It’s the middle of February and you know what that means 一 almost 75% of us have given up on our New Year's Resolutions. For the ¼ of you that are still making it to the gym, getting more sleep, or whatever your goal is: you go girl, you’re killing it. For the rest of us, it’s not too late to get back on track!
Most people hate the idea of eating healthy because it seems dull. But who said that salads have to be boring? This Asian sesame chicken salad recipe from Little Spice Jar proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to have a healthy meal!
Ingredients:
SESAME VINAIGRETTE:
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
2 whole cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
SALAD:
4 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped (or spring mix)
1 (15 oz can) mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup wonton strips (optional)
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
12 ounces cooked grilled chicken, sliced or diced
For the dressing:
Place the rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat and allow it to just come to a gentle boil, add the sugar and garlic cloves and let the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Remove the rice vinegar mixture from the stove and discard the garlic cloves. Place the rice vinegar mixture in a mason jar and add the sesame oil, canola oil, soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds. Allow the dressing to come to room temperature, about 10-15 minutes. Screw on the lid and give it a good shake until the dressing mixes together. Please note, homemade salad dressing will separate as it sits, just give it a good shake before pouring onto the salad.
For the salad:
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the salad and top with the sesame vinaigrette. Serve immediately.