a keeper

One of the ways I show love and support is by making things to eat that not only nourish but comfort and satisfy. When I went out to stay with my daughter and son- in-law to welcome their new addition, I wanted to shower them with just that. I had many of their favorites in mind but thought it might be fun to throw some new ones into the mix.

Top of that list was a Chinese chicken salad. To help distract my daughter during her last weeks of pregnancy I would tell her what I was cooking. I raved about this new salad recipe. I thought I noted enthusiasm, so it was one of the first lunches I prepared when they arrived home from the hospital with their sweet bundle.

The four of us gathered around their dining room table. My son-in-law gleefully dug in. My daughter took a gingerly bite then exclaimed, “Wow, this is really good!” I said, “That is why I’ve been going on and on about it, why don’t you like Chinese chicken salad?” She confessed “Not really, but this is actually delicious.”

Her experience has been with those you find hanging in the produce section of the grocery store. This recipe, while not taking much effort, is exceptionally better from those pre-bagged versions. The key to this chinese chicken salad recipe is the dressing. 

What sets it apart are the peach preserves.

In a large bowl, whisk together two tablespoons rice vinegar, two tablespoons sesame oil, one and half tablespoons peach preserves, one and half tablespoons peach mayonnaise, two teaspoons soy sauce, two thirds teaspoon chili powder and a third teaspoon onion powder. Season with salt to taste and set this sweet and savory dressing aside.

Shred six ounces of cooked chicken.

Toss with enough dressing to lightly coat.

Place four to six handfuls of chopped romaine.

Add three sliced scallions, a half cup coarsely chopped cilantro, and quarter cup coarsely chopped mint.

Here packaged wonton strips are a delicious time saver.

Add a quarter cup of wonton strips to the bowl. Toss with enough dressing to lightly coat the greens. Season with a pinch of salt if needed. 

Divide the greens among plates or onto a platter. Top with the dressed chicken and sprinkle with more fried wontons. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side.

And just like this little man… this new arrival is a definite keeper!