Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a winner because it’s not only quick and easy to prepare, but also packed with incredible flavors and textures. The combination of rotisserie chicken, mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds or cashews, and dried cranberries creates a salad that feels hearty yet refreshing. The sweet and savory dressing, made with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, adds a zesty punch, while the sesame sticks and black sesame seeds give it an irresistible crunch. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a potluck or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ cups chopped cilantro

• 4 Tbsp. minced ginger

• 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar (white or regular)

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped

• 1½ cups toasted sliced almonds (or cashews)

• 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained

• 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped

• ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular)

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 4 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

• ¾ cup red onion, finely diced

• 2 small bags coleslaw mix (12 cups)

• 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

• 1½ cup dried cranberries

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, rotisserie chicken, chopped cilantro, and red onion.

2. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and extra-virgin olive oil.

3. Add the minced ginger, chopped garlic, and sesame seeds to the dressing mixture, stirring to combine.

4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.

5. Add the mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, toasted almonds (or cashews), and sesame sticks (if using), and gently toss again.

6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8 servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 15–30 minutes (if refrigerating before serving)

Variations

• Chicken Alternatives: You can use leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken, or even turkey if you don’t have rotisserie chicken.

• Nut Alternatives: If you prefer a different nut, feel free to swap the sliced almonds or cashews with chopped walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts.

• Fruit Variations: Experiment with other fruits like apples, pears, or grapes instead of mandarin oranges for a different flavor.

• Dressing Options: If you want a sweeter dressing, add a little honey or maple syrup to the balsamic and soy sauce mix. For more spice, try adding a dash of sriracha or chili flakes.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and increase the amount of nuts and dried fruits to make this a vegetarian-friendly salad.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to avoid sogginess in the salad.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. Just toss it again if the dressing separates after being stored.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use grilled or poached chicken instead of rotisserie chicken. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to toss them together just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a little sriracha sauce or chili flakes to the dressing if you like some heat.

What other nuts can I use instead of almonds or cashews?

You can use walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for a different twist in texture and flavor.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, if you don’t have balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar would work well as a substitute.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free.

Can I use dried fruit other than cranberries?

Yes, you can swap dried cranberries for raisins, cherries, or even dried blueberries depending on your preference.

Can I add more veggies to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for added crunch and color.

Is there a vegan version of this salad?

Yes! To make this salad vegan, simply omit the chicken and use a plant-based dressing and protein source like tofu or chickpeas.

How long can I store this salad in the fridge?

This salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge, but it’s best eaten fresh to enjoy the textures of the ingredients.

Conclusion

The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it as a main or a side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. With simple ingredients and a tasty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.

Print

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combines rotisserie chicken, mandarin oranges, toasted nuts, and a zesty balsamic dressing for a light, flavorful meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious. With a perfect mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures, this easy-to-make salad is ideal for lunch or dinner and is naturally gluten-free.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15–30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Salad, Main Course
• Method: Tossing
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1½ cups chopped cilantro

4 Tbsp. minced ginger

1 cup sesame sticks (optional)

½ cup balsamic vinegar (white or regular)

4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped

1½ cups toasted sliced almonds (or cashews)

1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained

3–4 cloves garlic, chopped

¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular)

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

¾ cup red onion, finely diced

2 small bags coleslaw mix (12 cups)

2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1½ cup dried cranberries

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, rotisserie chicken, chopped cilantro, and red onion.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and extra-virgin olive oil.

• Add the minced ginger, chopped garlic, and sesame seeds to the dressing mixture and stir to combine.

• Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.

• Add the mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, toasted almonds (or cashews), and sesame sticks (if using), and gently toss again.

• Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

• Chicken Alternatives: Use grilled, poached chicken, or turkey instead of rotisserie chicken.

• Nut Alternatives: Swap sliced almonds or cashews with walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts.

• Fruit Variations: Consider using apples, pears, or grapes instead of mandarin oranges for a fresh twist.

• Dressing Options: Sweeten the dressing with honey or maple syrup, or add sriracha/chili flakes for heat.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and increase nuts and dried fruits for a vegetarian-friendly option.