Looking for a refreshing, protein-packed dish that’s as vibrant as it is flavorful? This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is the perfect balance of crunchy textures, tangy sweetness, and savory richness. It’s a fantastic choice for gatherings, meal preps, or as a stand-alone lunch on a busy day. With ingredients like finely chopped rotisserie chicken, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and a hint of mandarin oranges, this salad bursts with flavor. The dressing, made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, and a touch of honey, brings it all together beautifully. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing with colorful cabbage, sesame sticks, and black sesame seeds adding the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a weekday lunch, this salad stands out for its simplicity, versatility, and the unique combination of Asian-inspired ingredients. It’s easy to make and customize with your favorite toppings, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves salads with a twist.
Ingredients (10 servings):
- 1½ cups chopped cilantro
- 4 Tbsp. minced ginger
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (white or regular)
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
- 1½ cups toasted sliced almonds (or cashews)
- 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
- 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular)
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- ¾ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 small bags coleslaw mix (12 cups)
- 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 1½ cup dried cranberries (such as Trader Joe’s Orange Cranberries)
- 4 Tbsp. honey or brown sugar
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, finely chopped chicken, toasted almonds (or cashews), dried cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (if using), and fresh cilantro. Add the mandarin oranges if desired for an extra fruity kick.
- For the dressing, combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth.
- Lightly drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture according to your preferred moisture level. Gently toss everything together, ensuring even coverage of the dressing. You may have some dressing leftover for future use.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors blend together.
Nutritional & Dietary Information:
This salad is high in protein, thanks to the chicken and almonds (or cashews). The cranberries and mandarin oranges add a sweet touch without making it overly sugary, while the low-sodium soy sauce and olive oil keep the dressing heart-healthy. With a variety of textures and flavors, this dish offers a balanced blend of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. It’s also customizable for different dietary preferences—skip the sesame sticks for a gluten-free option or replace almonds with cashews to suit your taste.
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