Orient Express Chicken Salad

R.Lynn's Note:

In response to a thread asking for a close clone to the marinade of the McDonald's Asian salad, I ran across this recipe in one of my cooking magazines. I have not tired this yet so I don't know how close it is. The ingredients seem similar and the photo to accompany it looked similar. When I make this and photograph it, I will post that as well unless one of our great chefs get to it before me. :) Prep time includes marinading.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 50 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 4 (4 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)
• 1 cup sesame and ginger marinade
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (5 ounce) package mixed baby lettuces and spring greens
• 1 cup chow mein noodles
• 1/2 cup green onion
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Directions:

1. Place chicken and marinade in a plastic bag. Seal bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the next five ingredients for dressing. Refrigerate.
3. Discard marinade. Broil chicken 4 inches from heat for 10-12 minutes or until juices run clear. Slice and set aside.
4. In a bowl, toss the next six ingredients. Divide among plates. Top with oranges, almonds and chicken.
5. Serve with dressing.

Reviews

[KeeperAtHome]

This salad was delicious. The only change I made was omitting the parmesan cheese. I took the chicken out of the freezer early in the day, thawed it lightly in the microwave, then placed it in a plastic bag with the marinade for the remainder of the day. I have never had the Asian salad at McDonald's so I can't say how close this recipe is to that. It was very delicious though and all 4 of my kids enjoyed this also. Thanks for sharing it. Prepared for Zaar Chef Alphabet Soup game, March '09.