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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

4.5 from 23 reviews

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Crunchy cabbage and carrots, tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and toasty almonds or cashews are tossed in a tangy sesame dressing. A perfect balance of savory and sweet, this salad is a refreshing meal on its own or a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Coleslaw Mix:

  • 12 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)

Chicken:

  • 4 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)

Cranberries:

  • 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries

Nuts:

  • 1 1/2 cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews

Red Onion:

  • 3/4 cup finely diced red onion

Sesame Sticks:

  • 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)

Cilantro:

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh cilantro

Mandarin Oranges:

  • 1 cup canned mandarin oranges (drained, optional)

Dressing:

  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic)
  • 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 23 tablespoons water to thin

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix coleslaw, chicken, cranberries, nuts, red onion, sesame sticks, cilantro, and mandarin oranges if using.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water.
  3. Toss and Serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad, toss to coat, and serve immediately or chill briefly to meld flavors.

Notes

  • For added crunch and depth, toast your nuts just before using.
  • The salad can be made a few hours ahead, but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
  • To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add edamame or crispy tofu.

Nutrition