Merle’s Chinese Chicken Salad in Red Cabbage Leaf Bowl with Fortune Cookie

Go ahead. Give Merle’s Chinese Chicken Salad a try.  You just might find yourself recalling all the “Good Fortune” you’ve received.  Besides, it’s a light and easy fare that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.  Pan-sear the chicken, as it gives the best flavor and texture.

Take the time to dry roast those sesame seeds and almonds; the extra nuttiness it imparts is well worth the effort.  Be sure to add the dressing right before serving, to keep those noodles at their crunchy best. I hope you like it as much as we do!  I bet you find yourself doubling the recipe, because it really is that good. 

On a recent rainy afternoon at the Lakehouse, a double-batch of this salad was gone in a blink.    It wasn’t served on fine china and tasted just as good when eaten off a paper plate.  And, it wasn’t only the ladies who raved about it this time.  You see, it doesn’t require a fancy setting to be enjoyed, just good company.

Ingredients:

Salad

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pan-seared and cubed

½ head of green cabbage, shredded

4 green onions, chopped

1 package Top Ramen Chicken-flavored Noodles

2 Tablespoons sesame seeds

½ cup slivered almonds

Dressing

3 Tablespoons vinegar (I like Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar)

2 Tablespoons white sugar

½ cup oil

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ pack of the chicken-flavored seasoning foil pack Top Ramen Noodles

Toast sesame seed and almonds on cookie sheet for about 5 minutes at 350 degrees.  Watch closely as these will burn easily.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.  Combine these with broken-up Ramen Noodles. Set Aside.  Reserve the foil chicken seasoning pack. In separate bowl combine, chicken, onions and cabbage.  Toss to combine well.  Set aside until ready to serve. Make dressing by combining sugar, vinegar, oil, salt, pepper and ½ of the chicken seasoning pack from the noodles.  Mix well.

15 minutes before serving, combine all ingredients.  Toss well to coat evenly with dressing.