Entree,  Salad,  Veggies

Sesame Ginger Chop Salad

January 7, 2022 /

Crafted after one of my favorite salads at the Milwaukee Public Market

Recipe SnapshotServes: 4-5Time: 30 minutes*Level: Easy
*Time does not include time needed to cook chicken if using

What you’ll need…

For the Dressing:
1/2 C Rice Vinegar
1/4 C Olive Oil
1 Clove Garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Honey
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil

For the Salad:
Spring Mix (Large container, or two bags)
Cilantro
Bell Peppers (I like 1 Red and 1 Yellow), finely sliced or diced
Shredded Carrot
Edamame, Shelled
Green Onions, sliced
Shredded Chicken (Recipe on my site - I use two chicken breasts for this recipe)
Mandarin Oranges (I get two cans and I try to find the slices in "juices" rather than "light syrup" but they are hard to come by)
Crushed Peanuts
Chow Mein Noodles
*I know there aren't very many measurements listed above...it's a salad! Just follow your heart and omit or add in whatever feels right to you.

Get Cooking…

Mix dressing ingredients and set aside. I like to mix the ingredients in a jar or a bottle with a screw-top lid as I find shaking helps emulsify the oil into smaller droplets.

Place spring mix and cilantro on a cutting board and chop into more bite-sized pieces – you’ll want about 1/2 inch to 1 inch pieces when you’re done. Set aside. This is what really elevates the salad to me: well seasoned with fresh herbs and greens that actually fit on my fork.

Distribute chicken, veggies, mandarin oranges, and greens evenly among bowls. Drizzle with dressing and toss evenly to coat.

Top with peanuts and chow mein noodles for a little crunch, and enjoy!

Notes – If you’re making this salad ahead of time, do not dress until you’re ready to eat. The chicken, veggies, and greens can be stored in the same container. Top with dressing, peanuts, and noodles just prior to serving.

Store bought dressings are also a quick substitute if you’d rather not bother mixing up your own! I like the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing (usually in the produce section), Newman’s Own Sesame Ginger Dressing, and the Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Dressing