why make this recipe
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful and fresh dish that combines crunchy, savory, and sweet flavors. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is great for anyone looking for something healthy yet satisfying. The rotisserie chicken saves time, while the added ingredients give it a unique twist. This salad is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
how to make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients:
- Crunchy coleslaw
- Tender rotisserie chicken
- Sweet dried cranberries
- Toasted almonds
- Finely diced red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Optional mandarin oranges
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Honey
- Ginger
- Toasted sesame oil
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw, shredded rotisserie chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped toasted almonds.
- Add the finely diced red onion and fresh cilantro. If desired, include mandarin oranges for extra sweetness.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to meld the flavors.
how to serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Serve the salad in large bowls or on individual plates. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a warm meal. Adding extra toasted almonds or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top can enhance the presentation. You can also serve it with crispy wonton strips for added crunch.
how to store Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within a day or two. However, if you expect to have leftovers, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This will help keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
tips to make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Try adding a variety of vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can easily cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them for the salad.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste by adding more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for a saltier flavor.
variation
You can customize this salad by adding various fruits such as apples or pears for added sweetness, or switch out the almonds for walnuts or pistachios. For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for best results.
Q: What type of chicken can I use?
A: Rotisserie chicken works best for convenience, but you can also use grilled or baked chicken breast instead.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 package Crunchy coleslaw
- 2 cups Shredded rotisserie chicken Can use grilled or baked chicken as an alternative.
- 1 cup Sweet dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Toasted almonds Can substitute with walnuts or pistachios.
- 1/4 cup Finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro Optional, can be omitted.
- 1/2 cup Optional mandarin oranges For extra sweetness.
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce if necessary.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Honey Adjust amount to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon Toasted sesame oil
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw, shredded rotisserie chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped toasted almonds.
- Add the finely diced red onion and fresh cilantro. Include mandarin oranges if desired.
Dressing Preparation
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil.
Combine and Serve
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to meld the flavors.