Do you know Dianne?...a Pasadena Salad Tradition

Pasadena, California is a city filled with history and traditions.
Everyone knows the Rose Bowl and that "little old lady from...",
 but if you are from there, you undoubtedly know about Green Street's Dianne Salad.

It's the restaurant's infamous Chinese Chicken Salad.
So deliciously addictive...

I moved to San Francisco after college and 

my best friend had a copy of what was rumored to be the recipe.

Longing to relive our high school days and stops at Green Street for the Dianne,

we tested and tweaked the ingredients.

The magic is all about the sweet sesame dressing and the toppings,

they make the crisp, fresh ingredients really come alive...

Honestly, our version will never be as good as the Dianne at Green Street, 

but if you are homesick, it is a good substitute.  

My parents still live in Pasadena, 

and remarkably Santa seems to sneak a bottle of real Dianne Dressing  into my stocking every year.

Our attempt at 

The Dianne Salad

(serves 4)

3 Romaine Lettuce Hearts

Rice Noodles

3 poached boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed

Slivered Almonds

Dressing:

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

3 to 4 Tablespoons Sugar

4 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar

3 1/2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil

(shake vigorously in a jar or mix in blender so sugar is distributed)

Fry Rice Noodles in hot oil until they are white and "puff". 

Dry on paper towel and place in air tight container until ready to use. 

Lightly toast almonds in a pan or oven.

Place all of the salad ingredients but almonds in a large bowl and toss with dressing. 

 Add almonds and salt and pepper to taste.

*and if you want it to be official, 

garnish with orange wedges as they do at the restaurant!

homework,  bloom designs, tidy mom, shabby nest, skip to my lou, 2 cup tuesday, project inspired