Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad: The Ultimate Salad Recipe
Introduction to Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Are you looking for a fresh, flavorful salad that combines the crunch of coleslaw with the savory taste of chicken? Look no further than this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad! It’s a delightful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this salad offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
A Personal Story Behind My Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Journey
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering where everyone brought their favorite dish. My cousin served this vibrant salad, and it was an instant hit! The combination of sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and tender chicken made it a standout. Ever since, I’ve made it my go-to recipe for potlucks and summer picnics, and it always brings back fond memories of those family gatherings.
What Makes This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe Special?
What sets this salad apart is its versatility and the unique fusion of Asian flavors with classic salad ingredients. The toasted almonds or cashews add a delightful crunch, while the dried cranberries provide a sweet contrast. Plus, the homemade dressing, featuring garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, elevates the salad to a whole new level. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!
The Full Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
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 cups dried cranberries (such as Orange Cranberries from Trader Joe’s)
- ¾ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional, found in the bulk aisle at the grocery store)
- 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 (regular or white)
- 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
- In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, chopped chicken, almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (if using), and cilantro. Add the mandarin oranges if desired for a sweet touch.
- In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil. Add 3 tablespoons of water to help blend the ingredients smoothly. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Lightly drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture according to your preference for moisture. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to crush the ingredients. You may have some dressing left over, which can be stored in the refrigerator for later use.
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is incredibly versatile! Consider serving it as a main dish or a side salad at your next barbecue or family gathering. You can also modify the recipe by adding your favorite nuts or seeds to tailor it to your taste. For a bit of zing, try adding a splash of lime juice or slices of avocado for creaminess. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, this salad is packed with nutrients! It contains lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the nuts, and plenty of vitamins from the fresh vegetables.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to swap the nuts for your favorites or use different fruits such as apples or grapes. Just remember to maintain the balance of flavors for the best results.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 450
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 cups coleslaw mix
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
- 1.5 cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- 1.5 cups dried cranberries
- 0.75 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional) Found in the bulk aisle at the grocery store
- 1.5 cups chopped cilantro
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 0.25 cup black sesame seeds or regular sesame seeds
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar Regular or white
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, chopped chicken, almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (if using), and cilantro. Add the mandarin oranges if desired for a sweet touch.
- In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil. Add 3 tablespoons of water to help blend the ingredients smoothly. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Lightly drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture according to your preference for moisture. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to crush the ingredients. You may have some dressing left over, which can be stored in the refrigerator for later use.
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.