A Flavorful Fusion that Dazzles the Palate!
There's something truly special about the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. This vibrant dish combines the juicy, tender flavors of rotisserie chicken with the delightful crunch of crispy almonds and the sweet-sour burst of mandarin oranges. And let’s not forget the star of the show—the dried cranberries, adding that perfect touch of sweetness to balance the savory ingredients. Did you know that this salad isn’t just a feast for your taste buds but also for your eyes? Its colorful presentation can brighten up any table, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual weekdays.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
- 4 tablespoons 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 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¾ cup red onion finely diced
- 2 small bags coleslaw mix 12 cups
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped rotisserie chicken, and drained mandarin oranges.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced ginger, soy sauce, chopped garlic, and toasted sesame oil until well combined.
- Combine Everything: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro, toasted almonds (or cashews), black sesame seeds, and dried cranberries. Gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Serve: Taste and adjust any seasonings if necessary. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.