Great way to use leftover chicken and a 1-dish meal!
You can increase the chicken to 1 lb. if you prefer
1 bag of coleslaw mix, about 6 cups
2 c. precooked chicken, chopped (or use 1 lb.)
3/4 c. toasted sliced almonds or cashews
3/4 c. dried cranberries
6 Tbls. red onion, finely diced
1/2 c. sesame sticks (found near nuts at grocery store)
2/3 to 3/4 c. chopped cilantro (to your liking)
1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
2 Tbls. sesame seeds (regular or black)
1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar (18 year or older)
2 Tbls. low-sodium soy sauce (Kikkoman)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 Tbls. honey or brown sugar
2 Tbls. fresh minced ginger
1 t. toasted sesame oil
Rinse Slaw: Soak slaw mix in water and a little vinegar and spin dry in salad spinner. Lay a towel on tray or baking sheet and spread slaw mix out. Refrigerate to dry. . Transfer to airtight container until ready to use.
Vinaigrette: Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger and sesame oil and 3 tablespoons of water in a medium bowl and whisk until blended; or add all to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside. This can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to assemble (bring to room temperature).
Assemble Salad: Layer the cabbage in a large bowl with chicken, almonds or cashews, cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, sesame sticks and fresh cilantro. Add the mandarin oranges.
Lightly pour the dressing over the salad mixture, according to how moist you like the salad. Gently toss and serve. FYI - you may have a little dressing left over.