Chinese Chicken Salad and The Gym Lady

Hi everyone. I was at the gym a few weeks ago and was explaining my business to someone who doesn’t cook much. She said she did not have much of an interest in learning how because her husband does not mind that she doesn’t cook. She did, however, mention that she tried this incredible Chinese Chicken Salad that her sister had made.

I told her that Chinese Chicken salad is sooooo easy to make! She did not seem inclined to try to make it which , I must say, made me very frustrated. It is hard for me to know that someone enjoys a food so much but will not make it for themselves! I know it is my issue, (why can’t I just let it go!) but I get so much pleasure out of cooking and want everyone to share in that.

So, I have been researching the best Chinese Chicken Salads to post, with the hope that she might go on this blog and try making it. I modified this recipe from the Barefoot Contessa. Remember to adjust the taste, meaning add more honey if you like it sweeter, more salt if you like it saltier, etc. YOU are the taste judge, not me-be confident. This is a perfect dish for leftover chicken breasts. Also, you can make the sauce a day ahead, cut up the peppers a day ahead as well as the chicken which means it will be very easy to throw together when you are ready.

Chinese Chicken Salad:

4 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite sized pieces (Bake them at 350 degrees with a little olive oil and salt)
Salad greens for 2-4 people
1 red bell pepper, cored and seeded
2 scallions (white and green parts), sliced diagonally
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, toasted

For the dressing:

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup good apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon peeled, grated fresh ginger
1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cut the peppers in strips. Combine the cut chicken and peppers in a large bowl with the salad greens.
Whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Add the scallions and sesame seeds and season to taste. Serve cold or at room temperature. This is delicious. Enjoy!