Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

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This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a crisp, filling mix of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a bold sesame dressing. Easy to toss together and great for lunch, dinner, or prepping ahead-it's a solid choice any day.

A fork lifting a portion of Asian sesame chicken salad from a white plate, showcasing the colorful mix of vegetables and chicken.

This salad isn't tied to any specific holiday, but it shines in spring and summer when you're after something fresh, colorful, and easy to throw together. It's a delicious option for meal-prepping or for serving at picnics and potlucks.

This recipe was inspired by my popular Easy Big Mac Salad-another great bowl meal bursting with flavor and texture.

It pairs beautifully with the Roasted Cherry Tomato and Burrata Bruschetta. The juicy roasted tomatoes, creamy burrata, and basil bring a bright, fresh contrast to the savory sesame chicken salad-offering a balance of textures and flavors that elevate the whole meal.

A plate with Asian sesame chicken salad topped with sliced chicken.

Ingredients

Chicken breast cooked and sliced is tender, protein-packed, and ready to soak up the sesame dressing.
Napa cabbage or mixed salad greens are crisp and refreshing, forming the base that holds everything together.
Carrot grated or julienned adds vibrant color and a gentle sweetness.
Bell pepper thinly sliced brings a sweet crunch and vivid color.
Toasted sesame seeds offer nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Sliced almonds optional add extra crunch and mild nuttiness.
Green onions chopped give a fresh bite and scallion flavor.
Olive or sesame oil for the dressing creates a rich base that makes the dressing silky.
Soy sauce provides savory depth and umami.
Honey naturally sweetens and balances the dressing.
Rice vinegar brightens the flavors with a gentle tang.
Grated ginger warms the flavor profile with subtle spice.
Sesame seeds for the dressing add double sesame goodness and visual appeal.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Ingredients being mixed in a large bowl, surrounded by fresh vegetables and other salad components on the table.

In a large bowl, mix cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, chicken, sesame seeds, and almonds.

Asian sesame chicken salad in a bowl with a small bowl of sesame dressing on the side.

In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve.

Hint: Toast the sesame seeds and almonds in a dry pan for a few minutes to bring out their nutty flavor. For the best texture, slice the veggies thinly and uniformly so each bite has a balanced mix of crunch. Let the chicken cool slightly before tossing it in to prevent the greens from wilting.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-free - use tamari instead of soy sauce, plus certified gluten-free sesame oil.
Vegetarian - swap chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or shredded jackfruit.
Extra crunch - add crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles right before serving.
Heat it up - stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped chili for a spicy kick.
Kid-friendly - skip gingery bits and serve dressing on the side so they can dip or drizzle themselves.

💭Crucial Success Tips

Always grate the ginger fresh for best flavor-store-bought paste just can't compare. Also, toss the salad just before serving so veggies stay crisp and sesame seeds maintain their crunchy texture.

FAQ

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Once dressed, it's best eaten within a day. If undressed, it can stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely-try shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef for a variation.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, just pack the dressing separately and toss right before eating.

📖 Recipe

Asian salad served on a white plate, resting on a cloth napkin.

Tina

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

A crunchy and flavorful Asian-style chicken salad tossed with crisp vegetables and a rich sesame dressing-perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings: 3 servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients Method

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 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
50 g almonds optional, sliced
2 tablespoon green onions chopped

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger grated
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Method

In a large bowl, mix cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, chicken, sesame seeds, and almonds.
In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve.

How to Store Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

If you have leftovers, keep them in separate containers-veggies and chicken in one, dressing in another. Combine when ready to eat to keep everything crisp and flavorful.

This salad doesn't freeze well once dressed, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and mix fresh when you're ready.