Crispy Lentil Chicken Salad with Sesame Plum Dressing

This hearty salad combines crispy roasted lentils with tender chicken, fresh lettuce, cucumber and bell pepper, all tossed in a glossy sesame plum dressing. The everything bagel seasoning and wonton strips add an irresistible crunch that makes every bite satisfying.

Perfect for a light yet filling weeknight dinner, this recipe is packed with protein and fiber. The sweet-tangy dressing ties everything together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and comforting.

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Ingredients

1 unit Baby LettuceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Chopped Chicken BreastView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fry SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Rice Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.34 tablespoon Soy SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LentilsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Mini CucumberView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.13 tablespoon Sesame OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Shredded Red CabbageView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Wonton StripsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Everything Bagel SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Plum SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Drain and rinse lentils; thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp in the oven.
2. Toss lentils on a baking sheet with a large drizzle of oil, Fry Seasoning, salt and pepper. Roast on top rack for 15 minutes. Remove sheet, carefully shake or stir lentils, then return to oven and roast until crispy, 5-10 minutes more.
3. While lentils roast, trim and discard root end from lettuce; chop leaves into bite-size pieces. Trim and halve cucumber lengthwise; cut crosswise into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Halve, core and thinly slice bell pepper into strips; halve strips crosswise.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, plum sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper.
5. When lentils are done, remove from oven and let rest a few minutes. Transfer lentils to bowl with dressing. Add cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, half the Everything Bagel Seasoning and half the wonton strips; toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, soy sauce or sesame oil as desired.
6. Divide salad between bowls; top with remaining Everything Bagel Seasoning and wonton strips. Serve.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, tofu or even leftover rotisserie chicken.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add wonton strips just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Is there a substitute for plum sauce?

You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of sweet chili sauce and a little soy sauce as a substitute.