When the sun shines bright and the temperatures rise, I’m always on the lookout for a meal that feels light yet satisfying. That’s when I rediscovered the joy of homemade salads, and this Asian Sesame Chicken Salad quickly became my go-to. Picture this: crunchy green and red cabbage, fresh carrots, and tender grilled chicken, all brought together with a lively sesame-ginger vinaigrette. It’s a delightful balance of flavors and textures that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also makes the perfect protein-packed meal.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve craved that satisfying crunch, swapping out heavy takeout for something that feels both nourishing and delicious. This salad is gluten-free and bursts with health benefits, offering a fresh alternative that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy. So whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck or simply want to brighten up your lunch routine, this salad is sure to shine at your table!
Why is Asian Sesame Chicken Salad a Must-Try?
Bright, Fresh Ingredients: This salad boasts an array of vibrant veggies that bring color and crunch to your plate. Protein-Packed Delight: The addition of grilled chicken and edamame ensures each bite fuels your body without weighing you down. Zesty Vinaigrette: The sesame-ginger dressing adds a burst of flavor that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal. Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to mix things up with optional toppings or swap ingredients based on your taste; it’s tailored to suit any palate! Quick and Easy: In just a few simple steps, you’ll whip up a nourishing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, ensuring homemade goodness without the fuss. For other delicious salad ideas, check out our salad recipe collection.
Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Ingredients
• Dive into this delightful, crunchy recipe!
For the Salad
- Green Cabbage – Provides crunch and structure; substitute with Napa cabbage for a milder flavor.
- Red Cabbage – Adds color and texture; can be omitted if unavailable.
- Carrots – Contributes sweetness and freshness; shredded or julienned for the best texture, or swap with bell peppers.
- Shelled Edamame – Offers protein and a satisfying chew; substitute with chickpeas for a different flavor.
- Grilled Chicken Breasts – The main protein source for the salad; use rotisserie chicken for convenience or plant-based options for a vegetarian version.
- Green Onions – Adds a sharp, fresh flavor; chives can be a milder substitute.
- Sesame Seeds – Provides nutty flavor and crunch; can replace with toasted sunflower seeds.
- Almonds – Adds a crunchy texture; sliced or slivered works best and toasting enhances flavor.
- Wonton Strips – Adds crunch; can be replaced with crispy fried onions for a different texture.
- Cilantro – Adds fresh herbiness; omit if not preferred.
For the Sesame-Ginger Vinaigrette
- Rice Vinegar – Tangy base for dressing; apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute.
- Soy Sauce – Provides umami and saltiness; use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Sesame Oil – Contributes rich flavor; can mix with a neutral oil if less strong flavor desired.
- Olive Oil – A base oil for the dressing; avocado oil can be used for a different flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – Natural sweetener for balancing flavors; agave syrup is a good alternative.
- Grated Fresh Ginger – Adds warmth and spiciness; can substitute with ground ginger in half the amount.
- Garlic Clove – Introduces aromatic sharpness; use garlic powder in a pinch, adjusting to taste.
- Lime Juice or Sriracha – Optional kick for added flavor; can skip or reduce for less spice.
How to Make Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Combine the Veggies: In a large bowl, toss together the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, steamed edamame, and sliced green onions. The mixture should be colorful and vibrant!
Layer with Chicken: Gently place the sliced grilled chicken on top of the mixed veggies. This adds protein and makes your salad even heartier!
Whisk the Vinaigrette: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sesame-ginger vinaigrette ingredients until smooth and well blended. This dressing will tie all the flavors together.
Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated. You want to see all those crunchy elements getting that delicious glaze!
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with optional toppings like sesame seeds or toasted almonds. Serve immediately to enjoy that wonderful crunch!
Optional: Top with crispy wonton strips for an added crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the vibrant flavors of your Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. They truly make a difference!
- Toasting Nuts: Toast sesame seeds and almonds in a dry skillet for added depth of flavor; don’t skip this step for a nutty crunch!
- Tasting the Vinaigrette: Adjust the vinaigrette ingredients to your liking—feel free to tweak the ginger or garlic for your perfect balance.
- Serve Fresh: To maintain that satisfying crunch, prepare the salad shortly before serving, keeping the dressing separate until just before eating.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to mix things up with optional toppings like crispy fried onions or even avocado to suit your taste.
Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Variations
Feel free to personalize this salad to suit your tastes or dietary needs; every twist makes it even more delightful!
- Seafood Swap: Replace grilled chicken with grilled shrimp for a fresh and flavorful seafood option that’s light and delicious.
- Veggie Boost: Add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and vibrant colors; mix and match your favorites!
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with marinated tofu for a protein-packed, meat-free delight everyone will enjoy.
- Nut-Free: Omit almonds and sesame seeds or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds to keep the crunch without the nuts.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate fresh sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha in the vinaigrette for a spicy twist that elevates the flavors.
