Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. With rotisserie chicken, dried cranberries, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing, it’s the perfect salad for a quick and easy meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a healthy, flavorful dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy days when you want something fast but delicious.
• Flavorful & Nutritious: A combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a sweet-tangy dressing.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or side salad, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 12 cups coleslaw mix: Provides a crunchy base (about 2 small bags).
• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped: Adds protein and savory flavor.
• 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews: Adds crunch and nuttiness.
• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries: Adds a sweet-tart flavor.
• ¾ cup red onion, finely diced: Adds sharpness and color.
• 1 cup sesame sticks (optional): Adds extra crunch and flavor.
• 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro: Adds freshness and an herby flavor.
• 1-2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained: Adds a sweet and citrusy touch.
• ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds): Adds texture and a nutty flavor.

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing, rich and smooth.
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar: Adds acidity and a slight sweetness.
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and a salty balance.
• 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped: Adds bold flavor.
• 4 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar): Sweetens the dressing.
• 4 tablespoons minced ginger: Adds warmth and a slight spiciness.
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Adds a deep, nutty flavor.

Directions:

1. Prepare the Salad:

• In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, chopped chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame sticks (if using), and chopped cilantro.
• Add the mandarin oranges if desired for a burst of citrusy sweetness.

2. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey (or brown sugar), minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil until well combined.

3. Toss and Serve:

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
• Garnish with black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds) for added texture and flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serve Immediately: This salad is best served fresh, so the crunchy elements remain crispy.
• Storage: If you plan to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate and toss it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• Customization: Feel free to add other toppings like sliced avocado, grilled shrimp, or even swap the chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion:

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is not only quick and easy but also bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe! Enjoy this refreshing and filling dish, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for more delicious recipes. If you love this one, be sure to stay tuned for more tasty ideas coming your way!