This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a bright, crunchy, flavor-packed dish that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite. It’s loaded with fresh coleslaw mix, tender rotisserie chicken, toasty almonds, tart cranberries, red onion, and fresh cilantro — all tossed in a zesty sesame-ginger dressing. Optional mandarin oranges and sesame sticks add even more texture and color, making this salad a total crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- 🕒 Ready in just 15 minutes — no cooking required!
- 🍗 Uses rotisserie chicken for easy prep and delicious flavor.
- 🥗 Fresh, crunchy, and perfect for make-ahead meals.
- 🌿 Customizable with your favorite nuts, fruit, or protein swaps.
The first time I made this salad, it was for a neighborhood potluck. It disappeared in minutes — and before the night was over, I had three recipe requests! Ever since, it’s become my go-to “wow” salad for everything from meal prep lunches to family gatherings.
Ingredients
🥬 Salad Base
- 12 cups coleslaw mix (about 2 small bags)
- 4 cups finely chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries (orange-flavored ones are amazing!)
- ¾ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional but fun for crunch)
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh cilantro
- 1–2 cans mandarin oranges, drained
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (black or white)
🥣 Dressing
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons water, for blending
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
1. Prepare the base:
Add the coleslaw mix to a large salad bowl. This will form the crunchy foundation that holds up beautifully under the dressing.
2. Layer the mix-ins:
Top with chopped chicken, toasted nuts, cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, cilantro, sesame sticks, and mandarin oranges. Keeping everything layered until the end helps preserve the crispness.
3. Blend the dressing:
In a blender, combine olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, sesame oil, and water. Blend for 30–45 seconds until smooth and creamy.
4. Toss and serve:
Pour dressing over the salad gradually — just enough to coat the ingredients lightly. Toss gently to combine, and reserve extra dressing for serving on the side.
Tips & Tricks
- Toast your nuts and seeds for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Massage the slaw before mixing — it softens slightly and helps absorb the dressing.
- Add avocado right before serving for a creamy, rich finish.
- Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead Magic
This salad gets even better after chilling for a bit — the flavors mingle while the slaw stays crisp. For meal prep or entertaining:
- Keep the dressing, salad base, and crunchy toppings separate.
- Combine about 30 minutes before serving for the perfect balance of freshness and flavor.
Ingredient Swaps
- Protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or turkey instead of chicken.
- Nuts: Substitute sunflower seeds or pepitas for a nut-free option.
- Fruit: Dried cherries, apricots, or raisins all work well.
- Greens: Swap coleslaw mix for napa cabbage or shredded romaine.
Serving Ideas
- Serve in butter lettuce cups for hand-held appetizers.
- Spoon over rice or soba noodles for a full meal.
- Use as a wrap or pita filling for easy lunches.
- Present on a large platter with crispy wontons for scooping at parties.
Cultural Inspiration
This salad beautifully blends Asian-inspired flavors like soy, sesame, and ginger with American classics such as cranberries and balsamic vinegar. It’s fusion done right — refreshing, balanced, and just a little unexpected.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Shrimp, tofu, or even leftover turkey all work perfectly.
→ How far ahead can I make the dressing?
You can make it up to 3 days in advance — just refrigerate and shake before using.
→ What’s a good substitute for sesame sticks?
Crushed pretzels or crispy chow mein noodles give a similar crunch.
→ How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Add the dressing only right before serving, and keep toppings like nuts or sesame sticks separate until the end.
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad filled with rotisserie chicken, cranberries, toasted almonds, and sesame-ginger dressing — a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍴 Total Time: 20 minutes
👩🍳 Yield: 8 servings
🥢 Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
🌿 Diet: Dairy-Free