Ingredients:
2 small bags of coleslaw mix, about 12 cups
4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds, or cashews
1 ½ cup dried cranberries, I used Orange Cranberries from Trader Joe’s
¾ cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup sesame sticks, found in the bulk aisle at grocery store – optional
1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
1-2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
¼ cup black sesame seeds, or regular sesame seeds
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar, regular or you can use white
4 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
4 Tbsp. honey or brown sugar
4 Tbsp. minced ginger
2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
Instructions:
1️⃣ Layer the salad: Add the cabbage in a large bowl with chicken, almonds (or cashews, or both), cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks (optional), and fresh cilantro. Add the mandarin oranges (optional).
2️⃣ Make the dressing: Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth.
3️⃣ Right before serving: Lightly pour the dressing over the salad mixture, according to how moist you like the salad. Gently toss and serve. (You may have a little dressing left over.)
Notes :
◻️ This salad is versatile; feel free to substitute nuts or dried fruits based on preferences or allergies.
For a lighter dressing, adjust the amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste.
The salad can be made ahead and dressed before serving to maintain freshness.