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.