Zesty Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe for Fresh Flavors

Dazzling colors and vibrant flavors dance across this delightful asian chicken cranberry salad that promises a culinary adventure.

Tender chunks of succulent chicken blend perfectly with crisp vegetables and tart cranberries.

Sweet and tangy notes create a symphony of taste in every bite.

Crunchy almonds add unexpected texture to this refreshing dish.

The recipe delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and delights the palate.

Packed with protein and bursting with zesty seasonings, this salad transforms an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary experience.

Dive into this delectable creation and savor each mouthwatering forkful.

Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Fresh And Crisp

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange the salad on a large, colorful platter and garnish with extra toasted nuts and fresh cilantro sprigs for a stunning presentation that'll impress guests at potlucks or dinner parties.
• Lunch Box Perfection: Pack the salad components separately in compartments to keep ingredients crisp, then mix just before eating. Add a small container of dressing on the side to prevent sogginess during transport.
• Asian-Inspired Wrap Option: Spoon the chicken salad mixture into large lettuce leaves or rice paper wraps for a low-carb, handheld meal that's light and refreshing. Roll tightly and slice diagonally for elegant appetizer-style bites.
• Quick Protein Bowl Transformation: Convert the salad into a warm grain bowl by serving over quinoa or brown rice. Top with the chilled chicken mixture and drizzle with extra dressing for a satisfying, nutritious meal that works for lunch or dinner.

Store Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad The Easy Way

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, keeping crisp ingredients like coleslaw mix and nuts away from wet ingredients to maintain optimal texture.
• Dressing Separation Technique: Keep dressing in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and enabling easy meal prep for multiple servings.
• Smart Protein Management: Cook and chop chicken in advance, storing in sealed containers for 3-4 days, which streamlines assembly and reduces daily preparation time.
• Freshness Maintenance Trick: Add crunchy elements like sesame sticks and nuts just before serving to prevent sogginess, ensuring maximum crispness and delightful textural contrast in each bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything You’ll Need For Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Coleslaw Mix: Provides a crisp, crunchy foundation with a nutritious blend of shredded cabbage and carrots.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the salad.

• Almonds or Cashews: Delivers a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone, best when lightly toasted for enhanced aroma.
• Dried Cranberries: Introduces a sweet-tart burst of flavor that complements the savory chicken.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, zesty bite and vibrant color to the salad.
• Sesame Sticks: Provides an extra layer of crunch and toasty sesame flavor.
• Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
• Mandarin Oranges: Offers juicy sweetness and a tropical touch.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkles a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Creates a smooth, rich base for the dressing with heart-healthy benefits.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and balances the sweetness of other ingredients.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness that ties the flavors together.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic kick to the dressing.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Brings natural sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Ginger: Contributes a warm, spicy undertone with a refreshing zip.

Tools To Toss Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Smoothly

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing and assembling all salad ingredients.
• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, well-combined dressing.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping chicken, cilantro, red onion, and other ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise and clean ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure dressing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for measuring oil, vinegar, and other liquid components.
• Spatula or Tongs: Great for gently tossing and mixing salad ingredients with dressing.

Step-By-Step Guide For Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Salad Base

Create a colorful foundation in a large bowl by combining crispy coleslaw mix as the primary layer. Sprinkle generously with tender chicken pieces for protein and texture.

• Flavor Boosters

Enhance the salad with a vibrant mix of crunchy nuts, sweet cranberries, zesty red onion, and optional sesame sticks. Scatter fresh cilantro across the top for a bright, herbal touch. Add mandarin oranges for a sweet surprise.

• Dressing Magic

Whip up a silky smooth dressing by blending olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and toasted sesame oil until perfectly combined. The key is creating a harmonious balance of tangy, sweet, and rich flavors.

• Final Flourish

Gently cascade the dressing over the salad, using a light tossing motion to ensure every ingredient gets a delicious coating. Sprinkle sesame seeds as a final garnish. Serve immediately to maintain the perfect crunch and freshness.

Ideas To Switch Up Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

• Perfect Crunch Technique: Toast nuts on a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crispy texture without using additional oil.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken and dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance, keeping ingredients chilled to maintain freshness and save preparation time.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu, edamame, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that delivers similar protein and keeps the Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensure sesame sticks are gluten-free, and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free dietary requirements for sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip mandarin oranges and sesame sticks, replace coleslaw mix with mixed greens or baby spinach, and reduce honey to create a lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains delicious taste.

Vibrant Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Savory Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combines sweet and tangy flavors from crisp vegetables and tender chicken. Fresh ingredients and zesty dressing create a light, refreshing meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Compose Salad Base: Layer coleslaw mix in a large mixing bowl, creating a crisp foundational canvas for the ensemble of ingredients.
2. Layer Proteins and Textures: Distribute shredded chicken, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame sticks, and cilantro across the coleslaw, ensuring an intricate balance of flavors and textures.
3. Craft Dressing: Blend extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and water until achieving a smooth, glossy emulsion.
4. Integrate and Garnish: Drizzle dressing over the salad, gently tossing to coat ingredients evenly, then sprinkle sesame seeds for a final aromatic and visual flourish.
5. Serve Immediately: Present the salad at the peak of its crisp, vibrant character, allowing the harmonious medley of flavors to captivate the palate.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Quality: Select freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption, shredding meat into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
• Customize Nut Crunch: Toast nuts separately to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent soggy texture; choose between almonds or cashews based on personal preference or dietary restrictions.
• Balance Dressing Consistency: Adjust liquid ratio by adding water gradually during blending to achieve perfect emulsion; taste and modify sweetness with honey or vinegar for personalized flavor profile.
• Maintain Salad Freshness: Prepare dressing and chop ingredients separately, combining just before serving to preserve crisp textures and prevent wilting of coleslaw mix and herbs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg