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Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Wontons

This vibrant and refreshing salad brings together tender chicken, juicy oranges, and a rich sesame ginger dressing for a perfect balance of flavour and texture. The addition of crispy fried wontons adds a satisfying crunch, making this dish both nourishing and indulgent.

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 2 cups mixed lettuce leaves (cos, butter, or iceberg), chopped
  • 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions, sliced
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
  • ¼ cup fresh coriander, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
  • ½ cup roasted cashews or almonds, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup crispy fried wonton strips

For the sesame ginger dressing:

  • 3 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a lighter option)
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

For the crispy wonton strips:

  • 4 wonton wrappers, cut into thin strips
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Pinch of salt

Method

  1. Prepare the crispy wonton strips:
    • Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
    • Add the wonton strips in small batches and fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until golden brown and crisp.
    • Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Lightly season with salt.
  2. Make the dressing:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, orange juice, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and chilli flakes until well combined.
  3. Assemble the salad:
    • In a large bowl, combine lettuce, red cabbage, carrot, capsicum, spring onions, chicken, orange segments, coriander, mint, and nuts.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  4. Serve:
    • Top with crispy fried wonton strips just before serving to maintain their crunch.
    • Enjoy immediately as a light yet satisfying meal.

This salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and crispy textures, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner.