Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner. Packed with crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe!
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 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
- 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
Directions:
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix with finely chopped rotisserie chicken.
- Add toasted sliced almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, and black sesame seeds.
- If desired, include sesame sticks for extra crunch.
- Top with chopped cilantro and mandarin oranges.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a blender, combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil.
- Add 3 tablespoons of water to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Extra dressing can be stored for future use.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both healthy and delicious. The combination of savory chicken, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch for yourself or a meal for your family, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the crunchiness that makes every bite delightful!
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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combines the rich flavors of the East with the tart sweetness of cranberries, creating a delightful mix of textures and tastes. This salad is not only visually appealing with its colorful components but also packs a nutritional punch. Perfect for those seeking a light yet satisfying meal, it’s ideal for any occasion, whether a casual lunch or part of a festive dinner spread.
This salad’s ease of preparation makes it a favorite among home cooks who want to whip up something quick yet impressive. With ingredients like rotisserie chicken and pre-mixed coleslaw, it’s a practical choice that doesn’t compromise on taste. The optional additions like sesame sticks and mandarin oranges allow for customization to cater to different palates or occasions, making each serving unique.
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
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
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
In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix with chicken, almonds or cashews, cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (optional), and chopped cilantro. Add mandarin oranges if desired.
In a blender, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil. Add 3 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture as desired. Toss gently to combine and serve. Extra dressing can be stored for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes