Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sesame dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner that’s full of texture and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chicken by shredding rotisserie or cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: Wash and dry the salad greens, then place them in a large bowl.
3. Step 3: Add shredded carrots, thinly sliced red cabbage, sliced bell peppers, and green onions to the bowl.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic to make the dressing.
5. Step 5: Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and chicken. Toss gently to coat.
6. Step 6: Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and crispy chow mein noodles over the salad to keep them crunchy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Substitute cooked shrimp or tofu for chicken to vary the protein.
• Add chopped peanuts or cashews for additional crunch and flavor.
• If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the garlic or ginger quantities.

Storage

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the salad with the dressing and add crunchy toppings just before serving to maintain their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

What can I use if I don’t have crispy chow mein noodles?

You can substitute with toasted nuts, crispy wonton strips, or fried onions for a similar crunch.

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 97 reviews

This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken with fresh mixed greens and crisp vegetables. Tossed in a tangy sesame-soy dressing and topped with toasted sesame seeds and crunchy chow mein noodles, it offers a delightful balance of textures and Asian-inspired flavors perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Shred rotisserie or cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure easy eating and even distribution throughout the salad.
2. Prepare the greens: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed salad greens to prevent sogginess, then place them in a large mixing bowl as the salad base.
3. Add vegetables: Incorporate shredded carrots, thinly sliced red cabbage, sliced bell peppers, and green onions into the bowl, layering the fresh, crunchy elements of the salad.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined, creating a flavorful Asian sesame dressing.
5. Toss the salad: Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and shredded chicken. Gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
6. Add toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and crispy chow mein noodles on top to maintain their crunch and add texture contrast.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs.
• Adjust sweetness of the dressing by substituting honey with sugar according to preference.
• To make the salad vegetarian, substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh.
• Serve immediately after adding the crunchy toppings to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• The optional cilantro adds fresh herbal notes but can be omitted if preferred.

Keywords: Asian chicken salad, sesame chicken salad, crunchy chicken salad, healthy Asian salad, sesame dressing, chow mein noodles salad