Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients:
12 cups coleslaw mix (2 small bags)
4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds (or cashews)
1 ½ cups dried cranberries
¾ cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
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
4 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
4 Tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
4 Tbsp minced ginger
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame seeds, optional sesame sticks, and chopped cilantro. Add mandarin oranges for an extra burst of flavor if desired.
Make the Dressing:
In a blender, combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil.
Add 3 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth and well-combined.
Combine Salad and Dressing:
Lightly pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture to your desired level of moistness.
Gently toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing and ingredients.
Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy the refreshing flavors of this Asian-inspired salad!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Perfect Presentation:
Serve the salad in a large, attractive bowl or on individual plates to showcase its vibrant colors and enticing ingredients. Garnish with additional cilantro or sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance.
Serve Chilled:
For optimal taste and texture, serve the salad chilled. You can refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to chill.
Ideal Accompaniments:
Pair the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes such as grilled teriyaki chicken, sesame tofu, or vegetable spring rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.
Meal Prep Made Easy:
Consider prepping the salad ingredients in advance and storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This allows for quick and convenient assembly when you’re ready to enjoy the salad.
Dressing Dos and Don’ts:
While the salad dressing adds delicious flavor, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. Serve any extra dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.
Storage Solutions:
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the salad may become slightly wilted as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Rejuvenate and Refresh:
If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, you can freshen it up by adding a drizzle of additional dressing or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.
Portion Control:
If you’re serving the salad for a crowd, consider portioning it into individual containers or serving bowls to ensure everyone gets a fair share and to make cleanup a breeze.
Creative Leftovers:
Repurpose any leftover salad into wraps, sandwiches, or rice bowls for a delicious and nutritious meal on the go. The flavors will continue to develop, making for a tasty lunch or snack option.
Enjoy Freshness:
Enjoy the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad as soon as possible to savor its crispness and flavor. Sharing this delightful salad with loved ones is the perfect way to celebrate good food and good company!
Variations:
Spicy Sriracha Kick:
Add a dash of sriracha sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference, and balance it with a hint of sweetness from honey or brown sugar.
Crunchy Asian Slaw:
Swap the traditional coleslaw mix for shredded Napa cabbage or bok choy to create a crunchy Asian slaw. Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas for extra color and texture.
Thai-Inspired Twist:
Infuse Thai flavors into the salad by replacing the balsamic vinegar with rice vinegar and incorporating ingredients like chopped Thai basil, mint leaves, and crushed peanuts. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
Teriyaki Temptation:
Drizzle the salad with a homemade teriyaki glaze made from soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic for a savory-sweet flavor profile. Toss in grilled pineapple chunks or bell peppers for a tropical touch.
Mediterranean Fusion:
Give the salad a Mediterranean twist by swapping the sesame sticks for crumbled feta cheese and adding diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Dress with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing finish.
Protein Powerhouse:
Boost the protein content of the salad by adding cooked quinoa, edamame beans, or tofu cubes. These additions not only add substance but also make the salad more filling and nutritious.
Crunchy Ramen Noodle Crunch:
Incorporate crushed ramen noodles (from an uncooked ramen packet) into the salad for extra crunch and texture. Toast the noodles in a skillet until golden brown before adding them to the mix.
Sweet and Tangy Mango Madness:
Swap the dried cranberries for diced fresh mangoes to add a tropical sweetness to the salad. Pair with a mango-lime dressing made from pureed mango, lime juice, honey, and a touch of chili powder.
Vegan-friendly Variations:
Make the salad vegan-friendly by omitting the chicken and replacing it with protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas, marinated tofu, or tempeh. Ensure the dressing is vegan-friendly by using tamari instead of soy sauce and agave syrup instead of honey.
FAQs:
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use grilled, baked, or poached chicken breasts or thighs instead of rotisserie chicken. Just make sure to season the chicken well before cooking to enhance its flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness and texture.
Are there any nut-free alternatives to almonds or cashews?
Yes, you can substitute toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. They add a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the salad.
How can I adjust the dressing to suit my taste preferences?
Feel free to customize the dressing by adjusting the quantities of ingredients such as soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Taste and add more of each ingredient as needed until you achieve the desired flavor balance.
Can I use a store-bought dressing instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought Asian-style dressing as a convenient alternative. Look for options with flavors like sesame ginger or soy sesame that complement the ingredients in the salad.
With its vibrant mix of ingredients and flavorful dressing, our Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a feast for the senses. Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish, or a main course, this salad is sure to impress your family and guests alike. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that’s both nutritious and delicious!
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