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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combining crunchy coleslaw mix, tender rotisserie chicken, tangy dried cranberries, and a zesty homemade dressing featuring balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Perfect for a light lunch or refreshing dinner, this salad balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with a delightful crunch from almonds and sesame sticks.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 12 cups coleslaw mix (approximately 2 small bags)
  • 4 cups finely chopped rotisserie chicken
  • 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews
  • 1 ½ cups dried cranberries (e.g., orange cranberries from Trader Joe’s)
  • ¾ cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
  • 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
  • ¼ cup black or regular sesame seeds

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
  • 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3–4 cloves chopped garlic
  • 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons minced ginger
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons water (for blending)

Instructions

  1. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, sesame seeds, optional sesame sticks, and chopped cilantro. Add the drained mandarin oranges if desired to enhance the fruity flavor.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, toasted sesame oil, and water. Blend until the dressing is smooth and emulsified, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Combine and Serve: Lightly pour the prepared dressing over the layered salad mixture, adjusting the amount to your preferred moistness. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the salad with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Store any leftover dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotisserie chicken with grilled or baked chicken breast if preferred.
  • Adjust the honey or brown sugar in the dressing according to your sweetness preference.
  • For a nut-free version, omit almonds/cashews and sesame seeds.
  • Adding mandarin oranges is optional but adds a nice citrusy contrast.
  • Mix the salad gently to avoid bruising delicate ingredients like mandarin oranges.
  • This salad can be prepped a few hours in advance, but dress just before serving to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian chicken salad, cranberry salad, easy healthy salad, rotisserie chicken salad, sesame dressing, coleslaw mix salad

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/asian-chicken-cranberry-salad-recipe/