If you’re looking for a salad that combines a variety of textures and a burst of flavors, then Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is the perfect choice. This vibrant and nutritious salad brings together the crunch of coleslaw mix, the savory taste of rotisserie chicken, and the sweetness of dried cranberries and mandarin oranges. Enhanced with toasted almonds or cashews, sesame sticks, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing, this salad is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish, this salad is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 cups coleslaw mix (2 small bags)
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups of toasted almond slices or cashew pieces
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
- 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 sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds)
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 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
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salad Base In a large mixing bowl, combine 12 cups of coleslaw mix and 4 cups of finely chopped rotisserie chicken. Add 1 ½ cups of toasted sliced almonds or cashews, 1 ½ cups of dried cranberries, and ¾ cup of finely diced red onion. If using, also add 1 cup of sesame sticks for extra crunch. Combine the ingredients, tossing them gently until they are thoroughly mixed.
2. Add Fresh Ingredients Fold in 1 ½ cups of chopped cilantro and the drained mandarin oranges (1-2 small cans). Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking the delicate mandarin segments. Sprinkle ¼ cup of black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds) over the salad for a touch of nutty flavor and visual appeal.
3. Prepare the Dressing In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, ½ cup of balsamic vinegar, 4 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 3-4 chopped garlic cloves, 4 tablespoons of honey (or brown sugar), 4 tablespoons of minced ginger, and 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil. Whisk until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
4. Dress the Salad Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. The dressing will add a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that complement the salad ingredients beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy Transfer the dressed salad to a serving bowl or platter. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture. This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or as a flavorful side dish to accompany your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Conclusion
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish for any occasion. The combination of crunchy coleslaw, tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and juicy mandarin oranges, all tied together with a zesty Asian-inspired dressing, creates a salad that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch, a light dinner, or a vibrant side dish, this salad offers a delicious and healthy option that is sure to impress. Enjoy the fusion of tastes and the burst of colors in every bite of this exquisite salad!