When I became a mom I was rather overwhelmed with all the new things my life had to offer, not to mention some of the boredom that ensued that came from hanging out talking to an infant all day. When a group of other mom's that I know decided to get together once a month for "Mom Time" to have a nice lunch, play a game and chat while our kids were taken care of by a babysitter, I was really excited for the "adult" interaction. The first Mom Time we had my friend Lindyl made this salad. It was quite a nice light, but filling lunch and I devoured mine so fast (and gobbled up seconds....and maybe even thirds) I knew I had to get the recipe from her.
While it isn't the most healthiest of salads, it sure satisfies me and knocks the socks off of my husband. And sometimes that's all I'm really looking for ;)
*Recipe from Lindyl Pankonin
_______________________________________
Serves 4
1 head of romaine
3 green onions, chopped
25-30 pork won tons (either frozen ones bought from the store, or homemade)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Dressing:
2/3 cup oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
Salt to taste
Begin by mixing dressing ingredients in a clean jar. Slice the raw chicken into strips and place in a bowl. Pour a ¼ of the dressing over the chicken, mix and place in the fridge to marinate for 10-15 minutes (or longer). Preheat oven to 350 degrees. When chicken is done marinating, place on baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake 15 minutes or so until the chicken is done.
Heat up a wok on medium heat with about an inch or so of oil. Place the won tons in batches and fry until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Chop up romaine and green onions. Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces when they come out of the oven. Add to salad along with the fried won tons. In a dry pan, toast the almonds over medium heat until toasted. Add to the salad and dress with remaining dressing.
Click here for printable version of Won Ton Chicken Salad
__________________________________________
THE RESULTS?
Awwww yeah. So good. I think that a good salad always has good contrast of textures, so I love when there are crispy bits. This salad has both the crunchy toasted almonds and the crispy won tons, plus the sweet/sour flavor of the dressing...it all comes together so nicely. Not only did this win over the ladies at the luncheon, but I impressed my husband as well.