Instructions: Start with hot tap water and put in chicken breasts. ECook 20 minutes. ECut into one of the breasts to see if they are done. EIf they are, cut into each breasts as you remove them from the boiling water to make sure each of them are not pink. ECool and shred by pulling apart with fingers into bite-sized pieces. EPreheat oven to 400; place almonds slices in single layer on a foil lined cookie sheet (DO NOT spray with Pam).

EBake for 2 - 4 minutes, watch carefully, will burn at the drop of a hat! EImmediately remove from baking sheet; cool on paper towels. ECut green onions on a diagonal (like French-cut green beans) into bite-sized pieces. ETear lettuce into bite-sized pieces. E SALAD DRESSING IS MADE THE NIGHT BEFORE: EMix salad dressing ingredients and shake often. ELeave on counter overnight. EEntire salad can be made the day before if you prepare each ingredient and put into separate plastic bags and refrigerate. EPut together right before serving. EDO NOT pour entire amount of salad dressing on salad. EAdd just enough so salad doesnt get soggy after tossing. E

I NEVER add the poppyseeds. EThey stick in your teeth and no one tells you!! ETheyre expensive too.

This is, of course, a fantastic salad to "bring" and everyone will bug the heck out of you for the recipe. EDont add the dressing until ready to serve.

If you were to serve this at a "at home" dinner instead of a buffet, I would NOT put the dressing on and let each person put their own on. EThat way any leftovers (nearly impossible!!) wont get wilted. EMaybe buy an extra bag of the Chinese noodles to put on the leftovers to keep the crunch in.

You can add more or less of any of the ingredients. I buy the sliced almonds that still have the skins on the edges. E

To double the dressing (which I usually do): E1/2 cup sugar, still only 2 tsp salt, still try 1 tsp. Accent, but add more after you taste first, 1 tsp fresh ground pepper, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 cup oil (I use canola).

The true taste of the dressing doesnt really come out until the next day. E If you have one of those one-handed blenders, it makes emulsifying the dressing a breeze.

Please note, Accent can be found in your spice aisle and contains MSG.

This is the best salad you will ever make.

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