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Delicious and Nutritious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Craving something fresh, flavorful, and healthy? Try our Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad! Packed with crisp coleslaw, juicy chicken, and tangy cranberries, it’s perfect for any meal. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

  • 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups): Provides a crisp, fresh base.
  • 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped: Adds savory depth.
  • 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews: Introduces a nutty crunch.
  • 1 ½ cup dried cranberries: Offers a tangy sweetness.
  • ¾ cup red onion, finely diced: Brings a mild, sharp flavor.
  • 1 cup sesame sticks (optional): Adds extra crunch.
  • 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro: Contributes a fresh, herby note.
  • 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained (optional): Gives a citrusy zest.
  • ¼ cup black sesame seeds, or regular: Enhances the salad’s visual appeal.
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing.
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar, regular or white: Adds a sweet acidity.
  • 4 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce: Introduces a savory umami flavor.
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped: Infuses a pungent aroma.
  • 4 Tbsp. honey or brown sugar: Balances with sweetness.
  • 4 Tbsp. minced ginger: Offers a spicy, warm note.
  • 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil: Rounds out the dressing with its rich flavor.

Instructions

  1. Layer the Base: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the finely chopped chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame seeds, optional sesame sticks, and fresh cilantro. If using, add the mandarin oranges.
  2. Blend the Dressing: In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey or brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil. Add 3 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth.
  3. Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to your desired level of moistness. Gently toss the salad to ensure even coating.

Notes

  1. Toast the Nuts: Enhance flavor by toasting almonds or cashews before adding them to the salad.
  2. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh coleslaw mix and ripe mandarin oranges for the best taste.
  3. Balance the Dressing: Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste, ensuring a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Find it online: https://recipesmentor.com/delicious-and-nutritious-asian-chicken-cranberry-salad/