Crispy Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette
This delightful Crispy Asian Chicken Salad features a vibrant mix of fresh romaine lettuce, tender grilled chicken, crunchy almond slices, and crispy wonton strips, all delicately tossed in a homemade Asian sesame vinaigrette. The rich flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce combine beautifully with the zesty kick from red pepper flakes, making each bite a burst of delightful taste. A garnish of toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro adds an aromatic touch to this visually stunning salad. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish at dinner, it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
4
Servings
137.5
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wonton wrappers
2 (Cut into 1/4-inch strips)
Canola oil
for frying (Heat to 365°F)
Sliced almonds
2 tablespoons (Toast in the oven)
Romaine lettuce
4 cups (Loosely packed and torn into bite-size pieces)
Fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 ounces (Grilled and sliced thin)
Sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (For topping)
Rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup (None)
Toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup (None)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (None)
Toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon (For topping)
Red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (None)
Canola oil
3/4 cup (For dressing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut the wonton wrappers into 1/4-inch strips. Set aside.
3
In a heavy skillet, heat about 2 inches of canola oil to 365°F (185°C). Carefully fry the wonton strips in the hot oil until they are golden and crisp, approximately 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
4
Spread the sliced almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, tossing once halfway through. Once they’re golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
5
To make the dressing, combine the rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. Then, gradually drizzle in the canola oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is emulsified.
6
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, chopped cilantro, the crispy wonton strips, sliced chicken, and the salad dressing until everything is evenly coated.
7
Divide the salad among plates, and top with the toasted sesame seeds and cooled sliced almonds for an added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant salad featuring romaine lettuce, tender grilled chicken, crunchy almonds, and crispy wonton strips tossed in a homemade Asian sesame vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 137.5 calories, 10g of fat, 7.5g of carbohydrates, and 6.25g of protein.
How do I make the wonton strips crispy?
Cut wonton wrappers into 1/4-inch strips and fry them in canola oil heated to 365 degrees F for about 30 seconds until golden.
What temperature should the oil be for frying the wontons?
The oil should be heated to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C) in a heavy skillet.
How do I toast the almonds for this salad?
Spread sliced almonds on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, tossing halfway through.
What ingredients are in the sesame vinaigrette?
The dressing consists of rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and canola oil.
How do I emulsify the salad dressing?
Whisk the vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and spices together, then gradually drizzle in the canola oil while continuing to whisk.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been grilled and sliced thin.
Is this recipe considered a copycat version?
Yes, it is noted as a copycat recipe, specifically inspired by Panera Bread.
What type of lettuce is best for this salad?
The recipe specifies using 4 cups of loosely packed romaine lettuce torn into bite-size pieces.
How much red pepper flakes should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to provide a zesty kick.
Are the sesame seeds toasted?
Yes, the recipe uses toasted sesame oil and includes toasted sesame seeds for the topping.
Can I use fresh cilantro in this dish?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro is used for both flavor and garnish.
How long does it take to toast the almonds?
The sliced almonds take approximately 10 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees F.
What kind of oil is used for the dressing?
3/4 cup of canola oil is used as the base for the dressing.
Should I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to serve immediately after tossing to ensure the wonton strips and almonds remain crunchy.
How do I prep the wonton wrappers?
You should cut two wonton wrappers into 1/4-inch strips before frying.
Is rice wine vinegar required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar to give the vinaigrette its authentic Asian flavor.
How much soy sauce is in the dressing?
The dressing includes 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
What size should the lettuce pieces be?
The romaine lettuce should be torn into bite-size pieces.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The provided data does not list a specific fiber count for this recipe.
What is the primary protein source?
The primary protein source is grilled boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The provided nutritional data lists sugar as null, suggesting no significant added sugar.
What is the purpose of the sesame seeds in this recipe?
Sesame seeds are used both inside the dressing and as a garnish for added texture and aroma.
How much toasted sesame oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of toasted sesame oil for the dressing.
Can I prepare the wonton strips in advance?
While you can fry them ahead of time, they are best when fresh to maintain maximum crispiness.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients listed for this Crispy Asian Chicken Salad.
Is this salad considered a light meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a light meal and a healthy option.
How do I assemble the final salad?
Toss the lettuce, cilantro, wontons, and chicken with the dressing, then divide onto plates and top with sesame seeds and almonds.