Irresistibly Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Whipping up a delightful crunchy asian sesame chicken salad brings together vibrant flavors and textures that dance across your palate.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender chicken pieces, creating a refreshing meal perfect for warm afternoons.

Nutty sesame seeds add unexpected crunch and depth to every bite.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role in this quick and satisfying dish.

Colorful bell peppers and green onions provide visual appeal and zesty notes.

Lightweight yet filling, this salad offers a balanced meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds celebrate a delicious fusion of asian-inspired ingredients.

FAQs

• How do I make the salad more protein-rich?

Add grilled tofu, edamame, or hard-boiled eggs alongside the chicken for extra protein boost.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Chop vegetables and store separately from dressing. Mix ingredients just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture.

• What if I want a vegetarian version?

Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas, keeping the same sesame marinade and dressing for authentic Asian flavor profile.

• How spicy will this salad be?

The jalapeño adds mild heat; remove seeds for less spiciness or add more for extra kick. You can also control heat by adjusting jalapeño quantity.

Why Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Stands Out

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Packed with vibrant ingredients like green and red cabbage, bell peppers, and jalapeños, this salad delivers a delightful explosion of tastes and textures in every bite.
• Master Quick Meal Prep: Designed for busy individuals, this recipe allows you to marinate chicken and whip up a dressing ahead of time, making assembly a breeze when hunger strikes.
• Customize Your Crunch: Flexible recipe lets you play with toppings like toasted almonds, cashew halves, and crispy wonton strips, ensuring each serving meets your personal texture preferences.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a zesty sesame ginger dressing, this salad offers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing incredible flavor.

Ingredients for Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

• Grilled Sesame Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that provides the main substance of the salad.

• Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crisp and fresh vegetables that create a crunchy foundation for the salad.
• Carrots, Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and vibrant texture to the dish.
• Green Onions, Cilantro: Aromatic herbs that bring a fresh and zesty flavor to the salad.
• Jalapeño: A spicy ingredient that adds a kick of heat and complexity.

• Sesame Ginger Dressing: A tangy and flavorful sauce that coats and enhances the salad ingredients.
• Toasted Almonds, Cashew Halves: Nutty and crunchy elements that provide additional texture and richness.
• Sesame Seeds: A classic Asian-inspired garnish that adds a subtle nutty flavor.
• Crispy Wonton Strips: An optional crunchy topping that brings extra texture to the salad.

How to Prepare Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Step 1: Grill Succulent Sesame Chicken

Marinate the chicken with a blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Cook on a hot grill or grill pan until the chicken is perfectly charred and cooked through.

Let the chicken rest and cool slightly before slicing into tender strips.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Sesame Ginger Dressing

• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Fresh ginger
• Honey
• Garlic

Taste and adjust the seasonings to achieve a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Step 3: Chop Colorful Vegetable Medley

• Green cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Green onions
• Cilantro
• Carrots
• Bell pepper
• Jalapeño

Ensure the vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Step 4: Dress and Marinate Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped vegetables.

Gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated.

Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 5: Assemble Stunning Salad Presentation

Transfer the dressed vegetables to a large serving platter.

Arrange the sliced sesame chicken on top of the vegetable base.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Finishing Touches

• Toasted almonds
• Cashew halves
• Extra cilantro
• Sesame seeds
• Additional jalapeño slices
• Green onions

Optional: Add crispy wonton strips for an extra crunch that will elevate the entire dish.

Tips for Crisp and Flavorful Sesame Chicken Salad

• Let the grilled sesame chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting to retain its juiciness and prevent dry meat.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Allow salad to sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to help vegetables absorb the sesame ginger dressing's rich flavors.
• Chop vegetables ahead of time and store separately to speed up meal preparation and keep ingredients crisp.
• Toast nuts and wonton strips just before serving to maintain their crunchiness and add delightful textural contrast to the salad.

Flavor Twists for Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

• Vegan Protein Power: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh, marinated in sesame and ginger sauce, then grilled or baked until golden brown.
• Low-Carb Green Goddess: Swap cabbage with mixed salad greens, spinach, and kale, using cauliflower rice as a base for added nutrition and reduced carbohydrates.
• Seafood Sensation: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or seared ahi tuna, maintaining the Asian-inspired sesame dressing and crunchy vegetable mix.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free soy sauce in the marinade, replace wonton strips with crushed rice crackers or gluten-free tortilla chips for a crispy topping.

Serving Suggestions for Crunchy Chicken Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Spread the salad on a large wooden board for a rustic, shareable meal that looks Instagram-worthy and invites everyone to dig in.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the salad in clear glass containers with chicken at the bottom for a meal-prep friendly lunch that stays crisp and fresh.
• Wrap It Up: Roll the salad ingredients into large lettuce wraps or rice paper rolls for a fun, handheld version that's great for summer gatherings.
• Side Dish Sensation: Serve smaller portions as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled fish, teriyaki salmon, or Asian-inspired barbecue options.

Best Storage Practices for Asian Sesame Salad

• Store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and crispness.
• Wrap grilled sesame chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
• Add fresh vegetables and nuts just before serving to restore crunch. Drizzle with fresh dressing to refresh flavors and prevent sogginess.

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor spicy-sweet flavors in this mouthwatering Asian Sesame Chicken Salad that dances with crisp vegetables and tender chicken. Sesame-glazed protein and zesty dressing promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) tahini
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil (toasted sesame oil preferred)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salad Components:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots (pre-packaged or freshly cut into matchsticks)
• 1/2 cup diced green onions
• 3/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly julienned)
• 1 jalapeño (seeded and diced)
• 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup toasted cashew halves

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Additional cilantro
• Additional diced green onions
• A few jalapeño slices

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Instructions

1. Grill the sesame-seasoned chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked, ensuring a golden-brown exterior. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
2. Whisk together the sesame ginger dressing, blending the ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated. Taste and fine-tune the flavor profile with additional seasonings if necessary.
3. Finely shred the green and red cabbage into delicate ribbons. Chop green onions, cilantro, and bell peppers into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
4. Julienne the carrots and thinly slice the jalapeño, removing seeds for a milder heat level if preferred.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the prepared cabbage, green onions, cilantro, carrots, bell peppers, and jalapeño. Toss the vegetables to create an even distribution.
6. Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is thoroughly coated.
7. Let the salad marinate for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Arrange the dressed salad on a serving platter, strategically positioning the sliced grilled chicken on top.
9. Sprinkle toasted almonds, cashew halves, additional sesame seeds, and extra cilantro over the salad. Add crispy wonton strips for an additional textural element.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting jalapeño quantity or removing seeds for milder flavor.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and texture.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store separately to keep salad components crisp and fresh for quick assembly.
• Make dressing ahead of time and refrigerate to allow flavors to develop and intensify, enhancing overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 371 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 419 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg