Cletah'S Oriental Salad
A vibrant and crunchy Oriental salad featuring crisp lettuce, toasted almonds, green onions, tender chicken, and crispy wontons, perfect for light, flavorful gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer chicken in water until cooked; then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown the slivered almonds and sesame seeds on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until light brown.
- Tear the iceberg lettuce into small pieces.
- Chop green onions.
- Slice the wontons into three sections and deep fry in peanut oil until lightly browned.
- Lightly toss all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Just before serving, pour dressing over the salad and mix lightly to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added crunch, consider using toasted sesame seeds along with the slivered almonds. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a convenient substitute for the chicken breasts. You can also swap iceberg lettuce for romaine for a different texture. For a lighter dressing, try a vinaigrette instead of a creamy option.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with Luau Appetizers for a festive meal. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a light soup, like Potato And Herb Soup, to create a balanced dining experience. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy. If reheating, avoid warming the lettuce; instead, consider warming the chicken separately and adding it just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cletah'S Oriental Salad contains roughly 934 calories, with 36g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. Store the components separately until ready to toss with the dressing.
What kind of dressing works best for this salad?
A light sesame or soy-based dressing complements the flavors of this salad beautifully. You can also use store-bought Asian dressings for convenience. If you're looking for a healthier option, a homemade vinaigrette with rice vinegar and olive oil would be a great choice.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! This salad works well with grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. You could also use sliced beef or pork if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just ensure the alternative protein is cooked and seasoned well to enhance the salad's overall taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).