This Easy Sesame Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a yummy sesame dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or a light lunch!
When I make this salad, I can’t help but add a little extra crunch with some nuts. It’s so fun to mix and match the veggies. You’ll love how fresh it feels in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for this salad. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use grilled tofu or cooked shrimp for a different protein option.
Cabbage Mix: I like using a mix of green and purple cabbage for color and crunch. If cabbage isn’t your thing, feel free to swap in baby spinach or mixed greens instead!
Sesame Oil: This oil adds distinct flavor. For a milder taste, you can replace it with olive oil, but keep in mind it’ll change the profile a bit.
Honey: Using honey lends sweetness to the dish. If you’re vegan or need a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup works just as well.
Nuts: Almonds and cashews add crunch. You can swap them for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if there are nut allergies or for a different texture.
How Do I Get Tender and Juicy Chicken?
Cooking the chicken properly is key to a great salad. Marinating the chicken helps to infuse flavor and keeps it moist. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. But if you can, let it sit for up to 2 hours for even better flavor.
- Cooking on medium-high heat ensures a good sear without drying it out. Flip the chicken at about 5-7 minutes. Check for a nice golden color.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices locked in!
This combination of techniques ensures perfectly cooked chicken you’ll love in your salad!
Easy Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned or shredded
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional – reserve some for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sesame chicken salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes of marinating time (up to 2 hours if you want more flavor) and 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, you will spend about 1 hour on this delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or ziplock bag, pour the marinade over them, and let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
While the chicken is marinating, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a bit of water to thin it if necessary. Set it aside for later use.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden brown color. Once done, remove from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine shredded cabbage, sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, sliced green onions (saving some for garnish), sliced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Give everything a gentle toss.
5. Add Crunchy Elements:
Sprinkle the sliced almonds, cashews, and toasted sesame seeds over the salad to add extra crunch and flavor.
6. Dress the Salad:
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure that all the veggies and nuts are nicely coated in the dressing.
7. Top with Chicken:
Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad. Garnish with the reserved green onions, jalapeño slices (if using), and a bit more chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your salad right away for a fresh and crunchy experience, or chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Both ways are delicious!
Dig into this vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful Easy Sesame Chicken Salad and enjoy each delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Sesame Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great in this salad. Just shred or slice it and toss it in. It’s a perfect way to repurpose chicken and save time!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein. Use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing, and ensure your soy sauce is plant-based.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the veggies from getting soggy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies such as cucumbers, snap peas, or carrots. Get creative! Just remember to keep the veggies crunchy for the best texture.
