Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It combines hearty ingredients with a refreshing dressing, making it a perfect meal for lunch or a light dinner. This salad is not just healthy but also quick to prepare, which makes it a popular choice among busy home cooks.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. First, it is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and fruits. Second, using rotisserie chicken saves time, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Lastly, the combination of ingredients creates a unique flavor that is sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Making Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is easy and straightforward. You just need to follow a few simple steps to create a delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ 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
- 1 ½ 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
- 1 ½ cup dried cranberries
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds, mandarin oranges, cilantro, red onion, and garlic.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and minced ginger to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, add the dried cranberries and sesame seeds, and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve chilled.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
You can serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad as a main dish or a side. It is great for lunch, picnics, or potlucks. For a vibrant presentation, consider garnishing the salad with extra cilantro or sesame sticks.
How to Store Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
To store leftover salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It is best when eaten within 2-3 days. If you know you won’t eat it all right away, you can keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients.
Tips to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to the dressing.
- You can substitute the dried cranberries with fresh blueberries or pomegranate seeds for a different twist.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can easily modify this salad by using different proteins like grilled shrimp or tofu. You can also experiment with other nuts or seeds, depending on your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to season it well to enhance the flavor.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce. Be sure to check the labels of the ingredients you use.
3. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve for the best taste and texture.
