Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salade

When I made this Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, the kitchen smelled fresh and sweet.
The mix of juicy chicken, crisp greens, and tart cranberries made every bite bright and flavorful.
I remember tossing it all together and loving how simple it was—fresh, colorful, and so satisfying.

This salad is light, crunchy, and full of bold flavor.
It’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or quick weeknight meals.

Let’s toss it up together—you’ll love how refreshing and easy it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Assemble: Using rotisserie chicken saves time, making this salad ready in under 20 minutes.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet cranberries and mandarin oranges pair beautifully with savory soy and sesame.
• Satisfying Crunch: Almonds, cashews, and sesame sticks add texture in every bite.
• Great for Meal Prep: The salad stays fresh for days, and the dressing keeps well in the fridge.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This colorful dish works for family dinners, lunch boxes, or gatherings.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people as a main dish or 10-12 as a side salad. Double the ingredients if feeding a crowd.

Difficulty: Easy. Perfect for beginners and anyone short on time.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar for dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredients

This Asian-inspired salad combines fresh vegetables, protein-rich chicken, and crunchy toppings with a homemade sweet and tangy dressing. Each ingredient adds its own special touch to create a balanced, flavorful dish.

For the Salad:

• Coleslaw Mix: A convenient base of shredded cabbage and carrots that adds crunch and color.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken saves time. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
• Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds add a mild, nutty crunch.
• Cashews: These bring a buttery texture and rich flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and chewy, they balance the savory elements.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, fresh bite.
• Sesame Sticks: Crunchy snack sticks that add texture and sesame flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten the whole salad.
• Mandarin Oranges: Drained canned segments add sweet citrus notes.
• Sesame Seeds: A garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle nuttiness.

For the Asian Dressing:

• Olive Oil: The base of the dressing that carries all the flavors.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and tangy sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to the mix.
• Garlic: Minced or pressed for aromatic flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetness that balances the vinegar and soy.
• Brown Sugar: Additional sweetness with a hint of molasses.
• Ginger: Fresh or ground ginger adds warm, spicy notes.
• Sesame Oil: A finishing oil with a distinctive toasted flavor.
• Water: Thins the dressing to the perfect consistency.

Variations for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Add More Veggies: Toss in shredded carrots, edamame, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Try Different Proteins: Use grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of rotisserie chicken.
• Switch the Fruit: Replace cranberries with raisins or dried cherries. Swap mandarin oranges for fresh mango chunks.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dressing for heat.
• Use Different Nuts: Try peanuts, pecans, or walnuts for variety.
• Go Low-Carb: Skip the sesame sticks and add more nuts or seeds instead.

How to Make Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, brown sugar, ginger, sesame oil, and water. Whisk everything together until the honey and sugar dissolve completely. The dressing should be smooth and well blended. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

2. Prep the Salad Ingredients

Place the coleslaw mix in a large mixing bowl. Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the cilantro. Drain the mandarin oranges well to prevent excess liquid.

3. Add the Mix-Ins

Add the almonds, cashews, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the coleslaw and chicken. Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, being careful not to break them apart too much.

4. Toss with Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

5. Add Final Toppings

Just before serving, add the sesame sticks and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. This keeps them crunchy. If you plan to store the salad, keep these toppings separate and add them right before eating.

Serving and Decoration

Serve this salad in a large, shallow bowl to show off the colorful ingredients. For individual servings, use clear glass bowls to display the layers. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.

This salad works as a light main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with wonton soup or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal. For gatherings, serve it alongside grilled meats or other salad options.

The bright colors and varied textures make this dish naturally attractive. The orange mandarin segments, red cranberries, and green cilantro create an appealing presentation without extra effort.

How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

This versatile salad fits many occasions:

• As a Main Dish: The chicken provides protein, making this a complete meal on its own.
• As a Side Salad: Serve alongside grilled salmon, teriyaki chicken, or Asian-style ribs.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the salad into butter lettuce leaves for a fun, hands-on meal.
• With Rice or Noodles: Layer over warm rice or cold noodles for a heartier dish.
• For Potlucks: This salad travels well and always gets compliments.
• In Meal Prep Containers: Pack for work lunches throughout the week.

Storing Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Dressed Salad: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will soften over time but still taste good.
• Undressed Salad: Keep the salad and dressing separate for up to 4 days. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy.
• Dressing Only: Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
• Sesame Sticks: Keep these separate from the salad until serving to maintain their crunch.

Do not freeze this salad, as the vegetables and fruit will become mushy when thawed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Toast Your Nuts: Lightly toast the almonds and cashews in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes. This brings out their flavor and adds extra crunch.
• Dry Your Oranges: Pat the mandarin orange segments with paper towels after draining. This prevents watery dressing.
• Slice Onions Thin: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to get paper-thin red onion slices. They add flavor without overpowering.
• Add Dressing Gradually: Start with half the dressing, toss, and add more as needed. You can always add more but cannot take it away.
• Let It Sit: Allow the dressed salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors blend together.
• Keep It Cold: Chill your serving bowl in the fridge for 15 minutes before assembling. This keeps the salad crisp longer.
• Make It Ahead: Prep all ingredients the night before and store them separately. Assembly takes just minutes.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad FAQs

Conclusion

This Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, sweet fruit, and a tangy homemade dressing creates a satisfying meal that everyone enjoys. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a packed lunch option, or a dish to share at gatherings, this salad delivers every time.

The best part is how flexible this recipe is. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. Make it spicier, add more vegetables, or change up the nuts. Each variation tastes delicious.

Give this salad a try for your next meal. The fresh flavors and satisfying textures will make it a regular in your recipe rotation.