Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that beautifully balances savory and sweet flavors. Packed with crunchy textures and hearty ingredients, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome meal option. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing for a potluck, or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, this salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s a go-to recipe that showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something utterly delightful.
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the many reasons to whip up Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is its incredible versatility. This dish is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute occasions. Using rotisserie chicken means you save time on cooking, allowing you to toss everything together in about 20 minutes. Plus, the combination of crunchy coleslaw with sweet dried cranberries adds a burst of flavor that will please both kids and adults alike.
"I tried this salad for a family BBQ, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the mix of textures and flavors—it was the perfect side dish!"
How this recipe comes together
Making Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is an effortless process that anyone can master. Start with your base of crunchy coleslaw mix; it gives the salad its delightful crunch. Add in finely chopped rotisserie chicken for protein, toasted almonds or cashews for richness, and sweet, chewy cranberries for a pop of flavor. The step-by-step process is as follows:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix, chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and diced red onion.
- Toss everything until it’s all well combined.
- For extra zing, consider adding a dressing—like a sesame vinaigrette—to elevate the flavors.
- Serve immediately or chill it for a while to let the flavors meld together.
What you’ll need
To prepare this enticing salad, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups)
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews (your choice)
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (preferably Orange Cranberries for extra zest)
- 3/4 cup red onion, finely diced
These ingredients balance each other perfectly, but feel free to make substitutions. For instance, you can swap out the nuts based on your preference or diet.
