Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Table of Contents
There’s a certain magic that fills the kitchen when I’m preparing my beloved Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. Picture this: the sight of vibrant coleslaw, the familiar sizzle of toasted almonds, and the sweet, tangy aroma of cranberries warming the air. This is more than just a salad; it’s a beautiful medley of flavors and textures that bring warmth and joy to any table.
Each time I make this dish, it feels like weaving a tapestry of cherished memories — a reminder of family gatherings, where laughter echoed around the table and the air was filled with the comforting scent of home-cooked meals. What makes this salad truly special is not just its delightful taste but the emotional connection it creates. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that speaks to the heart, offering a burst of freshness with every bite.
The ease of preparation is perfect for busy days when you crave something homemade yet effortless. The combination of rotisserie chicken and crunchy coleslaw is not only time-saving but also ensures a satisfying meal that’s rich in delicious textures. Plus, the vibrant colors of cranberries and mandarin oranges make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
And let’s not forget the dressing — a harmonious blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, and ginger that wraps everything together with a hint of sweetness and a touch of warmth. It’s these small touches that make cooking at home so rewarding, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
These Asian Chicken Cranberry Salads bring a fresh and exciting twist to traditional salads, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:
- Burst of Flavors: The combination of sweet cranberries, savory chicken, and tangy dressing creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. This balance ensures that each ingredient plays its part without overpowering the others, making each forkful a delightful experience.
- Texture Delight: Enjoy a satisfying crunch from coleslaw and almonds, complemented by the tender chicken and juicy mandarin oranges. The interplay of textures — from the crispness of the coleslaw to the chewy cranberries — makes every bite a new adventure.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s a wholesome dish that caters to both health-conscious eaters and those who simply love good food.
- Quick and Easy: With rotisserie chicken and pre-made coleslaw, this dish comes together in minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s a lifesaver for those evenings when time is short but the desire for a homemade meal is strong.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its stunning presentation and delectable taste make it a hit at family gatherings and potlucks. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to draw compliments and requests for the recipe.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up this delightful salad, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade meals:
- Large Salad Bowl: Perfect for tossing all the ingredients together without making a mess. A large bowl ensures that every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing, delivering consistent flavor in every bite.
- Blender: Essential for whipping up the smooth and flavorful dressing. It helps emulsify the ingredients, creating a dressing that clings beautifully to the salad.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of ingredients, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors. Accurate measurements are key to maintaining the intended taste and nutrition profile of the dish.
- Chopping Board and Knife: To finely chop the red onion and cilantro, adding freshness to the salad. A sharp knife is crucial for achieving the right texture, especially for ingredients like onions that are best enjoyed finely diced.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
- 2 small bags of coleslaw mix, about 12 cups
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds, or cashews
- 1 ½ cup dried cranberries, I used Orange Cranberries from Trader Joe’s
- ¾ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sesame sticks, found in the bulk aisle at grocery store – 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, regular or you can use white
- 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
- Layer the cabbage in a large bowl with chicken, almonds (or cashews, or both), cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (optional), and fresh cilantro. Add the mandarin oranges (optional). This layering technique ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully when tossed.
- Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth. This blending process creates a dressing that is silky and well-mixed, allowing it to coat the salad evenly.
- Lightly pour the dressing over the salad mixture, according to how moist you like the salad. Gently toss and serve. (You may have a little dressing left over.) Adjust the amount of dressing based on personal preference — some like it lightly dressed, while others prefer a more saturated salad.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Asian • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 0 minutes • Total Time: 15 minutes • Calories: 450 • Servings: 8
Note: For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. This small addition can elevate the flavor profile, providing a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the cranberries and the tang of the dressing.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These Asian Chicken Cranberry Salads not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:
- Coleslaw Mix: Packed with fiber and vitamins, supporting digestive health and boosting immunity. The cruciferous vegetables in coleslaw are known for their cancer-fighting properties, making them a smart choice for a healthy diet.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. It’s convenient and flavorful, saving time while adding depth to the salad.
- Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation. Their natural sweetness balances the savory elements of the salad, making them a key component in this dish.
- Almonds: A good source of healthy fats, aiding in cholesterol management and providing sustained energy. They add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the salad’s complexity.
- Cilantro: Known for its detoxifying properties, adding freshness and a burst of herbal flavor. It acts as a palate cleanser, ensuring that each bite of salad feels fresh and invigorating.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These Asian Chicken Cranberry Salads are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
- Chilled Green Tea: Offers a refreshing complement to the salad’s vibrant flavors. Its subtle bitterness and floral notes enhance the dish’s complexity without overpowering it.
- Crusty Bread: Provides a satisfying contrast with its chewy texture, perfect for soaking up any extra dressing. A slice of fresh bread transforms this salad into a more filling meal, ideal for lunch or dinner.
- Lemon Sorbet: A light, citrusy dessert that cleanses the palate, rounding off the meal beautifully. Its tartness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the salad, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp acidity pairs well with the sweet and savory elements of the salad. This wine’s notes of citrus and green apple echo the freshness of the dish, making it an ideal pairing for a relaxed yet elegant meal.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep the salad fresh, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad ingredients can stay crisp for up to 2 days, while the dressing can last for a week. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply toss the salad with the dressing and serve. This method ensures that the salad remains vibrant and flavorful, avoiding the sogginess that can occur when pre-dressed.
For an added twist, try stuffing the salad into a wrap or sandwich for a quick, easy lunch. The portability of a wrap makes it a great option for on-the-go meals, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors of this salad wherever you are.
In the cozy embrace of our kitchens, where love and laughter intertwine with the aromas of home-cooked meals, we find solace and joy. This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the heartwarming power of simple ingredients and the cherished memories they create. May each bite bring you closer to those you love and inspire you to share the warmth of homemade goodness with everyone around you.
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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Layer the cabbage in a large bowl with chicken, almonds (or cashews, or both), cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (optional), and fresh cilantro. Add the mandarin oranges (optional).
- Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth.
- Lightly pour the dressing over the salad mixture, according to how moist you like the salad. Gently toss and serve. (You may have a little dressing left over.)
