Seven Layer Chinese Chicken Salad ๐ฅ
Overview:
A delightful medley of flavors and textures, the Seven Layer Chinese Chicken Salad is a true crowd-pleaser. This recipe, passed on after much coaxing, is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious. Packed with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty dressing, each bite is a burst of Asian-inspired goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is not only quick and easy but also low in cholesterol, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. Let’s dive into creating this flavorful masterpiece!
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
5 | Romaine lettuce |
1 | Can white shoepeg corn |
2 | Tomatoes |
1 | Bunch green onions |
1 | Cup peanuts |
2 | Tablespoons sugar |
1/2 | Teaspoon salt |
2 | Teaspoons gingerroot |
1 | Pinch pepper |
3/4 | Cup vinegar |
Instructions:
For the Salad:
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Prepare the Base:
- Start by arranging the crisp romaine lettuce in the bottom of a large, clear glass serving bowl. This forms the base of our vibrant salad.
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Crunchy Noodles:
- Discard the seasoning packet from the soup mix, and then coarsely crush the noodles. These crunchy additions will add a delightful texture to the salad.
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Layering:
- Now, let’s create the layers! Follow this order as you build your salad:
- Layer 1: Crushed noodles
- Layer 2: Drained and rinsed white shoepeg corn
- Layer 3: Diced tomatoes
- Layer 4: Sliced green onions
- Layer 5: Roasted peanuts
- Layer 6: Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and a pinch of pepper
- Now, let’s create the layers! Follow this order as you build your salad:
For the Dressing:
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Zesty Dressing:
- In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the gingerroot and vinegar. The fresh gingerroot adds a delightful kick to the dressing, complementing the other flavors perfectly.
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Shake it Up!:
- Secure the lid tightly on the jar and shake until all the ingredients are well blended. The aroma of the gingerroot combined with the tangy vinegar will have your taste buds tingling with anticipation.
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Drizzle and Serve:
- Once the dressing is ready, generously pour it over the layered salad. The dressing will infuse every layer with its zesty goodness, tying the flavors together beautifully.
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Serve with Gusto:
- Your Seven Layer Chinese Chicken Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately to savor the crisp freshness and delightful flavors.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 441.9
- Fat: 25.2g
- Saturated Fat: 4.8g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
- Sodium: 873mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4.8g
- Sugar: 7.5g
- Protein: 22.5g
Recipe Notes:
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Make it a Meal:
- For a heartier version, add shredded chicken or grilled tofu to the layers. This will amp up the protein and make it a satisfying main dish.
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Crunchy Variations:
- Experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
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Make Ahead:
- Prepare the layers and dressing ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving. This ensures the noodles stay crunchy and the flavors stay fresh.
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Storage:
- If you have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious salad!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within a day or two for the best taste and texture.
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Garnish Ideas:
- Finish off your salad with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy this Seven Layer Chinese Chicken Salad as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a vibrant potluck favorite. With its crisp textures, vibrant colors, and zesty dressing, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection! ๐ฅโจ