Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad: A Sweet and Savory Potluck Favorite

Crunchy, sweet, and ready in just 20 minutes, this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a must-try for any home cook. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing salad perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or make-ahead lunches. Juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp coleslaw mix, sweet dried cranberries, and mandarin oranges come together with a bold, homemade sesame ginger dressing that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this salad delivers.

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Why You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

The Story Behind This Salad

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This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad was born on a rainy afternoon in my Ohio kitchen. I was craving something simple but vibrant a dish that felt refreshing yet hearty. While browsing the grocery store, I spotted a rotisserie chicken and a bag of coleslaw mix. Instantly, I knew exactly what I wanted to create.

Back at home, with Luna, my curious Ragdoll cat, lounging nearby, I got to work. I tossed shredded chicken with crisp slaw, juicy mandarin oranges, tangy cranberries, and crunchy almonds. The star, however, was the homemade sesame ginger dressing rich, zesty, and just the right touch of sweetness. As I took my first bite, I knew this was something special. It became an instant favorite in my house, and soon enough, it became a recipe I shared on Recipes Spoon.

If you enjoy dishes like my Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken or crave seafood options like the Artichoke Parmesan Tilapia Recipe, this salad will surely earn a spot on your table.

Flavorful, Fuss-Free & Fantastic

Here’s why this salad will become your go-to favorite:

• Ready in just minutes with rotisserie chicken and coleslaw mix.
• Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
• Crunchy texture with every bite from almonds, sesame sticks, and cabbage.
• Easy to adapt for different diets gluten-free, nut-free, or even vegetarian.

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is more than just a quick meal it’s an exciting dish bursting with color, crunch, and bold, irresistible flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Creating the perfect Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that work together in harmony. This salad is all about fresh textures, sweet and savory notes, and a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Crunch, Sweetness & Protein

The base of this salad features coleslaw mix as the crunchy foundation, giving it plenty of refreshing cabbage flavor. For protein, tender rotisserie chicken is finely chopped, making this dish hearty enough for a meal. The addition of dried cranberries offers a burst of sweetness, balanced by the juicy pop of mandarin oranges.

Toasted almonds or cashews bring a warm, nutty crunch, while thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, zesty bite. For even more texture, sesame sticks (optional but delightful) are sprinkled on top. Freshly chopped cilantro rounds everything out with a bright, herbal finish. A sprinkle of sesame seeds black or regular gives the salad an authentic Asian-inspired touch.

Homemade Sesame Ginger Dressing

What truly elevates this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is its bold homemade sesame ginger dressing. It’s rich, tangy, and layered with flavors that perfectly tie the salad together. You’ll love how the nutty richness, bright acidity, and subtle sweetness come together effortlessly.

The base starts with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for smooth texture and tang. Low-sodium soy sauce provides salty umami depth, while garlic and fresh ginger add warmth and boldness. Honey or brown sugar balances everything with a hint of sweetness, and toasted sesame oil brings that signature nutty finish essential in Asian-inspired salads.

Here’s a detailed comparison of each ingredient in the dressing:

Ingredient	Flavor Profile & Purpose	Best Substitutions
Sesame Oil	Nutty, rich; adds authentic Asian flavor	Walnut oil or omit for lighter taste
Soy Sauce	Savory, salty; adds umami depth	Tamari (gluten-free) or Coconut Aminos (soy-free)
Ginger & Garlic	Fresh, sharp, aromatic; adds zing and warmth	Ground ginger/garlic powder in small amounts
Honey / Brown Sugar	Sweetness; balances acidity and saltiness	Maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan option
Balsamic Vinegar	Tangy, slightly sweet; adds acidity and complexity	Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for lighter acidity
Olive Oil	Smooth, rich; emulsifies and adds body	Avocado oil or grapeseed oil for neutral flavor

This comparative table not only helps readers understand each ingredient’s role but also empowers them to customize the dressing easily based on what’s in their pantry or their dietary needs.

For more healthy and satisfying meals, check out the Sweet Potato Burger Bowl Recipe or the protein-packed Ground Beef Protein Bowl.

How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Step 1: Make the Sesame Ginger Dressing

In a blender or jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine:

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 tablespoons fresh minced ginger
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Blend or shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Pro Tip: For the creamiest dressing, let it rest for 10 minutes after blending to allow the flavors to meld together. This makes the dressing even more balanced and rich.

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Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Chop or shred 4 cups of rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toast 1½ cups of sliced almonds or cashews in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.

In a large bowl, combine:

• 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups)
• The chopped chicken
• 1½ cups dried cranberries
• ¾ cup finely diced red onion
• 1½ cups chopped cilantro
• 1 to 2 cans of drained mandarin oranges
• Toasted nuts
• 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
• ¼ cup sesame seeds (black or regular)

Pro Tip: Toasting nuts awakens their natural oils, creating a deeper, richer flavor that makes a huge difference in the final salad.

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Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until well coated.

If you’re prepping this ahead of time, store the dressing and sesame sticks separately and mix them in just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.

For more quick and satisfying meal ideas, try my Avocado Toast with Scrambled Egg or spice things up with this Greek Yogurt Sriracha Sauce.

Expert Tips, Substitutions & Make-Ahead Options

This salad isn’t just tasty it’s incredibly versatile and easy to customize. With a few simple tweaks, you can adjust it to suit any gathering or dietary preference while keeping that signature crunch and flavor.

Best Tips for Success

• Use fresh ginger and garlic in the dressing for the most vibrant, bold flavor.
• Always toast your nuts. This simple step enhances their natural oils and adds a deeper, richer taste that defines the salad’s irresistible crunch.
• Keep the sesame sticks and dressing separate until just before serving. This keeps every bite crisp and fresh.
• Adjust sweetness by using either honey or brown sugar to match your taste.

Delicious Variations & Substitutions

Here are easy swaps to fit different dietary needs or available ingredients:

Swap Type	Options
Protein	Tofu, shrimp, or grilled chicken
Nut-Free	Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
Dressing Twist	Rice vinegar, white balsamic, or sriracha for spice

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is ideal for meal prep. For maximum crunch, toss the salad with dressing right before serving. You can store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to two days in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine them for the best texture and flavor.

For more refreshing dishes, try the creamy Vegan Fruit Dip or satisfy your sweet tooth with Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. It’s more than just a simple recipe it’s a celebration of bold flavors, fresh crunch, and effortless preparation. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, meal prep, or a quick family dinner, it’s sure to delight.

With its sweet, savory, and tangy notes, this salad offers the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and satisfying taste. The sesame ginger dressing makes every bite shine, creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

So go ahead gather your ingredients, toss up this crunchy, vibrant salad, and enjoy every flavorful forkful. And if you try it, I’d love to hear: What’s your favorite occasion to serve a salad like this?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad