Are you the type of person who tackles a new recipe when company is coming over? I was. I would try the most complicated of course. I don’t know why… ’Sadist’ I suppose?
Most of the time, I managed to deliver on my food bravado and other times- well… I went down in flames! Just thinking back to my first disastrous pizza gives me chills. Sorry Matt. Sorry I served you a black charred pizza that disintegrated upon peeling off the baking stone. I swear I have improved.
When entertaining, I think it is best to go ‘easy’. I wish I could claim the genius that is this salad, but alas- this credit belongs to a dear friend. My only embellishment was the addition of chicken (did I say ‘EASY’?). Chicken really turns this appetizer into a meal. The colors are pleasing to the eye, and the taste? Well, I’ll let you be the judge of that!
Salad Ingredients
· 2/3 cup slivered almonds
· 8 cups (1 lb) coarsely shredded napa cabbage
· 12 ounces snow peas, strings removed, rinsed and thinly sliced
· 1 1/3 cups thinly sliced radishes
· 1 1/3 cups thinly sliced green onions (including greens)
· 1 1/3 cups lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves
Dressing Ingredients
· 3 Tbsp rice vinegar (seasoned or unseasoned)
· 2 Tbsp sugar
· 2 Tbsp soy sauce
· 1 clove peeled and minced garlic
· 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
· 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
· 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
· 1 cup mayonnaise*
*For a low-fat version, sub out mayonnaise for whole milk greek yogurt.
Directions
1 Step
Spread almond slivers out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, until nicely browned. OR toast in stick-free or cast-iron skillet on medium high, stirring frequently until browned. Set aside.
2 Step
Combine cabbage, snow peas, radishes, green onions, cilantro in a large bowl. Can make this step a day or two ahead.
3 Step
In a separate bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and cayenne until sugar has dissolved. Whisk in the mayonnaise.
4 Step
When ready to serve, gently combine the dressing and almonds with the cabbage mixture.
5 Step
Top with quick cook chicken.
Serves 14-16.
This looks so yummy, thanks for sharing!