Imagine a dish that combines the rich tapestry of Asian flavors with the vibrant, tangy sweetness of cranberries. The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is just that – a delightful blend of tastes and textures that promises to be a hit at any gathering. This salad, a staple on the Reluctant Entertainer blog since 2015, is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in a harmonious mix. Whether it’s a potluck, a holiday party, or a simple weeknight meal, this salad stands out with its light, refreshing, and utterly delicious profile. For more chicken-based dishes, explore Ina Garten’s Chicken Recipes, offering a variety of flavorful options.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparing this salad is a journey of simplicity and joy. The key lies in the quality of ingredients and the precision of preparation. Start with two small bags of coleslaw mix, ensuring a crisp, fresh base. Rotisserie chicken, finely chopped, adds a rich, savory depth. Toasted almonds or cashews bring in a delightful crunch, while dried cranberries offer a burst of tangy sweetness. Finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and optional mandarin oranges and sesame sticks contribute layers of flavor and texture.
For the dressing, a blend of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil creates a dressing that’s both tangy and sweet, with a hint of Asian flair.
In terms of tools, you’ll need a large bowl for mixing, a blender for the dressing, and utensils for chopping and toasting. The simplicity of the tools underscores the ease of making this salad, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients List
- 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups): Provides a crisp, fresh base.
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped: Adds savory depth.
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews: Introduces a nutty crunch.
- 1 ½ cup dried cranberries: Offers a tangy sweetness.
- ¾ cup red onion, finely diced: Brings a mild, sharp flavor.
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional): Adds extra crunch.
- 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro: Contributes a fresh, herby note.
- 1-2 small cans of mandarin oranges, drained (optional): Gives a citrusy zest.
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds, or regular: Enhances the salad’s visual appeal.
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing.
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar, regular or white: Adds a sweet acidity.
- 4 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce: Introduces a savory umami flavor.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped: Infuses a pungent aroma.
- 4 Tbsp. honey or brown sugar: Balances with sweetness.
- 4 Tbsp. minced ginger: Offers a spicy, warm note.
- 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil: Rounds out the dressing with its rich flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating the Magic: Step by Step
- Layer the Base: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the finely chopped chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame seeds, optional sesame sticks, and fresh cilantro. If using, add the mandarin oranges.
- Blend the Dressing: In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey or brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil. Add 3 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth.
- Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to your desired level of moistness. Gently toss the salad to ensure even coating.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. The coleslaw mix, rich in vitamins and fiber, forms a healthy, low-calorie base. Chicken, a great source of protein, supports muscle growth and repair. Almonds and cashews add heart-healthy fats and proteins, while cranberries provide antioxidants and vitamins C and E. The red onion brings in quercetin, an anti-inflammatory compound, and cilantro offers digestive benefits.
The dressing, made with olive oil, is rich in monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health. Balsamic vinegar aids in digestion and blood sugar control, while soy sauce provides essential minerals. Garlic and ginger, known for their medicinal properties, offer immune-boosting benefits.
This salad is a balanced meal in itself, offering a range of nutrients essential for a healthy body. Its combination of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious yet delicious meal option.
Common Mistakes To Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad from good to exceptional. Here are some tips:
- Overdressing: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Add dressing gradually and taste as you go.
- Not Toasting Nuts: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this step for a richer taste.
- Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a significant difference. Opt for fresh coleslaw mix and ripe mandarin oranges.
- Overlooking Chicken Preparation: Use well-cooked, finely chopped chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and flavor enhancer.
To perfect the recipe, balance the flavors. The sweetness of cranberries and honey should complement the tanginess of balsamic vinegar and the savory notes of soy sauce. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, and remember, the salad’s beauty lies in its versatility. For a different chicken salad flavor, consider trying the Ina Garten Curried Chicken Salad, which offers a unique twist on traditional recipes.
Tips, Notes, and Storing
Maximizing Your Salad Experience
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but add the dressing just before serving.
- Storing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for a couple of days.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as a main dish or a side salad. It pairs well with grilled meats or a light soup.
Remember, the salad’s flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a great option for leftovers. For a fall-themed salad, explore our Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, a perfect blend of seasonal flavors
FAQs about Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can make this salad vegan by replacing the chicken with tofu or by simply increasing the amount of nuts and seeds in the salad. This adjustment allows you to maintain the protein content while adhering to vegan dietary preferences. - Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad can be gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free soy sauce. Most other ingredients in the salad are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of packaged ingredients to be sure. - Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Absolutely! While the recipe may call for a specific type of vinegar, you are free to use a different type if you prefer. Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative that can add a delicious twist to the flavor profile of the salad. - How long does the salad last in the fridge?
This salad stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure that the salad is cooled to room temperature before sealing it to maintain its freshness. - Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing this salad is not recommended as it will significantly affect the texture of the fresh ingredients. Ingredients like greens, cranberries, and other vegetables may become soggy and lose their crispness after thawing. - What can I use instead of cranberries?
If you don’t have cranberries or prefer something different, you can use dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots as a substitute. These alternatives will still add a sweet and tart flavor to the salad, complementing the other ingredients well.
If you’re looking for another salad with a crunch, try Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad, a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Conclusion
A Salad for All Seasons: The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and nutrition. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a testament to the joy of cooking and the pleasure of eating. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this salad is sure to delight and impress. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and get ready to enjoy a salad that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Expand your salad repertoire with the Kathleen Ashmore Artichoke Salad Recipe, a delightful dish that complements any meal.
Print
Delicious And Nutritious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
Craving something fresh, flavorful, and healthy? Try our Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad! Packed with crisp coleslaw, juicy chicken, and tangy cranberries, it’s perfect for any meal. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 12 cups): Provides a crisp, fresh base.
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped: Adds savory depth.
- 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews: Introduces a nutty crunch.
- 1 ½ cup dried cranberries: Offers a tangy sweetness.
- ¾ cup red onion, finely diced: Brings a mild, sharp flavor.
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional): Adds extra crunch.
- 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro: Contributes a fresh, herby note.
- 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained (optional): Gives a citrusy zest.
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds, or regular: Enhances the salad’s visual appeal.
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing.
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar, regular or white: Adds a sweet acidity.
- 4 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce: Introduces a savory umami flavor.
- 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped: Infuses a pungent aroma.
- 4 Tbsp. honey or brown sugar: Balances with sweetness.
- 4 Tbsp. minced ginger: Offers a spicy, warm note.
- 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil: Rounds out the dressing with its rich flavor.
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Instructions
- Layer the Base: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the finely chopped chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame seeds, optional sesame sticks, and fresh cilantro. If using, add the mandarin oranges.
- Blend the Dressing: In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey or brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil. Add 3 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth.
- Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to your desired level of moistness. Gently toss the salad to ensure even coating.
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Notes
- Toast the Nuts: Enhance flavor by toasting almonds or cashews before adding them to the salad.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh coleslaw mix and ripe mandarin oranges for the best taste.
- Balance the Dressing: Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste, ensuring a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian