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This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad has become my go-to potluck dish that always disappears first. The combination of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that works beautifully as a main dish or impressive side.
I first made this salad for a neighborhood block party when I needed something quick but impressive. The empty bowl and recipe requests that followed convinced me this was no ordinary salad. Now it's requested at every family gathering.
Ingredients
- Coleslaw mix: Provides the perfect crunchy base without any chopping required
- Rotisserie chicken: Saves tremendous time while adding protein and rich flavor
- Toasted sliced almonds: Give essential crunch and nutty depth
- Dried cranberries: Offer sweet tart pockets of flavor throughout each bite
- Red onion: Adds sharp aromatic notes that balance the sweeter elements
- Sesame sticks: Provide unexpected crunch and savory flavor dimension
- Fresh cilantro: Brings bright herbaceous notes essential to Asian inspired dishes
- Mandarin oranges: Contribute juicy sweetness and vibrant color
- Sesame seeds: Add visual appeal and subtle nutty flavor
- Olive oil: Creates the rich base for the dressing
- Balsamic vinegar: Provides deep tangy notes that marry the flavors
- Soy sauce: Delivers umami depth and saltiness
- Garlic: Infuses aromatic pungency throughout the dressing
- Honey: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness
- Fresh ginger: Adds essential warmth and spice characteristic of Asian flavors
- Toasted sesame oil: Brings authentic Asian flavor with just a small amount
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the base:
- Layer the coleslaw mix in a large serving bowl creating a substantial base that will hold up to the dressing. The pre shredded mix saves tremendous time while providing perfect texture.
- Add the protein and crunch elements:
- Distribute the chopped rotisserie chicken evenly over the cabbage then add the almonds or cashews cranberries red onion and sesame sticks. These ingredients create multiple texture dimensions that make each bite interesting.
- Incorporate the fresh elements:
- Sprinkle the chopped cilantro sesame seeds and arrange mandarin orange segments throughout the salad. These ingredients add color freshness and visual appeal that elevate the presentation.
- Create the dressing:
- Combine olive oil balsamic vinegar soy sauce chopped garlic honey minced ginger and toasted sesame oil in a blender. Add three tablespoons of water for perfect consistency then blend until completely smooth and emulsified.
- Dress and serve:
- Pour the dressing over the salad gradually tossing gently to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing them. Start with less dressing as you can always add more but cannot remove excess.
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The mandarin oranges are my secret weapon in this recipe. Their juicy sweet segments burst with flavor against the savory chicken and create beautiful color contrast. My daughter initially claimed to dislike fruit in salads until this dish changed her mind forever.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance with a simple strategy. Prepare all components and store them separately in the refrigerator. The dressing will keep in a sealed container for up to five days getting even more flavorful as it sits. Just before serving combine everything in your serving bowl and toss with the dressing. This prevents the cabbage from becoming soggy while still allowing you to do the prep work well in advance.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on what you have available. Leftover grilled chicken works beautifully in place of rotisserie. For a vegetarian version substitute chickpeas or edamame for the chicken. Napa cabbage can replace the coleslaw mix for a more delicate texture. Snow peas sunflower seeds or pepitas make excellent alternatives to almonds for those with nut allergies. White balsamic vinegar creates a lighter color dressing while maintaining the flavor profile.
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Serving Suggestions
Transform this versatile salad into different meals throughout the week. Serve it traditionally in a large bowl for family style dining. For an elegant presentation arrange the salad on a platter and garnish with additional cilantro and sesame seeds. Turn it into wraps by filling large lettuce leaves or tortillas with the salad for a handheld option. For a heartier meal serve over cooked rice noodles or quinoa. The salad also makes delicious slider fillings when stuffed into small rolls with a smear of mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables. Store the prepared salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- → What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?
Grilled chicken breast, leftover roast turkey, or even baked tofu work well as substitutes. For a seafood variation, cooked shrimp or salmon are excellent alternatives that complement the Asian flavors.
- → Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with crispy tofu, tempeh, or additional nuts and seeds for protein. Edamame beans also make a great protein-rich addition while maintaining the Asian flavor profile.
- → What can I use instead of cilantro if I don't like it?
Fresh mint, Thai basil, or flat-leaf parsley are good substitutes for cilantro. Each will bring a different flavor profile to the salad while still providing that fresh herb element.
- → How can I make this salad more filling for a main dish?
To make it more substantial, add cooked quinoa, brown rice, or rice noodles. You could also include avocado slices for healthy fats or a soft-boiled egg for extra protein.
- → Where can I find sesame sticks if my grocery store doesn't carry them?
Look for sesame sticks in health food stores, Asian markets, or the snack section of specialty stores. Alternatively, substitute with toasted wonton strips, crispy rice noodles, or additional toasted nuts for crunch.