This Easy Sesame Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty sesame dressing. It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
You can whip this up in no time, and it stays great in the fridge! I love adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top—it just makes everything better! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this salad since they cook quickly. You can easily swap them for rotisserie chicken to save time or use grilled chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
Cabbage: I love the crunch of green and red cabbage in this salad, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use store-bought coleslaw mix. It saves time and still has great texture!
Nuts: Almonds and cashews add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds make great substitutes, adding crunch without the risk!
Sesame Dressing: For the dressing, you can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option instead of soy sauce. Maple syrup works well if you want a vegan-friendly alternative to honey.
How Do I Make the Chicken Cook Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking chicken to the right doneness can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you nail it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps seal in juices. Use medium heat for an even cook.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking—this allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- If you’re unsure about doneness, a meat thermometer is helpful. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken that’s flavorful and juicy, making your salad even better!
Easy Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
For the Sesame Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Sesame Chicken Salad takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and an additional 10 minutes to cook the chicken, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if you want some heat). Set this tasty dressing aside for later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and a lovely golden-brown on the outside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
3. Shred or Slice the Chicken:
After the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips to make it easier to mix with the salad.
4. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, sliced jalapeño, green onions, and chopped cilantro. This colorful mix makes the salad look great!
5. Toss with Dressing:
Pour half of the sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently until all the veggies are coated evenly. This adds loads of flavor!
6. Assemble the Salad:
Transfer the dressed salad to a large serving platter or bowl, and then lay the sliced chicken breasts on top.
7. Garnish:
To finish off, sprinkle the salad and chicken with toasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds, and cashews for an extra crunch!
8. Serve:
Drizzle any remaining dressing over the top if desired. Serve your delicious Easy Sesame Chicken Salad immediately and enjoy every bite!
This vibrant salad combines tender sesame-glazed chicken with crisp, colorful veggies, and crunchy nuts, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal!
FAQs for Easy Sesame Chicken Salad
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just shred or slice the chicken and toss it in with the salad ingredients and dressing. It’s a great shortcut!
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more plant-based protein like chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh. You can marinate and bake the tofu for added flavor!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, the sesame dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good shake or stir before using, as ingredients may settle.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the salad and dressing separate if you plan to store leftovers, so it stays fresh and crunchy!
