Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad: A Fusion of Flavors
This vibrant Asian Chicken Cranary Salad recipe combines the robust flavors of the East with the sweet, tangy nuances of Western ingredients, creating a delightful fusion that tantalizes the palate. Perfect for a quick lunch or a festive gathering, this salad is both nutritious and wonderfully satisfying. Here’s how to bring this colorful dish to your table.
Ingredients
- Coleslaw Mix: 12 cups (approximately 2 small bags)
- Rotisserie Chicken: 4 cups, finely chopped
- Nuts: 1 ½ cups of toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- Dried Cranberries: 1 ½ cups
- Red Onion: ¾ cup, finely diced
- Sesame Sticks: 1 cup (optional)
- Cilantro: 1 ½ cups, chopped
- Mandarin Oranges: 1-2 small cans, drained
- Black Sesame Seeds: ¼ cup
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: 1 cup
- Balsamic Vinegar: ½ cup
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 4 Tbsp.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, chopped
- Honey or Brown Sugar: 4 Tbsp.
- Minced Ginger: 4 Tbsp.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 2 tsp.
Directions
- Prepare the Salad Base: Begin by layering the coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Add the chopped chicken, almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, black sesame seeds, optional sesame sticks, and chopped cilantro. Top with drained mandarin oranges for a burst of citrus.
- Make the Dressing: In a blender, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil. To help blend smoothly, add 3 tablespoons of water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle the freshly blended dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch of the nuts and coleslaw mix.
Nutritional Insights
This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Chicken provides high-quality protein, while almonds or cashews add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. The cranberries are a great source of antioxidants, and the array of vegetables contributes essential vitamins and minerals.
Preparation and Serving Tips
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of olive oil and nuts. Additionally, consider adding other ingredients like chopped bell peppers or avocado for more texture and flavor. This salad is perfect as a standalone meal or as a side dish for a larger dinner party.
Enjoy your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, a dish that promises a delightful blend of flavors and textures with every bite!
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is your ticket to a refreshing and satisfying meal that combines the natural sweetness of cranberries with the savory richness of rotisserie chicken. Packed with crunchy almonds, vibrant cilantro, and juicy mandarin oranges, each bite offers a burst of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a healthy lunch or a light dinner.
Ideal for those on the go, this salad can be prepared ahead of time, ensuring a delicious and nutritious meal is always at hand. Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck or just want a simple and tasty meal solution, this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad promises not only to nourish but also to delight your taste buds.
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
Layer the coleslaw mix in a large bowl with chicken, almonds, cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks, and cilantro. Add mandarin oranges.
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, toss gently, and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes