This Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a yummy sesame dressing. It’s fresh, light, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
Whenever I make this salad, I can’t resist adding a little extra sesame seeds for fun. It just adds that extra crunch! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up anytime you want something healthy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are great for this salad, but thighs work well too if you like a more flavorful and juicy piece of meat. If you’re vegetarian, try marinated tofu or chickpeas instead!
Salad Greens: I love a mix of baby spinach and romaine for a crunchy yet tender texture. Feel free to use arugula or any greens you have on hand—just make sure they are fresh.
Red Cabbage: This adds a nice crunch and vibrant color. If you don’t have red cabbage, green cabbage or even kale can work, though they have different textures and flavors.
Nuts: Almonds and cashews provide a delightful crunch. If you have allergies or want a different flavor, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are delicious alternatives.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro brightens up the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley or mint could be great replacements depending on your taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can seem tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll get it just right! The key is to marinate the chicken well and cook it on medium-high heat.
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps with flavor and tenderness.
- Use a thermometer! Chicken is done at 165°F (75°C). This helps avoid overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps it juicy—slice it only once it’s cooled for a few minutes.
How to Make Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, romaine, etc.)
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes marinating the chicken and preparing the ingredients. Cooking the chicken will take another 15 minutes, and you’ll mix everything just before serving. A quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by marinating the chicken breasts for flavor. In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (if you’re using it), grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add the chicken breasts into the bowl and coat them well. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes for the best taste.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. Once done, take it off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing will add a nice flavor to your salad!
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large serving bowl or platter, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, and chopped green onions. Gently toss them all together until well mixed.
5. Top the Salad:
Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the mixed salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over everything, and if you like, you can toss the salad again to incorporate the dressing.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your salad by garnishing it with fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and a mixture of sliced almonds and cashews. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor! Serve the salad immediately and enjoy your Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver. Just make sure to slice it thinly and reheat it gently in a skillet to warm it through before adding it to the salad. You can skip the marinating step if the chicken is already seasoned!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. For tofu, press it to remove excess moisture and sear it until golden. If using chickpeas, you can toss them in a bit of olive oil and seasonings before roasting them in the oven to add extra flavor.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Dressing?
Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it again as the ingredients might separate while sitting. It’s also delicious on other salads or as a marinade!
Can I Add More Veggies to the Salad?
Of course! This salad is very versatile. Feel free to add other veggies like cucumber, radishes, or snap peas. Just chop them into similar sizes so they mix well with the other ingredients. Enjoy customizing it to your taste!
