Description
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sweet sesame vinaigrette. It’s perfect for light lunches, meal prep, or as a colorful side at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles or crushed ramen noodles
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or cashews
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are well coated.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with crispy noodles, nuts, and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick preparation.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
- Add mandarin oranges, avocado, or edamame for variety.
- Store the salad and dressing separately if prepping ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, sesame dressing salad, chicken cabbage salad, healthy Asian salad, gluten free chicken salad