Craving that vibrant, flavorful Zaxby's Asian Zensation Salad but don't want to leave the house? This recipe lets you recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen, offering a healthy and satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick dinner or a light lunch. Get ready to experience the same zingy, savory goodness, all from the comfort of your home! This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a healthy and delicious meal. Homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated, and this recipe proves just that.
Ingredients:
- 5 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup mandarin orange segments
- ¼ cup chow mein noodles
- ¼ cup crispy wonton strips (store-bought or homemade)
For the Zensation Dressing:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken breast to the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (longer is better for maximum flavor!).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let it cool slightly, then slice or shred.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrots, red cabbage, mandarin orange segments, and chow mein noodles.
- Add the sliced or shredded chicken to the salad.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Top with crispy wonton strips just before serving.
Tips for the Best Asian Zensation Salad:
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator, will infuse it with incredible flavor.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, or rice vinegar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more honey. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more rice vinegar.
- Add some crunch: Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts would add a nice crunch to the salad.
- Make it a complete meal: Add cooked quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial and healthy meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Zensation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Zensation: Omit the chicken and add edamame, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Shrimp Zensation: Substitute cooked shrimp for the chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Around 30-40g
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40g
This homemade version of Zaxby's Asian Zensation Salad offers a delicious and healthy alternative to eating out. It's a simple recipe, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a great addition to your list of go-to healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. This best recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again!