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- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula) - 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced - 1 carrot, julienned - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1/2 cup edamame, shelled and cooked - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 clove garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste This Asian sesame chicken salad shines with fresh, crisp flavors. Each ingredient adds balance and texture. You get protein from the chicken and edamame. The greens provide crunch and nutrients. I love the purple cabbage for its color and crunch. It makes the salad look beautiful. The red bell pepper adds sweetness. The carrot gives a nice pop of orange and extra crunch. For the dressing, soy sauce brings umami. Rice vinegar adds a nice tang. Sesame oil has a rich, nutty taste. Honey or maple syrup gives it a touch of sweetness. Ginger and garlic add depth. This blend of flavors makes every bite exciting. You can adjust the flavors to your liking. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. If you want it saltier, add more soy sauce. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your dressing ingredients. You will need soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic. In a small bowl, combine all these ingredients. Use a whisk to mix them well. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. Set this tasty dressing aside for later. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add your salad greens, purple cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, edamame, and green onions. Toss these ingredients together lightly. This helps mix the flavors. Now, add the shredded chicken right on top of the salad. Don’t skip this step; it adds protein and makes the salad filling. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything to ensure every bite gets coated. Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top. This adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor. Serve the salad right away for the best taste, or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. - Fresh serve vs. refrigerated serve: Serve the salad fresh for the best taste. If you want to chill it, refrigerate it for no more than 30 minutes. This way, the greens stay crisp. Dress the salad right before serving to avoid soggy leaves. - Recommended pairings: This salad goes well with rice or noodles. For a heartier meal, add some grilled shrimp or tofu. A light soup, like miso, can also be a great side. - How to choose the best chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for this salad. Look for chicken that is moist and tender. Shred it yourself for better texture. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick prep. - Tips on chopping vegetables for uniformity: Chop your vegetables into similar sizes. This makes each bite balanced and easy to eat. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For example, julienne the carrot thinly and slice the bell pepper into strips. - Storage tips for homemade dressing: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to one week. Shake well before using it again to mix the ingredients. - Alternative dressings to try: You can try peanut dressing for a nutty twist. A simple lime vinaigrette works well too. Experiment with flavors like chili or honey for a fun change. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker meal, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and saves time. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix in other greens like kale or cabbage for added texture and nutrition. Make It Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh. Add Crunch: Consider adding nuts like almonds or cashews for an extra crunch and flavor boost. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for tofu. Tofu adds a soft texture and absorbs flavors well. Just press and cube it before cooking. This makes a great vegan choice. Other proteins like shrimp or beef work too. Shrimp cooks quickly and brings a nice flavor. Beef can be marinated and grilled for a smoky taste. Both options keep this salad tasty and fun. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables. Think of crisp cucumbers, sweet snap peas, or spicy radishes. These additions boost color and crunch. You can also include fruits like mango or apple. Mango adds sweetness and a tropical vibe. Apples give a nice crunch and slight tartness, enhancing the fresh taste. To make the dressing vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness without using animal products. Check soy sauce labels too; choose tamari for gluten-free. For other ingredients, use gluten-free wraps or rice noodles instead of chicken. You can mix and match to fit your needs while keeping the flavors bright and yummy. To store your Asian sesame chicken salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to eat the salad within three days. After that, the veggies may wilt. If you have leftover chicken, you can reheat it. Warm the chicken in a pan on low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. Do not reheat the salad. It will lose its crunch and freshness. For best results, store the dressing separately. This keeps the salad greens crisp. You can keep the chicken and veggies in a separate container too. Mix everything together just before you eat. This way, your salad stays fresh and tasty! Asian sesame chicken salad is a colorful mix of fresh ingredients. It features shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tasty dressing. The salad often includes mixed greens, purple cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch. This dish is light but filling, perfect for lunch or dinner. Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. Just mix all the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Just remember to shake it well before using. To add spice to your salad, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in some chili flakes for a kick. Adjust the amount to your taste. This will give the salad a fun, exciting flavor. Yes, you can use frozen edamame in this salad. Just cook it according to package directions. After cooking, let it cool before adding it to the salad. This is a quick and easy way to include edamame. Asian sesame chicken salad pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal. It also goes great with spring rolls or dumplings. These sides add an extra touch to your dining experience. This Asian sesame chicken salad is packed with fresh veggies. You learned how to make a flavorful dressing, mix ingredients, and perfect your salad. Remember to try out different proteins and veggies for variety. Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh longer. Finally, feel free to customize this salad to suit your taste. Enjoy making it your own!

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

A refreshing salad with shredded chicken, mixed greens, and a flavorful sesame dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (like romaine, spinach, and arugula)
  • 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 unit carrot, julienned
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 0.5 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped
  • 0.25 cup toasted sesame seeds
  • 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), ginger, and garlic. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Set the dressing aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad greens, purple cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, edamame, and green onions. Toss them lightly to mix.
  • Add the shredded chicken on top of the salad mixture.
  • Drizzle the dressing all over the salad, and gently toss everything together until well coated.
  • Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top for garnish and added flavor.
  • Serve immediately for maximum freshness, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for the flavors to meld, but dress right before serving to prevent wilting.

Notes

Serve immediately for maximum freshness, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Keyword chicken, healthy, salad, sesame