Asian Cranberry Almond Salad + Sesame Dressing
User Reviews
5
Asian Cranberry Almond Salad + Sesame Dressing
Description
This salad blends a mix of crunchy vegetables and nuts with dried cranberries for sweetness and fresh cilantro for herbal notes. The base of shredded cole slaw provides texture and mild flavor, while sliced red onion adds sharpness. Toasted almonds contribute a nutty crunch that complements the other ingredients.
The accompanying dressing combines balsamic vinegar and soy sauce for acidity and umami, balanced with sugar and garlic. Sesame oil and seeds enhance the dressing with a characteristic nutty aroma, tying the flavors together. Once tossed, the salad has a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy elements accented by fresh herbs and crunchy textures.
This salad is suited for serving immediately after dressing is added to maintain crispness, but it can also be stored with the dressing separately and combined just before serving. It makes a fresh accompaniment to grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light dish.
Extra dressing can be refrigerated for up to five days to use with leftovers or other salads. Preparing the components ahead allows quick assembly when needed.
Ingredients
- 1 bag cole slaw without dressing, tricolor
- ½ red onion sliced or chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup almonds
- ¼ cup cilantro roughly chopped
Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I used low sodium)
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Add cole slaw, onions, cranberries, almonds, and cilantro to a large bowl.
- Prepare the dressing by combining all dressing ingredients in a jar (or similar container), cover and shake well. Toss salad with dressing and serve immediately OR if preparing ahead, cover salad with plastic wrap and store dressing and salad in fridge, then toss immediately before serving.
Notes
- Store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 152 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 152kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Sodium | 353mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 239mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 119IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 73mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.