Description
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a go-to option for light lunches, hearty dinners, or shared meals. With the crunch of coleslaw mix, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the zest of mandarin oranges, every bite is bursting with vibrant flavors. Tossed in a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of texture and taste that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 cups coleslaw mix (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 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
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame sticks (if using), chopped cilantro, and mandarin oranges. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
2. Toast the Sesame Seeds
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the sesame seeds until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool before adding them to the salad.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Stir until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
4. Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. Add the toasted sesame seeds and toss once more.
5. Serve
Serve the salad immediately or let it sit in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with additional sesame seeds or cilantro for an extra touch.
Notes
- Adjust ingredient quantities to suit personal preferences or dietary needs.
- For a crunchier texture, add sesame sticks just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- To balance flavors, use freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in place of balsamic vinegar if desired.
- Dried cranberries can be swapped for raisins or chopped dried apricots for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Asian-inspired