Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Asian Chicken, Orange, and Avocado Salad with Ginger Soy Dressing

Just think of all the money you are saving by making this one at home.....This is one of those salads that you can hardly finish before you're plotting when you can get some more. If you think you love Asian salad, try this one with buttery chunks of avocado, refreshing bits of orange, crunchy bits of won ton and salty peanuts, cooling cilantro and cucumber, and protein rich chicken on a bed of crisp greens. The dressing is light and healthful, with a strong sweet and sour flavor with hints of soy and ginger. It's so good for you, you can go ahead and eat double servings. It's so delicious, you might even want more than that. I couldn't wait to share it today. But only on my blog. Because if I had to really share it, I might turn out to be a selfish hog. But a selfish healthy hog.
Tips: Be sure to make this when the avocadoes are on sale for $1 each.
Save money by poaching your own chicken-bone in works fine here. If oranges are pricey, turn to the canned variety.

Asian Chicken, Orange, and Avocado Salad with Ginger Soy Dressing
Estimated Cost: $7.00 for four servings
Notes: Use any cooked chicken, but I think grilled chicken would be especially good. I used plain poached chicken for ease. I poached extra to make chicken salad in a few days. 8 fresh won ton or 6 egg roll sheets
cooking spray
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 large orange, peeled, or canned mandarin oranges
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
4 green onions, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/3 cup roasted salted peanuts
Ginger Soy Dressing: Recipe Below

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat won tons with spray and cut into strips. Bake on foil lined cookie sheet until crispy, turning once, about 8 minutes; sprinkle with sesame seeds. On serving plates, layer greens, chicken, cucumber, oranges, avocado, cilantro, scallions, peanuts, and won ton strips. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Ginger Soy Dressing:
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 generous teaspoon grated fresh ginger, or 1/4 teaspoon dried ginger
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
pinch of salt
Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.


Coming Tomorrow:
Homemade New Fashioned Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Don't pay for the bottled stuff anymore....

30 comments:

hoagiefest 2020 said...

Awesome! I just had a similar salad at Friendly's, but this looks so much better.

gigi said...

Your descriptions make my mouth water! This is one that I will try and it's going to be a pleasure.
Have a really good day!

Eleganza Strings/ The DeLadurantey Family said...

Your making me drool!!!!!!!!! Can you ship me some? I love asian food!

Kirsten said...

I love sweet and crunchy in a salad. Looks great!

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Asian salads is one of my favorites. You asmke it look so easy and appetizing. Will you adopt me?

Mary Ann said...

Okay, I am coming to your house so that you can share some of this with me! Everyday I want to eat your creations. This is the perfect summery salad. It looks so scrumptious!

Aggie said...

Oh man...I would love this salad. Everything about it just says healthy and delicious!!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Oh,yumm, I would love a plate of this for lunch today!

vanillasugarblog said...

I love how you think. All those ingredients, plus the dressing marry oh so well.
You need to enter this one into a contest. Because you have all the bases covered: sweet, crunchy, texture, soft, salty with protein. Really nice salad.

Sharon said...

Can I have this for lunch today? I love to use broken up ramen noodles on Asian salads. Not the healthiest but still yummy.

I can't wait to see your Ranch dressing recipe! I've been scouring the web for a good one.

Anonymous said...

This looks delicious! Think I'll make some Friday to eat while we watch the Opening Ceremonies!

The Blonde Duck said...

I think that's really cool how you combined the avacado and mandarian oranges. I would have never thought of that. This would be the ideal salad for Ben--he loves Avacado and oranges!

Honeyed Hashette said...

Prudy- this salad is RIGHT up my alley! I love asian influenced anything...you could say I am a sucker for ginger and soy.

Sara said...

Oh, this looks heavenly! I have been craving cool, refreshing salads for the summer. I will have to give this a try! Love all the different flavors and especially the crunch!

Anonymous said...

I have to make this next week. That looks great. I wouldn't have ever thought to put avacado on it.
~The Cat's Pajamas

Lainee said...

All I can say is YUMMY!!

Anonymous said...

Wait, wait, wait, don't leave me in suspense, what are you making for Opening Ceremonies?!

Anonymous said...

you had to go and bake the wonton strips to make them healthy! ;-) your salad looks awesome. i love the avocados in the salad.

Chef Jeena said...

No wonder you could not wait to tell us about this Prudy. This is so HEALTHY and TASTY!!! I love it and the flavours are so what I love to eat,YUMMY it looks great!

La Bella Cooks said...

It makes me feel healthy just looking at it!

Prudy said...

Catte:
I'll call you tonight and we'll scheme up a menu. Right now I'm thinking a brown sugar and soy glazed tri tip, peanut ginger slaw, and a cold noodle salad with edamame and roasted red peppers. Maybe some almond cookies and sherbet for dessert...What do you think?

Anonymous said...

Prudy,
That sounds soooo delicious! Pleas call me and give me recipes! I can't wait.

Thinking About Food said...

What a funky blog you have here, love the music too! Love the idea of making great food for small change! I am all for that!

Marie Rayner said...

Delicious sounding recipe as always Erin! Another must try for me! Looking forward to your buttermilk dressing recipe!

Maria said...

Looks light and fresh! I love summer salads!

mags said...

I am a salad lover and I will be leaving my house in five minutes to buy all the ingredients not on hand. I should be eating in just under an hour.

Jaime said...

this is my kind of salad! i love the asian chicken salads and the idea to add avocado is genius!

Anonymous said...

oh my goodness, this is soooo on my menu for lunch today. thanks Prudy!

Denise said...

This is SOOO Yummy! I had it for dinner last night and ate two bowls-- as a matter of fact, Paul did, too! I have been looking for a really good dressing for an Asian salad because I love them. Now I have found it thanks to you! Can't wait to try the ranch dressing and a few others!
Denise

Kathy said...

Although I didn't make the salad, I did try the Ginger Soy Dressing recipe. It was great! Love your blog--have plans to try many more of your recipes.