background, showing a mix of shredded light green cabbage and orange carrot strips as the base layer. Scattered on top are bright orange mandarin slices, deep red dried cranberries, and light brown almond slices. Small white chunks of cooked chicken and some black poppy seeds are mixed throughout, adding texture and contrast. To the top left of the bowl, there is a small glass container of light brown dressing. A bunch of fresh green cilantro sits in the top right corner, and wooden salad utensils rest on the bottom right on the same white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Coleslaw mix
Rotisserie chicken, shredded
Toasted sliced almonds or cashews
Dried cranberries (such as Orange Cranberries from Trader Joe’s)
Red onion, thinly sliced
Sesame sticks (optional, found in bulk aisle)
Chopped fresh cilantro
Mandarin oranges (optional)
Black sesame seeds or regular sesame seeds
Extra-virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
Low-sodium soy sauce
Minced garlic
Honey or brown sugar
Minced fresh ginger
Toasted sesame oil
Water (for dressing consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, shredded rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (if using), chopped cilantro, and mandarin oranges if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing by blending together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, toasted sesame oil, and a little water until smooth.
Step 3: Just before serving, pour the dressing lightly over the salad, adjusting the amount for your preferred moisture level. Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use both almonds and cashews for extra texture and flavor.
Add mandarin oranges for a juicy burst of sweetness, or substitute with fresh orange segments.
If you don’t have toasted sesame oil, substitute with toasted peanut oil or omit it for a milder flavor.
For a vegan version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Storage

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to maintain its crunch. Reheat is not recommended as the salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled.

How to Serve

A close-up of a silver fork holding a bite of food with layers including light shredded chicken, thin pale yellow noodles, bright green sliced bell pepper or chili, small black seeds or spices, and a piece of dark red tomato or dried chili, all mixed together with a slightly glossy texture. The background shows a blurred white marbled texture and parts of a white bowl with wooden spoons inside, adding a warm contrast. The focus is on the food on the fork with soft, natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately in advance, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.

What can I use if I don’t have sesame sticks?

If sesame sticks are unavailable, substitute with crunchy chow mein noodles, toasted nuts, or omit them entirely for a different texture.