Asian Caesar Salad from P.F. Chang's features crisp Romaine lettuce, crunchy wonton strips, shaved Parmesan cheese, and grilled chicken tossed in a tangy Asian-inspired Caesar dressing, offering a refreshing blend of savory and zesty flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Salad spinner or colander
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Grill pan (or outdoor grill)
- Tongs
- Vegetable peeler or Parmesan cheese shaver
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Salad serving tongs or large spoon
- Paper towels (for drying lettuce and chicken)
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup wonton strips
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Cooking oil (for grilling chicken)
When selecting ingredients for your Asian Caesar Salad from P.F. Chang's copycat menu, choose fresh Romaine lettuce to ensure crispness and avoid wilting. Freshly grated ginger and garlic should be used to enhance the authentic Asian-inspired tanginess in the dressing. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts provide lean protein while grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the sesame oil and fish sauce. Wonton strips contribute a crunchy texture, so purchasing them fresh or preparing them crisp at home will improve the salad's overall bite. You'll find the perfect balance of savory and zesty flavors when combining all these carefully chosen ingredients in this refreshing Asian Caesar Salad.
Instructions
- Wash and spin-dry Romaine lettuce; chop or tear into bite-sized pieces.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Preheat grill pan (or outdoor grill) and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill chicken breasts until cooked through, then let rest and slice into strips.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, sesame oil, Dijon mustard, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth for the dressing.
- Toss Romaine lettuce with the prepared Asian Caesar dressing in a large bowl.
- Arrange dressed lettuce on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Top salad with grilled chicken strips.
- Sprinkle wonton strips and shaved Parmesan cheese over the salad.
- Serve immediately using salad serving tongs or a large spoon.
Substitution
Asian Caesar Salad from P.F. Chang's copycat menu combines crisp Romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, and wonton strips tossed in a tangy, Asian-inspired dressing with Parmesan cheese. If wonton strips are unavailable, you can substitute with crushed tortilla chips or crispy chow mein noodles for a similar crunch. When fresh ginger is hard to find, a pinch of ground ginger can be used, but adjust to taste for authenticity. For those avoiding fish sauce, a splash of soy sauce mixed with a bit of miso paste creates a comparable umami flavor. To ensure your chicken remains juicy during grilling, marinate it for at least 30 minutes and avoid overcooking by using a grill pan or outdoor grill set to medium-high heat.
Tips
To ensure crisp Romaine lettuce, thoroughly wash and use a salad spinner to remove excess water, avoiding soggy salad. Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to promote even browning and prevent steaming during grilling. Whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified to achieve a smooth, well-balanced flavor that adheres evenly to the lettuce. Toss your salad gently with dressing to coat without bruising the leaves or wilting the wonton strips for maximum crunch.
Nutritions
Asian Caesar Salad from P.F. Chang's provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option. Grilled chicken breasts deliver a lean source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth. Romaine lettuce is rich in vitamins A and K, while Parmesan cheese adds calcium and a firm dose of flavor. Your body benefits from the healthy fats in olive oil and sesame oil, which support heart health and nutrient absorption.
Storage
Store leftover Asian Caesar Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness. Keep the grilled chicken and dressing separate to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy, ensuring better texture when reheated or served cold. You can preserve the wonton strips in a sealed bag at room temperature to retain their crunch until ready to add.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with seared shrimp or tofu cubes for a different protein twist. Swap wonton strips with toasted almonds or crispy fried shallots to add a unique crunch. Try using kale or baby spinach instead of Romaine lettuce to vary the greens. For an alternative dressing texture, blend the ingredients into a creamy consistency or thin it out with extra rice vinegar for a lighter finish.
Allergies
This Asian Caesar Salad contains common allergens such as dairy from Parmesan cheese and egg-based mayonnaise, soy from soy sauce and possibly in wonton strips, and fish from fish sauce. Wonton strips may also contain wheat/gluten, posing a risk to those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's best to confirm preparation methods or customize your order for safety.
Why this recipe?
P.F. Chang's Asian Caesar Salad is popular for its unique fusion of traditional Caesar flavors with Asian-inspired ingredients like crispy wontons, sesame seeds, and ginger dressing. The salad offers a balanced mix of creamy, savory, and tangy tastes that appeal to diverse palates. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this flavorful dish at home while customizing freshness and ingredient quality. Your homemade salad can replicate P.F. Chang's distinctive taste without the restaurant price tag, making it a worthwhile culinary project.