Zensation Zalad Recipe
Discover the magic of Zaxby's Zensation Zalad recipe. Asian flavors unleashed in a homemade delight. Your culinary adventure begins here!
- Publisher: Recipe Volt
- Cuisine: Zaxby's
- Category: Salad
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 450 calories
Zensation Zalad
The Zaxby's Zensation Zalad is a culinary masterpiece that encapsulates the vibrant and savory essence of Asian flavors. Crafted with precision, it features a medley of crisp and fresh ingredients, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a taste bud adventure. This salad is offered in three variations: fried, grilled, and garden, catering to diverse preferences.
At its core, the Zensation Zalad consists of hand-breaded chicken fingers, expertly cut into bite-sized pieces, and placed atop a bed of chopped mixed greens. The color palette is enriched with finely chopped red cabbage and julienned carrots, providing both visual appeal and nutritional value. The addition of crunchy wonton strips elevates the texture, offering a satisfying bite in every forkful.
What truly sets the Zensation Zalad apart is its distinctive Asian slaw, a blend of flavors that adds a unique twist to the salad. The crowning touch comes in the form of a drizzle of honey sesame teriyaki sauce, creating a zesty and flavorful profile.
Served alongside a vegetable eggroll and an optional packet of citrus vinaigrette dressing, this salad is a symphony of tastes and textures.
Introduced in 2008, the Zensation Zalad has become a seasonal favorite, inspiring even a spin-off Zensation sandwich. Whether you opt for the fried, grilled, or garden version, each bite promises a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired elements, making it a standout choice on the Zaxby's menu.
Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey with our DIY Zaxby's Zensation Zalad recipe! Unleash Asian-inspired flavors at home, elevating your dining experience. Let's dive into the zest!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Mixed greens (enough for a base)
- 1 cup red cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup wonton strips
- 1 cup Zaxby’s Asian slaw (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup honey sesame teriyaki sauce
- Vegetable eggrolls (optional)
- Citrus vinaigrette dressing (optional)
Method Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into finger-sized pieces.
- Coat each piece with breadcrumbs.
- Fry or grill until golden brown and cooked through.
- Arrange a generous bed of mixed greens on a serving plate.
- Sprinkle finely chopped red cabbage and julienned carrots over the greens.
- Generously scatter wonton strips for a delightful crunch.
- Spread a layer of Zaxby’s Asian slaw evenly over the salad.
- Position the hand-breaded chicken fingers on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the honey sesame teriyaki sauce generously over the entire salad.
- Optionally, include vegetable eggrolls on the side for a complete meal.
- If desired, add a drizzle of citrus vinaigrette dressing for an extra flavor kick.
Enjoy creating and indulging in this delightful Zaxby's Zensation Zalad.
Recipe Video
This is a video about Zensation Zalad.
Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 75 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Zensation Zalad, Zensation Zalad Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Serving the Zaxby's Zensation Zalad is an art in itself, ensuring that each element retains its freshness and the flavors meld perfectly. Here's a simple guide:
- Presentation Matters: Begin by selecting a large, attractive plate or bowl. The Zensation Zalad deserves to be showcased.
- Create the Base: Arrange a generous bed of mixed greens on the plate. This forms the canvas for the rest of the ingredients.
- Colorful Layers: Sprinkle finely chopped red cabbage and julienned carrots evenly over the mixed greens. This not only adds color but also nutritional value.
- Crunchy Appeal: Generously scatter wonton strips across the salad. The contrast in texture is a key element of the Zensation Zalad experience.
- Chicken Placement: Artfully place the hand-breaded chicken fingers on top of the salad. Consider a strategic layout for an appealing presentation.
- Drizzle with Flavors: Now, comes the pièce de résistance. Drizzle the honey sesame teriyaki sauce over the entire creation. Ensure an even distribution for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Side Delights: If you have opted for the vegetable eggroll, place it on the side for an additional treat.
- Dressing Decision: If you enjoy an extra layer of zest, consider including the citrus vinaigrette dressing. Serve it on the side, allowing individuals to adjust according to their preference.
- Garnish (Optional): For a finishing touch, you may choose to garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
- Serve Fresh: The Zaxby's Zensation Zalad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve immediately to preserve the crispness of the ingredients and the integrity of the flavors.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for the freshest produce, including mixed greens, red cabbage, and carrots. Fresh ingredients enhance both the flavor and visual appeal of the salad.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Whether frying or grilling the chicken, aim for a golden brown exterior and a juicy, fully cooked interior. This is the centerpiece of the Zensation Zalad, so attention to chicken preparation is key.
- Texture Balance: Pay attention to the texture balance. The combination of crispy wonton strips and the crunchy texture of fresh vegetables adds a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken.
- Zesty Drizzle Technique: When drizzling the honey sesame teriyaki sauce, do so evenly across the entire salad. This ensures every bite is infused with the zesty Asian flavors.
- Optional Dressing Moderation: If using the citrus vinaigrette dressing, start with a small amount and allow individuals to add more according to their taste. The salad's existing flavors are robust, and the dressing is a personal preference.
- Creative Presentation: Have fun with the presentation. Consider arranging the chicken fingers in a visually appealing pattern and garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.
- Serve Immediately: The Zensation Zalad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve immediately after preparation to maintain the crispness of the ingredients and maximize the flavors.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste preferences. If you enjoy extra crunch, add more wonton strips. If you prefer a lighter salad, adjust the quantity of dressing.
- Explore Homemade Slaw: Experiment with crafting your own Asian slaw. This allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking and adds a personal touch to the recipe.
Ingredient Substitutes
While the Zaxby's Zensation Zalad recipe has its unique blend of flavors, you can still experiment with ingredient substitutes based on your preferences and dietary considerations. Here are some suggestions:
- Protein Substitutes: Instead of chicken, you can use grilled shrimp, tofu, or even a plant-based protein like tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Greens Variation: Feel free to switch up the greens. Spinach, arugula, or a mix of various lettuces can add different flavors and textures to the salad.
- Cabbage and Carrots Alternatives: Red or green bell peppers, thinly sliced cucumbers, or even jicama can be alternatives to red cabbage and carrots, maintaining the crunch and color diversity.
- Wonton Strips: If you can't find wonton strips, consider using crispy chow mein noodles or crushed tortilla chips for a similar crunchy element.
- Asian Slaw Variations: Experiment with homemade slaw variations by incorporating ingredients like shredded daikon, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts. Adjust the dressing accordingly.
- Teriyaki Sauce Alternatives: If you're looking for a teriyaki sauce substitute, you can try a hoisin or soy-ginger glaze for a different but still flavorful twist.
- Eggroll Replacement: If vegetable eggrolls aren't available or you prefer a different side, consider spring rolls or steamed dumplings.
- Dressing Options: While the honey sesame teriyaki sauce is a star, you can experiment with different Asian-inspired dressings like ginger soy or peanut sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: For a completely vegetarian Zensation Zalad, omit the meat and double up on the veggies or add a protein substitute like marinated tofu.
- Gluten-Free Options: If you're following a gluten-free diet, ensure that your breadcrumbs, soy sauce, and other sauces are gluten-free. Swap out the wonton strips for gluten-free alternatives.
Remarks
Savor every bite of your homemade Zaxby's Zensation Zalad – a fusion of flavors that brings the spirit of Zaxby's right to your dining table. Happy cooking!
