Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad – Are you looking for a fresh? And vibrant dish. That brings together unique flavors? Look no further than this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe! This delicious salad. Combines crunchy coleslaw, and tender rotisserie chicken. And the sweet tang of cranberries. All tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick meal. Or a potluck favorite.
The first time I made this salad. I was inspired by a potluck at my child’s school. I wanted to create something unique. And healthy. That would stand out. Among the usual dishes. My husband and child. Loved the unexpected combination of flavors. Especially the sweet cranberries. With the savory chicken. It’s become a family favorite. Especially during the warmer months. When we’re craving something light. And refreshing.
What makes this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad truly special?
This salad is not just delicious. But also incredibly easy to make. With the convenience of rotisserie chicken. And pre-made coleslaw mix. It’s a time-saver. Without compromising on flavor. The homemade dressing. A blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, and ginger. Adds a delightful zing. Plus, the addition of toasted almonds. And sesame seeds. Provides a satisfying crunch. Making this salad. A perfect balance of textures. And tastes.
What You Need To Make This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe?
Coleslaw Mix: This pre-packaged mix is a lifesaver! It adds a crunchy base to the salad. Saving you time from chopping cabbage yourself. It’s all about convenience. Without sacrificing that satisfying crunch.
Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken. Is a brilliant hack. For busy days. It’s already cooked to perfection, juicy, and flavorful. Just chop it up. And you’re good to go. Plus, it’s a great way. To use up leftovers!
Toasted Almonds/Cashews: These nuts add a delightful crunch. And a nutty flavor. That complements the sweetness of the cranberries. Toasting them enhances their flavor. So don’t skip this step!
Dried Cranberries: These little gems. Add a sweet and tangy burst of flavor to the salad. I used orange cranberries from Trader Joe’s for a citrusy twist. But regular dried cranberries work just as well.
Red Onion: Finely diced red onion. Adds a sharp bite. And a beautiful color contrast. It’s a small addition. That makes a big impact.
Sesame Sticks: Optional, but highly recommended! These add an extra layer of crunch. And a unique flavor. Look for them in the bulk aisle of your grocery store.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbal note. That ties all the flavors together. It’s like a burst of freshness. In every bite.
Mandarin Oranges: These juicy segments. Add a sweet and tangy flavor. That complements the savory elements of the salad. They’re optional. But highly recommended. For an extra pop of flavor.
Black Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds add a subtle nutty flavor. And a striking visual contrast. They’re a small detail. That makes the salad look and taste more sophisticated.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The base of our dressing. It adds a rich, smooth texture. Using high-quality olive oil can really elevate the taste.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy. And slightly sweet flavor. To the dressing. You can use regular or white balsamic vinegar. Depending on your preference.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami flavor. Without too much salt. It’s a healthier option. That doesn’t compromise on taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent kick to the dressing. It’s a must-have for that bold flavor.
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Honey/Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the vinegar. And the saltiness of the soy sauce. You can use either honey or brown sugar. Depending on your preference.
Ginger: Fresh minced ginger adds a zesty, spicy note. That brightens up the dressing. It’s the secret ingredient. That makes the dressing pop.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a deep, nutty flavor to the dressing. A little goes a long way. So don’t overdo it!
Steps To Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix with finely chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds (or cashews), dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, sesame sticks (if using), fresh cilantro, and mandarin oranges.
Step 2: Make the Dressing: Combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey (or brown sugar), minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Toss the Salad: Lightly pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Adjusting to your desired level of moistness. Gently toss to combine. You may have some dressing left over for later use.
Step 4: Serve: Serve immediately. And enjoy the refreshing. And vibrant flavors of this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad.
Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor. Toast the almonds or cashews yourself in a dry skillet. Over medium heat until golden. And fragrant. This simple step. Enhances the nutty flavor. And adds a warm, crunchy texture to the salad. When making the dressing. Ensure to blend it well. To emulsify the olive oil. With the other ingredients. Creating a creamy. And smooth consistency. If you’re a fan of spicy food. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. Can give it a subtle kick. That perfectly complements. The sweetness of the cranberries. And the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile. And can be made with grilled shrimp and tofu. Or even leftover turkey. Just ensure whatever protein you use is cooked. And chopped finely to blend well. With the other ingredients.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh. For the crunchiest texture. It can be stored in the refrigerator. For up to 2 days. Just keep the dressing separate. And add it right before serving. To maintain the crispiness of the ingredients.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dressing up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container. In the refrigerator. Give it a good shake before using. As some separation may occur.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 small bags of coleslaw mix about 12 c
- 4 c rotisserie chicken finely chopped
- 1 ½ c toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- 1 ½ c dried cranberries I used Orange Cranberries from Trader Joe’s
- ¾ c red onion finely diced
- 1 c sesame sticks found in the bulk aisle at grocery store – optional
- 1 ½ c chopped cilantro
- 1-2 small cans mandarin oranges drained
- ¼ c black sesame seeds or regular sesame seeds
- 1 c extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ c balsamic vinegar regular or you can use white
- 4 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 3-4 cloves garlic chopped
- 4 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 4 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl. Layer the coleslaw mix, chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, sesame sticks (if using), fresh cilantro, and mandarin oranges.
- Make the Dressing: Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth.
- Toss the Salad: Lightly pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine everything. Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference. Serve immediately. And enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
