Description

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. Is a delightful blend of flavors. And textures. Perfect for any occasion. With crunchy coleslaw, tender rotisserie chicken, and sweet dried cranberries. It’s a feast for the senses. The toasted almonds add a nutty crunch. While the finely diced red onion. Gives a sharp bite. Fresh cilantro and optional mandarin oranges. Bring a refreshing brightness. The homemade dressing. Made with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Ties everything together. With a zesty kick. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal. Or a potluck. This salad is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors. And bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

2 small bags of coleslaw mix, about 12 c

4 c rotisserie chicken, finely chopped

1 ½ c toasted sliced almonds, or cashews

1 ½ c dried cranberries, I used Orange Cranberries from Trader Joe’s

¾ c red onion, finely diced

1 c sesame sticks, found in the bulk aisle at grocery store – optional

1 ½ c chopped cilantro

1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained

¼ c black sesame seeds, or regular sesame seeds

1 c extra-virgin olive oil

½ c balsamic vinegar, regular or you can use white

4 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

3–4 cloves garlic, chopped

4 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

4 tablespoon minced ginger

2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl. Layer the coleslaw mix, chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, sesame sticks (if using), fresh cilantro, and mandarin oranges.

Make the Dressing: 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.

Toss the Salad: Lightly pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine everything. Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference. Serve immediately. And enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad.

Notes

To make this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Start by using gluten-free soy sauce. Such as tamari. Which offers the same savory flavor. Without gluten. Check that the dried cranberries. And mandarin oranges. Don’t contain any hidden gluten. While most coleslaw mixes. Are naturally gluten-free. It’s always best to double-check the label. The sesame sticks are optional. But if you want to include them. Look for gluten-free alternatives. Or skip them entirely. This simple adjustment. Ensures everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of this vibrant salad. Without any gluten concerns. Making it perfect. For those with gluten sensitivities. Or celiac disease.

Prep Time: 15 minutes