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Chinese Chicken Salad

I have been making Chinese chicken salad longer than one was able to do a google search for a Chinese Chicken salad recipe. Yes, I’ve been making it for friends, family, and even large parties. It seems like a good time to share this recipe that I’ve been tweaking for over twenty years.  
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger
  • 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped
  • 2 bulbs green onions sliced thinly
  • 2 cups crunchy chow mein noodles
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Salad dressing
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 4 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Method
 

Prepare the chicken
  1. In a small sauce pan, boil enough water to cover two chicken breasts.  Over high heat, let the water come to a boil and add the chicken and the ginger. 
  2. When the water returns to a boil, lower the heat to a low boil until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts. 
  3. Remove from pot, let cool, and then shred with your hands.
Caramelize almonds
  1. Heat the almonds in a small skillet over medium heat.  
  2. After one or two minutes, sprinkle the sugar over the almonds. Using a wooden spoon, stir the almonds and sugar and continue to cook.
  3. After the sugar melts and the almonds begin to brown, remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the salad dressing
  1. In a small sauce pan, heat the sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper over medium heat.  Using a wooden spoon, stir the liquid to help the sugar breakdown.  Let it come to a boil and continue to stir until the sugar has fully melted.  Remove from the heat and let cool.  
  2. When it has cooled down, pour the liquid into a mason jar. Add the olive oil and the sesame oil.  Cover the lid and shake well.  Shake again before pouring over the salad.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, add lettuce, chicken, green onions, sesame seeds, almonds, and chow mein noodles.  (If you don't plan to eat it all immediately, then only put portions of each ingredient.
  2. Shake the jar of salad dressing and pour a small amount of dressing at a time.  Using tongs, mix everything together.  Continue to add more dressing and mix until it's to your liking.