Zesty Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe for Fresh Flavor

Tossing together a vibrant Asian chicken cranberry salad creates an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among crisp greens offer a delightful protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Bright cranberries add a surprising burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken.

Crunchy almonds provide delightful texture while sesame seeds sprinkle in an authentic Asian-inspired touch.

The light, zesty dressing ties everything together with a tangy embrace that makes each bite irresistible.

Fresh herbs and a delicate balance of ingredients guarantee this salad will become your new mealtime favorite.

This recipe promises to revolutionize your salad game with its bold, refreshing combination of flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Coleslaw Mix: Crunchy foundation that adds texture and freshness to the salad.
• Chicken: Lean protein that transforms the salad into a satisfying meal, choose rotisserie or grilled chicken for convenience.

• Almonds, Cashews: Provide delightful nutty crunch and healthy fats.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.
• Sesame Sticks: Optional crispy element for extra texture.

• Cranberries: Brings vibrant color and tart sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Mandarin Oranges: Optional juicy burst of citrusy freshness.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, zesty bite and crisp texture.
• Cilantro: Provides bright, herbal notes and aromatic complexity.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps emulsify the dressing.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds rich, tangy depth.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the dressing.
• Ginger: Introduces warm, spicy undertone.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes distinctive nutty aroma.
• Water: Helps adjust dressing consistency.

Equipment Essentials for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, well-mixed dressing with all the flavorful ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining and tossing all salad components together.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion out liquids and small quantities of ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise measurements for dressing and salad ingredients.
• Knife: Needed for chopping cilantro and red onion.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Make a Fresh Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Salad Foundation

Create a colorful base using coleslaw mix, spreading it evenly across a large serving bowl.

• Protein and Crunch Layer

Sprinkle shredded chicken on top of the coleslaw, then add a generous handful of toasted nuts for delightful texture.

• Flavor Boosters

Scatter bright red cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and a pinch of sesame seeds across the salad for vibrant bursts of color and taste.

• Fresh Herb Finish

Chop fresh cilantro and delicately distribute over the salad. Optional: Include sweet mandarin orange segments for extra zest.

• Magical Dressing

Blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, grated ginger, and sesame oil until smooth and silky.

• Final Touch

Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient gets coated with deliciousness. Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of flavors.

Flavor Ideas for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Swap traditional nuts like almonds or cashews with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Replace chicken with grilled tofu, shredded turkey, or seared salmon to create unique protein variations that suit different dietary preferences.
• Prepare dressing and chop ingredients separately, storing them in sealed containers to keep salad components crisp and fresh for up to 2 days before serving.
• Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra kick of heat that transforms the salad's flavor complexity without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Experiment with seasonal fruits like mandarin oranges, diced apples, or fresh berries to enhance the salad's natural sweetness and provide additional nutritional variety.

Serving Suggestions for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Plate with Colorful Garnish: Sprinkle extra toasted almonds and fresh cilantro on top to add visual appeal and crunch.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or warm naan bread to make the salad a complete meal.
• Customize with Fresh Additions: Add sliced avocado or mandarin oranges for extra flavor and nutritional boost.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before eating to let flavors meld and enhance the overall taste experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the salad and dressing separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy ingredients. Refrigerate the dressing in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance, keeping components separate until ready to assemble. Nuts and seeds can be toasted and stored in sealed containers for added crunch.
• Portion for Freshness: Divide salad into individual meal-prep containers, adding dressing just before eating to keep ingredients vibrant and crisp. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Freeze Dressing Easily: Pour extra dressing into ice cube trays and freeze for future use. Pop out frozen dressing cubes and store in freezer bags, allowing quick defrosting for quick salad dressing needs.

Vibrant Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combines zesty flavors for quick weeknight dinners. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and tangy cranberries blend seamlessly, providing you a delightful meal in minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
• 12 cups (2 small bags) coleslaw mix
• 1.5 cups toasted sliced almonds, or cashews
• 1.5 cups dried cranberries
• 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
• 1.5 cups chopped cilantro
• 0.75 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
• 0.25 cup black sesame seeds
• 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 tbsps minced ginger
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 tbsps honey or brown sugar
• 2 tsps toasted sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Salad Foundation: Layer the coleslaw mix as a crisp base in a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant canvas for the salad.
2. Protein and Crunch Layer: Distribute shredded chicken evenly, then sprinkle almonds and cashews across the surface to introduce textural contrast.
3. Flavor Amplification: Disperse dried cranberries, red onion slices, sesame seeds, and optional sesame sticks throughout the salad, generating visual appeal and complex taste profiles.
4. Herbal Accent: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and optional mandarin orange segments to elevate the dish’s brightness and citrus undertones.
5. Dressing Preparation: Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil in a blender, pulsing until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
6. Final Assembly: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating, then serve immediately with additional dressing reserved for individual preferences.

Notes

• Customize Crunch: Swap or mix nuts based on personal preference or pantry availability for unique texture variations.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Cook chicken and chop ingredients in advance to streamline last-minute assembly and reduce total preparation time.
• Dressing Versatility: Extra dressing can be stored up to 5 days refrigerated, making it perfect for meal prepping and quick lunch additions.
• Balance Flavor Profile: Adjust honey or vinegar quantities to control sweetness and tanginess according to individual taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg