A crunchy, savory twist on classic Chinese chicken salad—fresh romaine, tender shredded chicken, toasted cashews, and a naturally sweet maple sesame dressing. The crispy fried leeks take the place of crunchy noodles for the most craveable bite.

Prep + Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

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Ingredients

Salad

• 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (roasted, poached, or rotisserie)

• ½ cup toasted cashews

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

• 6 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1 large leek (white and light green parts), cut into thin matchsticks

• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup coconut oil (or avocado oil), for frying

• Pinch of salt, to finish

Maple Sesame Dressing

• 3 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari / coconut aminos for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

• ¼ cup avocado oil or olive oil

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds tang + helps emulsify)

• Salt + pepper, to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fry the Leeks (and Garlic)

1. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a small pan over medium heat.

2. When the oil is hot, add the leeks and sliced garlic in small batches.

3. Fry for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until golden and crisp.

4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

5. Let cool — they will crisp up more as they sit.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the leeks crispy, not soggy.

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Step 2: Make the Maple Sesame Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

   • rice vinegar

   • maple syrup

   • soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)

   • toasted sesame oil

   • avocado/olive oil

   • Dijon mustard (optional)

2. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust:

   • more vinegar = brighter

   • more maple = sweeter

   • more soy = saltier/umami

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Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, add:

   • chopped romaine

   • shredded chicken

   • cilantro

   • green onions

   • toasted cashews

2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

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Step 4: Top + Serve

1. Right before serving, top with crispy fried leeks and garlic so they stay crunchy.

2. Serve immediately for the best texture.

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Optional Add-Ons

• Mandarin orange segments for sweet citrus pop

• Sesame seeds for extra crunch

• Shredded carrots or purple cabbage for color + classic Chinese chicken salad texture

• Rotisserie chicken for an easy weeknight shortcut

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Nutrition Note on Leeks

Leeks are a prebiotic-rich vegetable, which supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria—plus they add a savory onion flavor without overpowering the salad.