Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The fresh vegetables, fruits, and chicken will lose their appealing texture when thawed—enjoy this salad fresh for the best results!

How long does the salad last in the fridge?

This salad stays fresh for 2–3 days in an airtight container. For the best texture, keep crunchy add-ins (like sesame sticks and nuts) separate until just before serving.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Definitely! While balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic) gives a rich tang, apple cider vinegar is a fantastic alternative and will brighten up the dressing. Rice vinegar or red wine vinegar work too, so feel free to use your favorite.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari). Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check any store-bought add-ins like sesame sticks if you need to avoid gluten completely.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu for protein, or just increase the amount of nuts and seeds for crunch and heartiness. Swap honey for maple syrup or agave in the dressing for a 100% plant-based meal.

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad: Delicious Power Salad Recipe

Name: The Most Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad: How To Make It
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups); 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped; 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews; 1 ½ cup dried cranberries (Orange Cranberries from Trader Joe’s recommended); ¾ cup red onion, finely diced; 1 cup sesame sticks (optional); 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro; 1-2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained; ¼ cup black or regular sesame seeds; 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil; ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white); 4 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped; 4 Tbsp honey or brown sugar; 4 Tbsp minced ginger; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 3 Tbsp water (for blending dressing)

Description

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish combining crunchy coleslaw, savory rotisserie chicken, sweet cranberries, toasted nuts, and fresh cilantro—all tossed in a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. It’s ideal for potlucks, lunches, or a light dinner, and can be prepped ahead for convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups)
4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews
1 ½ cup dried cranberries (Orange Cranberries from Trader Joe’s recommended)
¾ cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
1-2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
¼ cup black or regular sesame seeds
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
4 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
4 Tbsp honey or brown sugar
4 Tbsp minced ginger
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
3 Tbsp water (for blending dressing)

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Instructions

Layer the coleslaw mix in a large bowl.
Top with chopped rotisserie chicken, almonds or cashews, cranberries, diced red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (if using), and chopped cilantro.
Add mandarin oranges if desired and set the bowl aside.
In a blender, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, sesame oil, and water.
Blend until the dressing is completely smooth.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to your desired moisture level.
Gently toss to combine and serve immediately. You may have leftover dressing.

Notes

You can whisk the dressing if you don’t have a blender.
Bring the salad and dressing separately to potlucks and toss before serving to avoid sogginess.
Customize with your favorite nuts or omit the sesame sticks if unavailable.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 420
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 23g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 40mg