Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and crunchy salad with grilled or cooked chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sesame dressing. The perfect combination of textures and flavors, this salad is great as a light meal or a side dish. The sesame dressing adds a delicious, tangy kick, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Ingredients (Quantities)

For the Salad:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 (about 1 lb), grilled or cooked and sliced
Romaine lettuce: 4 cups, chopped
Shredded cabbage: 2 cups (preferably napa cabbage or purple cabbage)
Carrots: 2 medium, julienned or shredded
Cucumber: 1, sliced or julienned
Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced
Green onions: 2, chopped
Edamame: 1/2 cup (optional, for extra protein)
Sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons, toasted (for garnish)
Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Sesame Dressing:

Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons (use tamari for gluten-free)
Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Honey: 1 tablespoon (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
Chili flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a spicy kick)

Optional Ingredients

Avocado: 1, sliced, for extra creaminess
Crispy wonton strips: For added crunch
Toasted almonds or peanuts: For a nutty crunch
Grilled shrimp: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood version

Instructions

Prepare the chicken:
- Grill or pan-cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Prepare the salad ingredients:
- In a large bowl, toss together the chopped lettuce, shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, and green onions.
Make the sesame dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the sesame oil, olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and chili flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness if needed.
Assemble the salad:
- Add the sliced chicken to the salad and drizzle the sesame dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and cilantro over the top of the salad. Add any additional toppings, such as avocado, crispy wonton strips, or nuts, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

For a quicker version, you can use rotisserie chicken.
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes until golden to bring out their nutty flavor.
If you prefer a milder dressing, use less sesame oil and more olive oil to tone down the flavor.
The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, but the dressing should be added just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Recommendations

Serve this salad as a main dish or a side to grilled meats or Asian-inspired meals.
Pair with a refreshing drink like iced green tea or cucumber lemon water.
For meal prep, keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.