Description

Looking for a delicious and satisfying salad recipe that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. Packed with vibrant ingredients and tossed in a tantalizing dressing, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this irresistible dish!

Ingredients

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)
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:

Layer coleslaw mix, chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame seeds, optional sesame sticks, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Add mandarin oranges for an extra burst of flavor if desired.

2. Make the Dressing:

In a blender, combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil.
Add 3 tablespoons of water to the blender and blend until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.

3. Combine Salad and Dressing:

Lightly pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture to your desired level of moistness.
Gently toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing and ingredients.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy the refreshing flavors of this Asian-inspired salad!

Notes

1. Perfect Presentation:

Serve the salad in a large, attractive bowl or on individual plates to showcase its vibrant colors and enticing ingredients. Garnish with additional cilantro or sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance.

2. Serve Chilled:

For optimal taste and texture, serve the salad chilled. You can refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to chill.

3. Ideal Accompaniments:

Pair the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes such as grilled teriyaki chicken, sesame tofu, or vegetable spring rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.

4. Meal Prep Made Easy:

Consider prepping the salad ingredients in advance and storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This allows for quick and convenient assembly when you’re ready to enjoy the salad.

5. Dressing Dos and Don’ts:

While the salad dressing adds delicious flavor, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. Serve any extra dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.

6. Storage Solutions:

If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the salad may become slightly wilted as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

7. Rejuvenate and Refresh:

If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, you can freshen it up by adding a drizzle of additional dressing or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.

8. Portion Control:

If you’re serving the salad for a crowd, consider portioning it into individual containers or serving bowls to ensure everyone gets a fair share and to make cleanup a breeze.

9. Creative Leftovers:

Repurpose any leftover salad into wraps, sandwiches, or rice bowls for a delicious and nutritious meal on the go. The flavors will continue to develop, making for a tasty lunch or snack option.

10. Enjoy Freshness:

Enjoy the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad as soon as possible to savor its crispness and flavor. Sharing this delightful salad with loved ones is the perfect way to celebrate good food and good company!