Homemade Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad – Looking for a fresh, vibrant dish. That’s bursting with flavor? Try our Homemade Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad. This salad is a delightful mix of crunchy coleslaw, juicy rotisserie chicken, sweet dried cranberries, and a zesty dressing. That brings it all together. Perfect for a quick lunch. Or a light dinner. This salad will become a staple in your meal rotation.
The first time I made this salad. It was a busy weekday evening. My husband had just gotten home from work. And our little one was running around with endless energy. I needed something quick yet satisfying. And this recipe was a lifesaver. The combination of flavors. And textures. Was a hit with my family. My husband couldn’t stop complimenting the tangy dressing. And even our picky eater loved the crunchy almonds. And sweet cranberries. It’s now a go-to dish in our household. Especially when we want something healthy and delicious. Without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes this Homemade Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad truly special?
This salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare. Making it perfect for busy days. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and a mix of fresh and dried fruits. This salad is as nutritious as it is tasty. It’s great as a main dish. Or a side. And can be easily customized. With your favorite add-ins.
What You Need To Make This Homemade Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe?
Coleslaw Mix: The coleslaw mix is a fantastic base for this salad. Providing a wonderful crunch. Without the need for chopping and slicing. It’s a time-saver. And a perfect blend of textures. That complements the other ingredients.
Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a game-changer. It’s already cooked and seasoned. Which adds a depth of flavor to the salad. Plus, it’s super convenient. On busy days. When you want a quick meal. Without compromising on taste.
Almonds: Sliced and toasted almonds bring a delightful crunch. And a nutty flavor. Toasting them enhances their flavor. And adds a layer of complexity. To the salad.
Dried Cranberries: These little gems. Add a burst of sweetness. And a chewy texture. That contrasts beautifully. With the crunchy elements of the salad. They also add a lovely pop of color.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a sharp, tangy bite. That balances the sweetness of the cranberries. And the richness of the chicken. It also adds a vibrant color to the mix.
Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a fresh, herbaceous note. That brightens up the entire dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro. You can substitute it with fresh parsley.
Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds pack a punch of nutty flavor. Toasting them. Enhances their flavor. Making them a great addition to the salad.
Sesame Sticks (Optional): If you want extra crunch. Sesame sticks. Are a fantastic addition. They add a salty, savory note. That makes each bite interesting.
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Steps To Make Homemade Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, rotisserie chicken, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds. If you like an extra crunch. Toss in some sesame sticks. The combination of these ingredients will give you a colorful, textural salad. That’s visually appealing. And satisfying to eat.
Step 2: Make the Dressing: In a blender, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, light brown sugar, minced fresh ginger, and sesame oil. Add about 3 tablespoons of water. To help blend the dressing. To a smooth consistency. Blend until everything is well combined. And the dressing is smooth.
Step 3: Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Start with a small amount. And gradually add more. Until you achieve your desired level of moistness. Toss the salad gently. To ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed. This will make sure every bite is flavorful. And well-coated with the delicious dressing.
Step 4: Serve: Serve the salad immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh. When the textures are at their peak. And the flavors are vibrant.
Tip:
Make the dressing a day ahead. Allowing the dressing. To sit overnight in the fridge. Allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The garlic and ginger infuse the oil and vinegar. Creating a more harmonious. And robust dressing. This not only saves you time. On the day you plan to serve the salad. But also enhances the overall flavor profile. Just give the dressing a good shake. Or stir before adding it to the salad. To make sure everything is well combined. This little step. Can take your salad from delicious to extraordinary. Making it even more memorable for you. And your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. And store them in separate containers. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving. To keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?
You can use any cooked chicken breast, grilled chicken, or even leftover turkey. If you’re vegetarian. Tofu or chickpeas are great protein alternatives.
Is there a way to make the dressing less sweet?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of light brown sugar. Or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey. Or agave syrup. Adjust the sweetness. To your taste.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Homemade Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
- 14 ounces Coleslaw Mix
- 2 c Rotisserie Chicken
- 1 c Almonds sliced & toasted
- 1 c Dried Cranberries
- ½ c Red Onion
- 1 c Fresh Cilantro chopped
- ¼ c Sesame Seeds
- 1 c Sesame Sticks optional
Dressing:
- 1 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ c Balsamic Vinegar
- 4 tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 3 Garlic Cloves chopped
- 4 tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
- 4 tablespoons Fresh Ginger minced
- 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, rotisserie chicken, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, red onion, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds. Add sesame sticks if using.
- Make the Dressing: Blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad. And toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
