Cranberry Mandarin Chicken Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

This Cranberry Mandarin Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion. The sweet-tart notes of dried cranberries and mandarin oranges pair beautifully with the savory richness of rotisserie chicken and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds. Finished with a zingy sesame ginger dressing, this salad is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 cups coleslaw mix (from 2 small bags)
• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds (or cashews)
• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
• ¾ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
• 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
• 1-2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
• ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds)

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 4 tablespoons minced ginger
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, layer the coleslaw mix and finely chopped rotisserie chicken.
2. Add the toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, and diced red onion.
3. If you like an extra crunch, toss in the sesame sticks.
4. Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and black or regular sesame seeds.
5. Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges, taking care not to break them apart.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a blender, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil.
2. Blend the ingredients until the dressing is smooth and well-mixed.
3. If the dressing seems too thick, add up to 3 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Drizzle the sesame ginger dressing lightly over the salad mixture.
2. Toss the salad gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Serve immediately, or chill for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition and Serving Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Calories: Approx. 380 per serving

This Cranberry Mandarin Chicken Salad is not just a feast for the eyes but a celebration of flavors. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a potluck, or a refreshing dinner option. Enjoy the symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with every bite!