Discover a delightful blend of flavors with this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. This vibrant dish combines the freshness of coleslaw mix, the savory richness of rotisserie chicken, and the sweet-tartness of dried cranberries, all brought together by a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
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)
For the Dressing:
- 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
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, finely chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, and diced red onion.
- Add the sesame sticks (if using) and chopped cilantro on top of the mixture.
- Gently add the drained mandarin oranges if desired.
- Sprinkle the black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds) over the salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a blender, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey (or brown sugar), minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil.
- Add 3 tablespoons of water to the mixture.
- Blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Salad and Dressing
- Lightly pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture to achieve your desired level of moistness.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: This salad is best served fresh, but it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Serve chilled as a light meal or alongside grilled meats.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you plan to store the salad, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.
Helpful Notes:
- Nut Substitutions: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the almonds or cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor punch, consider adding a dash of lime juice to the dressing or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the salad.
- Mandarin Oranges: The mandarin oranges add a sweet, juicy contrast to the other ingredients, but if you prefer a less sweet option, feel free to omit them.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Chef Jamie Oliver: For added freshness, Jamie Oliver recommends tossing the salad with fresh herbs like mint or basil.
- Chef Nigella Lawson: Nigella suggests lightly toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the salad for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
FAQ Section:
1. Can I use a different type of cabbage instead of coleslaw mix? Yes, you can use finely shredded green or purple cabbage as a substitute for the coleslaw mix.
2. What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken? You can use grilled chicken breast or leftover roasted chicken as an alternative.
3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of this salad? Yes, simply omit the chicken and add tofu or chickpeas for protein.
5. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries? Fresh cranberries might be too tart, but you can use them if you prefer a sharper flavor.
6. What other fruits can I add to this salad? You can add sliced apples, pears, or pomegranate seeds for additional sweetness and texture.
7. Can I replace the balsamic vinegar with another type of vinegar? Yes, rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes for balsamic vinegar.
8. How can I make this salad spicier? Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of Sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
9. Can I skip the sesame oil in the dressing? You can, but the sesame oil adds a distinct flavor. If you omit it, consider adding a touch more olive oil.