summertime yum

We are officially in full swing of the summertime picnic season.

One of my all-time favorite summer treats is my Mom's recipe

for Napa cabbage salad.

I thought I would share it with you in case you are looking for a refreshing summer-inspired dinner.

Napa Cabbage Salad

Ingredients:

Medium Napa cabbage

2 to 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

 

 

Topping:

2 to 3 drops sesame oil

½ cup sesame seeds

½ cup slivered almonds

1 package Ramen noodles broken

 

 

Dressing:

½ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup vinegar

¼ cup sugar or sugar substitute

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions:

1. Up to 6 hours ahead of time mix ingredients for the dressing over low heat to dissolve. Stir to incorporate. Place in a closed container in the refrigerator to cool.

2. Clean and chop the Napa cabbage and place in a large bowl. (Optional: refrigerate the bottom 2 inches of the cabbage for a  garnish later.)

3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage, toss, cover and refrigerate.

4. Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips.

5. Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a skillet. Brown chicken then drain and set aside.

6. Heat 2 to 3 drops of sesame oil in a small skillet.

7. Brown the sesame seeds, almonds and noodles then drain on a paper towel. You can make toppings in quantity and freeze in a sealed container.

8. Add the chicken and the toppings to the salad, toss and serve.

Options: add peapods, pineapple, oranges or strawberries.

 

Keep the bottom portion of the cabbage as a garnish.

Rub a lemon over the cut surface to keep from turning brown.

Then slice a strawberry vertically being careful not to pierce

the top. Spread the segments of the strawberry

for a lovely finishing touch...

 

Tip: The salad is best when it has time to marinate in the dressing.

Up to 30 minutes is optimal. Plan ahead when preparing this dish!

 

I hope you are inspired to make a beautifully yummy summer salad.

I am the last person to say I follow a healthy diet...but with recipes like these I am willing to give it a chance!!!

 

 

A very special "thank-you" to my mom for teaching me how to cook.

We have shared a lot of laughs and love

in the kitchen over the years!

 

Happy Summer to you and yours...