Delicious Asian sesame chicken salad with fresh vegetables and sesame dressing

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

ByCasey Monroe

Why make this recipe

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful dressing. This salad is not only healthy but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect meal for busy days. The mix of textures and flavors, along with the crunch from sesame seeds and almonds, makes it satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or something to take to a potluck, this salad is a great choice!

How to make Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts (cooked and sliced)
  • 150 g Napa cabbage (or mixed salad greens)
  • 1 carrot (grated or julienned)
  • 1 bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
  • 50 g almonds (optional, sliced)
  • 2 tbsp green onions (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp ginger (grated)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, chicken, sesame seeds, and almonds if using.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger to make the dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.

How to serve Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with rice or noodles for a more filling meal. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and presentation.

How to store Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you’ve added the dressing, the salad might get a bit soggy, so it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

Tips to make Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

  • Use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
  • Adjust the dressing according to your taste. You can add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.
  • Feel free to add other veggies like cucumbers or snap peas for extra crunch.

Variation

You can easily customize this salad by adding different proteins like shrimp or tofu. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add more nuts or tofu for protein. You can also experiment with different types of greens or nuts based on your preference.

FAQs

Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just make sure to fully cook it before adding it to the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.