Author: Courtney Ayers from thecornycorner.com
There’s always a version of Chinese Chicken Salad. And chicken is certainly a GREAT addition here. But I don’t want it to be the focus. I want everyone to be able to enjoy this salad. Realistically, you can add whatever protein you desire. Chicken, steak, Tofu, Chickpeas. The choice is yours. I will add a little recipe for how I would marinate your protein of choice below for reference!
For this Salad, it does make a lot. But it will last all week long if you store it in an airtight container! Absolutely PERFECT for meal prepping. Just keep your protein and crunchies to the side until you are ready to eat.
It is so important too make sure all of your veggies are dry and not damp to help prolong the freshness and keep the wilting process from coming to quickly. For the Mandarin Oranges, I do pat them dry with a paper towel and throw them right in the mix. They do stay plump and moist but the pat dry is an absolute necessity!
When draining your can of mandarin oranges, make sure you are putting the juice from that can in a small bowl to make your dressing. We are making no waste!! That is why it’s important you get the kind in fruit juice, not syrup. The type I get in particular comes in Pear juice. Gives it the perfect touch of sweetness.
The Santa Fe Hot Trail Mix is just a mix I get at my local Sprouts Bulk Section and it does come in Regular if you don’t like the spice. But I do believe it plays a very important role in this salad. So don’t skip the mix! ~ It has like a mix of sesame sticks, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, these other crunchy thingies. Just goodness. Pure goodness. You need it.
Now, I know it might sound like there is a lot of salt being added here. There kind of is. But I like it salty like that. If you don’t I do recommend starting with 1/2 tsp and adding from there to compliment your taste. I do always use a Kosher salt or a flaky salt so that does add to the amount. If you are using a table salt, you are looking closer to 1/4 tsp – 1/2 tsp of salt. So please PLEASE keep that in mind. Taste as you go as well to save yourself and make any adjustments needed. Anyways, let’s get started!
Salad Ingredients:
1 Head of Romaine chopped
1 Head of Green Leaf Lettuce chopped
1/2 of a small Cabbage chopped
4 Green Onions sliced thin
1 11oz. Can of Mandarin Oranges in Juice
1 Bunch of Cilantro chopped
Santa Fe Hot Trail Mix
Soy Vinaigrette Ingredients:
Juice from the can of Mandarin Oranges
1/4 Cup Rice Wine Vinegar
1 tsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
3/4 cup Vegetable Oil
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
Toppings:
YOUR Protein of choice
Santa Fe Hot Trail Mix
Directions:
Salad: In a large bowl, combine your romaine, green leaf lettuce, green onions, cabbage, and cilantro. Mix to combine. Drain your can of mandarin oranges and SAVE THE JUICE. Pat dry the mandarin oranges and gently place the mandarin oranges all over the top (I don’t mix them in) and set the salad to the side.
Vinaigrette: In the bowl of your juice from the mandarin oranges, add in your rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, vegetable oil, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine. It will separate, so I do suggest putting it in an airtight container and giving it a good shake right before dressing your salad.
Serving: I dress each salad individually to help prolong the freshness of the salad and trail mix.
In your bowl, add in desired amount of vinaigrette and toss to combine. Sprinkle your train mix on top then add your protein.
ENJOY!!!!
Marinade for protein:
1/4 Cup of Soy Sauce
1 tsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
1 1/2 tbsp. Mirin
2 tsp. Minced Garlic
1/4 White Onion sliced
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
1 tsp. Black Pepper
Directions: Mix all ingredients to combine then add in your protein of choice. Toss to coat your protein all over and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
I do prefer to grill the protein as it ads a touch of smokiness but pan frying is just as amazing!
I hope you guys enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do!
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As always, anything I post on here is what works best for myself and my family. Please ensure you make any accommodations needed for yours!