- Citrus Infusion: Add orange segments or swap lime juice for yuzu juice to give the salad a zesty, refreshing citrus flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: Use crispy fried onions or crushed rice crackers instead of wonton strips for a different texture and flavor.
- Herb Variation: Swap cilantro for fresh mint or basil to change up the fresh herb flavor profile—each brings its own unique flair!
Make Ahead Options
These Asian Sesame Chicken Salad components are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights! You can chop and store the veggies (green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onions) in an airtight container up to 3 days in advance, keeping them fresh and crisp. For the vinaigrette, whisk all the ingredients together and keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days; just give it a good shake before using to ensure it’s well mixed. When you’re ready to serve, layer the prepped veggies with sliced grilled chicken (which can be cooked ahead of time) and drizzle with the dressing right before enjoyment to avoid sogginess. This way, you’ll have a delightful salad ready in moments, just as fresh and delicious as if it were made that day!
How to Store and Freeze Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Fridge: Keep the salad in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. For best results, store the dressing separately to maintain the salad’s crunch.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the prepared salad, as the vegetables will lose their texture upon thawing. Instead, you can freeze leftover grilled chicken or dressings separately for future use.
Reheating: If using frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet. Add fresh salad ingredients after reheating to keep them crisp.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prep salad components ahead of time, but avoid mixing them until just before serving to enjoy the fresh flavors of your Asian Sesame Chicken Salad!
What to Serve with Asian Sesame Chicken Salad?
The vibrant crunch and refreshing flavors of this salad pair beautifully with a variety of simple sides to create a well-rounded meal.
Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, jasmine rice provides a comforting base that complements the salad’s fresh ingredients.
Chilled Soba Noodles: These nutty, chewy noodles create a lovely contrast in texture and soak up any leftover vinaigrette for added flavor.
Crispy Spring Rolls: The flaky texture and savory fillings of spring rolls add a delightful crunch that enhances the overall meal experience.
Miso Soup: Warm and comforting, this traditional Japanese soup offers a savory balance that works well with the salad’s bright flavors.
Grilled Veggie Skewers: A mix of seasonal vegetables, lightly charred, brings smoky flavors that harmonize with the crunch of the salad.
Sesame Roasted Asparagus: Crispy, oven-roasted asparagus drizzled with sesame oil mirrors the salad’s nutty undertones while adding a fresh green element.
A Light Citrus Drink: A refreshing lemon or lime sparkling water serves as a palette cleanser, enhancing the zestiness of the salad with each sip.
Each of these options adds a unique twist, ensuring your dining experience is both delicious and memorable!
Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cabbage?
Absolutely! When selecting green cabbage, look for heads that are firm and heavy for their size, with crisp, green leaves. Avoid any with dark spots or wilting. For red cabbage, vibrant color is key; any dullness may indicate it’s past its prime. If you’re unable to find fresh cabbage, Napa cabbage can be an excellent substitute for a milder flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very good question! Store your Asian Sesame Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. To keep everything fresh and crunchy, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. If the greens begin to wilt, you can always add a handful of fresh ones before serving!
Can I freeze this salad?
I do not recommend freezing the complete salad, as the texture of the vegetables will not hold up well once thawed. However, you can freeze any leftover grilled chicken or the vinaigrette separately. Chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, while vinaigrette lasts about a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
How can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
If you have allergies, you can easily swap in gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce for the vinaigrette to keep it gluten-free. For vegetarian options, replace the grilled chicken with marinated tofu or even sliced grilled portobello mushrooms. Always double-check any pre-packaged ingredients to ensure they align with dietary needs.
What if my salad is too soggy after dressing?
No worries, this can happen! If your salad becomes soggy, try removing excess dressing and adding a bit of fresh shredded cabbage or crunchy toppings like wonton strips or toasted nuts to help soak up the extra moisture. For future salads, keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain that delightful crunch!
Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: Crunchy Goodness in Every Bite
Equipment
- - Large bowl
- Whisk
- - Skillet
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage can be omitted if unavailable
- 2 cups shredded carrots shredded or julienned for best texture
- 1 cup shelled edamame substitute with chickpeas if desired
- 2 cups sliced grilled chicken breasts use rotisserie for convenience
- 4 small sliced green onions chives can be used as substitute
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds can replace with toasted sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds toasting enhances flavor
- 1 cup wonton strips can be replaced with crispy fried onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro omit if not preferred
For the Sesame-Ginger Vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar apple cider vinegar can be a substitute
- 1/4 cup soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil can mix with a neutral oil for milder flavor
- 1/3 cup olive oil avocado oil can be used for different flavor
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup agave syrup is a good alternative
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger can substitute with ground ginger (half the amount)
- 1 clove garlic can use garlic powder, adjusting to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice or sriracha optional for added kick
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, toss together the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, steamed edamame, and sliced green onions.
- Gently place the sliced grilled chicken on top of the mixed veggies.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sesame-ginger vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle with optional toppings like sesame seeds or toasted almonds and serve immediately.