This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines fresh coleslaw mix, juicy rotisserie chicken, and a medley of sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients. Perfect as a main course or side dish, it’s a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, highlighted by a rich sesame-ginger dressing.
The toasted almonds or cashews add a delightful crunch, while the dried cranberries and mandarin oranges bring a burst of sweetness. The soy sauce and balsamic dressing ties everything together with its zesty, umami flavor. Ideal for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Burst of Flavors: Sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.
• Crunchy and Fresh: A perfect mix of textures from nuts, sesame sticks, and crisp coleslaw.
• Quick and Easy: Rotisserie chicken makes it a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
• 12 cups coleslaw mix (about 2 small bags)
• 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 fresh cilantro
• 1-2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
• ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds)
For the Dressing:
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 4 tablespoons minced ginger
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad
1. In a large mixing bowl, layer the coleslaw mix as the base.
2. Add the chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, diced red onion, and sesame sticks if desired.
3. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro evenly over the mixture.
4. Gently fold in the mandarin oranges for a pop of sweetness.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
1. In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and toasted sesame oil.
2. Add 3 tablespoons of water to thin the dressing slightly. Blend until smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
1. Lightly pour the prepared dressing over the salad, adjusting the amount to your preferred level of moistness.
2. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring an even coating of the dressing.
3. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad as a garnish before serving.
Tips
• Fresh Herbs: Use freshly chopped cilantro for the best flavor and vibrant color.
• Customize Ingredients: Swap out dried cranberries for raisins or add thinly sliced bell peppers for extra crunch.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the salad and dressing separately, then toss together just before serving to keep it crisp.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain crispness.
• Meal Prep: Prep the ingredients and store them separately. Combine just before serving for maximum freshness.
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to impress with its vibrant presentation and bold taste. Enjoy a bowlful of this salad for a healthy, satisfying meal!
