Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a colorful, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish that combines rotisserie chicken, crisp coleslaw mix, toasted almonds, and chewy cranberries, all tossed in a sweet-tangy sesame ginger dressing. I love how refreshing yet filling it is—perfect for lunches, potlucks, or a quick dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always appreciate how effortlessly this salad comes together. It’s packed with contrasting textures—from crunchy cabbage and almonds to tender chicken and juicy mandarin oranges. The homemade sesame dressing with ginger and soy adds an irresistible depth. Whether I’m hosting guests or just prepping meals for the week, this salad is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 small bags coleslaw mix (about 12 cups)
• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
• 1½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews
• 1½ cups dried cranberries (orange-flavored if available)
• ¾ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
• 1½ cups chopped fresh cilantro
• 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
• ¼ cup sesame seeds (black or regular)

Dressing

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3–4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons water

Directions

I begin by layering the coleslaw mix in a large salad bowl. Over that, I scatter the chopped rotisserie chicken, almonds or cashews, cranberries, diced red onion, sesame seeds, and sesame sticks if I’m using them. I gently top everything with mandarin orange segments and chopped cilantro for freshness and color.

To make the dressing, I combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, sesame oil, and water in a blender. I blend it for about 30–45 seconds until smooth and creamy.

I pour about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently, making sure to mix from the bottom up. Then I add more dressing as needed until everything is well coated but not soggy. It’s best served immediately or chilled for about 30 minutes.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: —
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I replace the rotisserie chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version. For extra crunch, I add crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles. If I want a more tropical flavor, I swap cranberries for chopped pineapple or mango. When I need a lower-sugar version, I reduce the honey and skip the mandarin oranges.

Storage/Reheating

This salad holds up well for 1–2 days if already dressed, especially with sturdy cabbage as the base. If I’m making it ahead, I store the dressing separately and toss only the portion I’m serving to keep the texture fresh. The dressing stays good in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the components in advance and store them separately. When I’m ready to serve, I toss everything together with the dressing and it’s ready to go.

What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?

Grilled chicken, cooked turkey, shrimp, or even chickpeas work great. I sometimes use tofu cubes for a vegetarian version that’s just as hearty.

How long does the salad last once dressed?

Once dressed, it stays fresh for 1–2 days in the fridge. For best texture, I keep dressing separate if I’m not serving it all at once.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, in a pinch I’ve used Asian sesame or miso-ginger dressings. Just look for one that includes sesame oil and ginger for the best match.

Is there a low-sugar version of this salad?

Absolutely. I reduce or skip the honey in the dressing, use unsweetened dried cranberries, and leave out the mandarin oranges to lower the sugar content.

Conclusion

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is one of my go-to recipes for both casual meals and gatherings. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and satisfying—plus it comes together in just 15 minutes. Whether I’m serving it as a light lunch or a colorful potluck contribution, it never disappoints.

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