Do you want to try something new and fresh? And a vibrant dish. That combines different flavors? Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe – Look No Further! This delicious salad. Is crispy coleslaw, and soft rotisserie chicken. And the sweet sourness of cranberries. All liberally tossed with a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick meal. Or a potluck favorite.
The first time to make this salad. I wanted it to be something no one had done before.” And healthy. That would stand out. Among the usual dishes. My husband and child. Dug this unexpected medley of flavors. The sweet cranberries in particular. With the savory chicken. It has gone on to become a family favorite. Particularly during the summer months. When we’re craving something light. And refreshing.
Why this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is Very Special.
This salad is also delicious. But also very simple to prepare. Not as much effort as rotisserie chicken. And pre-made coleslaw mix. It’s a time-saver. And without sacrificing any of the flavor. The homemade dressing. And also toasted almonds. And sesame seeds. Provides a satisfying crunch. Making this salad. Just the right amount of textures. And tastes.
Ingredients
- Coleslaw mix: This pre-packaged mix is a game-changer! It provides a crunchy base for the salad. So you don’t have to spend time chopping cabbage yourself.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken,is a brilliant hacks for busy days. It is already cooked perfectly.
- Toasted Almonds/Cashews: For texture, they add a lovely crunch. And a nutty flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: These little guys. Bring a sweet/tart bite to the salad.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion. Adds a sharp bite. And such a lovely color contrast. I
- Sesame Sticks: Optional, but highly recommended! These give it an extra layer of crunch.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbal flavor. That brings together all the flavors.
- Mandarin Oranges: These sweet segments. Add a sweet and tangy flavor. That pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the salad. They’re optional. But highly recommended. For an extra pop of flavor.
- Black Sesame Seeds: These small seeds give a mild nutty taste. And a dramatic visual counterpoint. They’re a small detail.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The base of the dressing. It provides a supple creaminess. I find using a good high-quality olive oil makes a world of tasty difference.
- Vinegar: A splash gives a tangy. And slightly sweet flavor. To the dressing.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Add savory umami flavor. Without too much salt. It’s a healthier option.
- Garlic: Minced garlic lends the dressing a punchy flavor. It’s essential for that in your face flavor
- Honey/Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce to reduce some of the acidity of the vinegar. And the soy sauce saltiness. Use either honey or brown sugar.
- Ginger: Fresh minced ginger lends a pungent, spicy kick. That gives the dressing a lift.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: pass on a rich, nutty taste in the dressing. A little goes a long way.
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe:
Step 1: Make the Salad:
Combine the coleslaw mix into a large bowl together with various ingredients including rotisserie chicken bits, chopped almonds or cashews and dried cranberries, fine red onion dices, sesame sticks when desired and cilantro leaves and mandarin orange pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing:
Mix a dressing by combining extra-virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar then add low- sodium soy sauce followed by chopped garlic along with honey (or brown sugar) and minced ginger and toasted sesame oil. Add 3 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Toss the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. How moist you want to order it. Gently toss to combine. You might have a little dressing to save for later.
Step 4: Serve:
Serve immediately. And enjoy the refreshing. And tantalizing flavors of this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad.
Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor. Cook over medium heat until golden. And fragrant. This simple step. Enhances the nutty flavor. And gives the salad a warm, crunchy texture. When making the dressing. Ensure to blend it well. To emulsify the olive oil. With the other ingredients. Creating a creamy. And smooth consistency. For spicy food lovers. A nip of red pepper flakes in the dressing. Can give it a subtle kick. That perfectly complements. The tartness of the cranberries. And the sourness of the balsamic vinegar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To get the right flavor and texture of Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, here are things to avoid when making it:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Good chicken should be perfectly cooked. When it’s overcooked, it can become dry and tough. Check with a meat thermometer that it is cooked all the way through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
- Improper Dressing Ratio: You are either overdressing or underdressing Too much can make the salad soggy; too little might leave the bits uncoated. Use less, and wait and see; you can always add more.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Always cook with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh greens, crisp vegetables and good-quality dried cranberries, however, can make a big difference in the taste and texture of the salad overall.
Conclusion
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a wonderful mix of flavors and textures and a nice light alternative to usual fare. The crunch of coleslaw, the tender juiciness of rotisserie chicken, the sweet tang of cranberries come together here, and it’s elevated with a zesty homemade dressing. It is not only quick and easy to throw together, it also has so many health benefits, including lean protein, antioxidants and a low-calorie profile. Perfect for busy days, potlucks or summer eating, it’s bound to be a family favorite. Add some toasted almonds and sesame sticks, and ingredients that are just downright pretty — cilantro and mandarin oranges — into the mix, and you have a salad that is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Savor it as a simple, healthful meal or something just special enough to take along when invited somewhere.
FAQs
Can I make this with another protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! The salad is compatible with a wide range of proteins, including shredded turkey and grilled shrimp and tofu as a vegetarian alternative to the chicken. The dressing and cranberries pair well with countless proteins, allowing for selection among proteins based on individual palette and dietary needs.
How long does Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad stay in the refrigerator?
If it’s in a properly sealed container, this salad will hold up in the fridge for 2–3 days. Storing the dressing separately and applying salad dressing just before serving keeps its best texture.
What makes this salad “Asian,” you ask?
The “Asian” quality of this salad comes from the salad dressing, which incorporates soy sauce, along with sesame oil and ginger and optional sesame sticks and cilantro. The salad gains an Asian flair from these flavors which enliven its otherwise standard chicken and cranberry pairing.
What to serve with Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad?
The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is nicely partnered with crusty bread with steamed rice or a light soup. Main course choice of a salad & grilled veggies OR noodles
Can you prepare Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad in advance?
Yes! You can chop or toast most components in the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad ahead of time. To present, keep ingredients separate from each other before ladling dressing over the salad to keep fresh texture and crunchiness.