Easy Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this dish easy and quick. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor, or for a vegetarian twist, try using tofu or chickpeas instead.

Shredded Cabbage: I love using a mix of green and purple cabbage for color and texture. If cabbage isn’t available, kale or mixed salad greens work well, too. Just chop them up a bit to maintain crunch.

Carrots: Freshly julienned or shredded carrots add a nice crunch. You could substitute shredded zucchini or even use bell pepper for a different flavor.

Nuts: Almonds and cashews bring a lovely crunch. If you have nut allergies, toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are great alternatives.

Sesame Oil: This ingredient gives a rich, nutty flavor to the dressing. If you don’t have any, you can use olive oil, but the flavor will be milder.

How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?

Cooking chicken to the right tenderness requires careful attention. Here’s how to get it juicy and flavorful:

• Season Well: Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
• Cook on Medium-High: Use medium-high heat in your skillet; this sears the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
• Keep It Moving: Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Don’t flip it too often! Let it sit and develop a nice golden crust.
• Let It Rest: Resting for about 5 minutes after cooking helps retain the juices. Then slice it thinly for the salad.

By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken that elevates your salad!

Easy Sesame Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• For the Salad:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage (mix of green and purple)
  • 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup cashews
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• For the Sesame Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional, for spice)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad will take about 20-25 minutes to prepare. Most of the time is spent cooking the chicken and assembling the ingredients, making it a quick and satisfying meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of your chicken. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.

2. Make the Dressing:

While the chicken is resting, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha if you like a bit of heat. Mix until it’s smooth and set aside.

3. Assemble the Salad Base:

In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, jalapeño (if using), fresh cilantro, sliced almonds, and cashews. This colorful combination makes the salad not only tasty but also visually appealing!

4. Dress the Salad:

Pour your sesame dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the veggies and nuts are coated evenly with that delicious dressing.

5. Serve:

Transfer the dressed salad onto a large serving platter. Arrange the thinly sliced chicken breasts on top of the salad.

6. Garnish:

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and any extra sliced green onions and cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and color.

7. Enjoy!

Dig in immediately, or let it chill briefly in the fridge for a refreshing cold salad. This Easy Sesame Chicken Salad is perfect as a standalone meal or as a side dish!

This salad beautifully balances savory, sweet, and nutty flavors with fresh crunchy vegetables, making it a wonderful, quick, and healthy meal option!

FAQ for Easy Sesame Chicken Salad

Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just shred or slice it and toss it in with the veggies. It saves time and reduces waste!

Is There a Gluten-Free Option for the Dressing?

Yes! To make the dressing gluten-free, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the dressing is naturally gluten-free!

Can I Prep This Salad Ahead of Time?

You can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time. Just store the veggies and nuts separately in the fridge to keep them fresh. Dress the salad right before serving to maintain the crunchiness!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the veggies may soften a bit after being dressed, but the flavors will still be delicious!