While I don’t condone fast food restaurants, they do seem to have a place in life. In a past career, I often had to run errands over my lunch hour, grab something to eat quick and head back to work. Because I try hard not to indulge my love of greasy foods, I most often stopped at a burger joint (that will remain nameless) which served a wonderful mandarin chicken salad. If you have ever had this one – you know the joint I’m talking about. It was So Good! They served it with some little rice noodles and almond slices. I loved the dressing so much I just had to go home and try creating it myself. Here is what I came up with. I think it’s pretty spot on. Enjoy!
Oriental Sesame Dressing
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1 T brown sugar
1T corn light syrup
3 1/2 T white vinegar
1 T dark (toasted) sesame oil
Dash each of dry mustard, garlic powder and dry ginger
1 T sesame seeds – toasted
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Toast sesame seeds on a piece of foil in a 350 oven until golden – approximately 8 to 12 minutes.
Place all ingredients except the toasted Sesame seeds and the vegetable oil in a blender. Blend well then slowly pour in the oil while still processing. Then add seeds and blend for just a moment. Chill.
Mandarin Chicken Salad
Grilled Chicken Breast meat – slices
Baby Greens – lettuce or spinach – or both
Mandarin Orange Slices
Almond Slices – toasted (toast just like the sesame seeds – but takes a few minutes longer)
Fried Rice Sticks or Fried Rice Noodles
Options – Craisins, fresh broccoli, snow peas, bok choy, cucumber or whatever makes your tummy happy
Time Saver Tips
- Instead of frying your own rice sticks (which can be messy and smell up your house), buy crispy rice noodles or Wonton Strips (pictured) from your local store. You can usually find them in the oriental foods section or with the Dressings. They have a different flavor than the rice sticks but are still very good.
- If you don’t have leftover chicken you can buy some pre-grilled and ready to eat.
- Use your own garden greens. Pick them early in the morning before you head to work. Pop them in a plastic bag and toss them right into the refrigerator. You can rinse them and spin dry right before you use them.
- Don’t have a salad spinner to dry your rinsed greens – no problem – just place the damp greens and a couple sheets of paper towel in a clean pillowcase – step outside and spin it as fast as your arms will allow. Greens dry fast and you get a little exercise too. There are few things in life as yummy as fresh young garden greens and best of all – it’s good for you.