If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious sesame-ginger dressing, crisp fresh veggies, and nutty sesame seeds for a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Every bite feels like a delightful harmony of crunchy, juicy, and aromatic elements that will make your lunchtime feel instantly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each one plays a crucial role in making this Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe so flavorful and satisfying. From the rich sesame oil to the bright crunch of fresh bell peppers, every item adds its own magic to the final dish.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: The hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth that’s essential to this salad’s character.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami richness and a salty kick that balances sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the dressing perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a refreshing tang that brightens the whole salad.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Gives a subtle warmth and zing that enlivens the taste buds.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Toasted to perfection for a crunchy, toasty finish.
- 4 cups mixed greens: A fresh and colorful base to add crispness and vitality.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Sweet crunch and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup edamame: Adds protein and a firm, delightful bite.
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Sharpness and a fresh herbal note for balance.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the skillet and dressing
Start by preheating a skillet over medium heat — this will be where the magic of flavor infusion happens. In the meantime, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl to create that irresistible dressing that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 2: Cook the chicken with dressing
Add the shredded chicken to your heated skillet and pour the prepared sesame dressing over it. Stir everything together carefully to ensure each chicken piece is coated in the beautiful mixture. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in those flavors and become wonderfully aromatic.
Step 3: Toast the sesame seeds
Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the chicken in the skillet. Let them toast gently for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, which not only enhances their crunch but also deepens their nutty flavor to perfection.
Step 4: Assemble the salad base
In a large bowl, toss together the fresh mixed greens, the brightly sliced red bell peppers, edamame, and green onions. This colorful combination creates a crisp, refreshing base that contrasts beautifully with the warm, savory chicken topping.
Step 5: Combine and toss
Transfer the hot, coated sesame chicken on top of your salad mix. Gently toss everything together to distribute the flavors and textures evenly without wilting the greens. This final step brings the Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe to life, ready to be enjoyed immediately.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and flavor, sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped cilantro over the top. A light drizzle of additional sesame oil or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the dish before serving, adding that finishing touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light, simple sides such as steamed jasmine rice or crispy spring rolls. For a low-carb option, sliced avocado or a side of miso soup offers a delicious complement that rounds out the meal without overwhelming the vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, serve this salad layered in clear glass jars for an enticing visual of the colorful ingredients. Alternatively, using crunchy butter lettuce leaves as edible cups transforms it into a fun hand-held option, perfect for casual gatherings or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture. The chicken should keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while the fresh salad components are best enjoyed within a day to retain crispness.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe since the fresh greens and crunchy vegetables will lose their texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken with the dressing if you want to prep ahead, just reheat and toss with fresh salad ingredients when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until heated through, taking care not to burn the sesame seeds. Once warm, add it freshly to your prepared greens and veggies to keep the salad vibrant and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a shortcut for the shredded chicken, saving you prep time while still delivering delicious flavor when coated in the sesame dressing.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Always double-check labels to ensure the ingredients fit your dietary needs.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Yes, this salad is very versatile! Feel free to add shredded carrots, snap peas, or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness to your liking.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, which absorb the sesame dressing beautifully and keep the protein element intact for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
What type of sesame seeds is best to use?
Both white and black sesame seeds work great, but toasting them just before adding to the salad boosts their nuttiness and adds extra flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
This Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite go-to meals because it’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, it’s the kind of salad that excites your taste buds and brightens your day. Give it a try and enjoy the tasty journey in every bite!
Print
Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and nutritious Sesame Chicken Salad featuring tender shredded chicken coated in a savory sesame dressing, tossed with fresh mixed greens, red bell pepper, edamame, and green onions. This quick and easy recipe combines Asian-inspired flavors with a healthy salad base, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Dressing
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup edamame
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken mixture.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger to create a flavorful dressing.
- Cook Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the heated skillet and pour the prepared sesame dressing over it.
- Coat and Heat: Stir well to evenly coat the chicken with the dressing and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm fully.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the seeds lightly and enhance flavor.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced red bell pepper, edamame, and sliced green onions to form the fresh salad base.
- Add Chicken to Salad: Place the cooked sesame chicken on top of the prepared salad ingredients.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss everything together to combine the chicken and fresh vegetables evenly with the dressing and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve the sesame chicken salad immediately for best freshness and enjoy your light, nutritious meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds separately before adding.
- You can substitute edamame with other beans or peas as desired.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
