If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, crunch, and vibrant color, the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful salad combines tender shredded chicken with crisp vegetables, nutty toasted sesame, and a perfectly balanced dressing that brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a fresh lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to impress your guests, this salad hits all the right notes, delivering an irresistible combination of textures and tastes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each contributes a unique element, whether it’s the crispness of fresh vegetables, the savory depth of the dressing, or the crunchy toppings that provide that delightful contrast.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): The star protein, shredded or chopped for easy mixing and bite-sized enjoyment.
- Mixed salad greens (4 cups): A fresh base of romaine, cabbage, and spinach for varied texture and color.
- Shredded red cabbage (1 cup): Adds vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Sweetness and bright orange hues to complement the greens.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1): Adds a juicy crunch and a pop of color.
- Green onions, sliced (3): Provides a mild oniony bite to lift the flavors.
- Toasted sliced almonds or chopped peanuts (1/4 cup): brings nutty crunch and richness.
- Crispy wonton strips (1/4 cup): Essential for that iconic crunch in every bite.
- Toasted sesame seeds (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle, aromatic nutty flavor.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): The acidic base that brightens the dressing.
- Soy sauce or tamari (2 tablespoons): Provides savory umami depth; tamari makes it gluten-free.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity with gentle sweetness.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Imparts rich nuttiness that defines the dressing’s character.
- Fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a zesty, warming spice.
- Minced garlic (1 clove): Boosts aromatic depth.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle hint of heat that wakes up your palate.
How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Veggies
Start by tossing together your mixed salad greens, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions in a large salad bowl. This mix creates a colorful, crunchy canvas that sets up all the other ingredients beautifully.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Next, layer your prepared cooked chicken breast over the fresh vegetable base. Using shredded or chopped chicken allows every forkful to have a perfect balance of protein and crunch.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these together until smooth and well emulsified. This dressing is the key to tying all the flavors together with its tangy, sweet, and nutty notes.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. Be gentle so the delicate greens maintain their crispness, but make sure every bite gets a hint of the luscious dressing.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Toppings
Right before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds or peanuts, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds generously over the top. This final step introduces the signature crunch that elevates this salad above the ordinary.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
This salad tastes best when enjoyed right away, while all the ingredients retain their wonderful textures and freshness. Dive in quickly for the most satisfying experience!
How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Consider fresh cilantro leaves or a few extra green onion slices as simple garnishes that add fresh herbal brightness. A lime wedge on the side can provide a zesty option to brighten flavors even more just before eating.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides such as steamed jasmine rice, crispy spring rolls, or a simple miso soup. These options turn your meal into a balanced feast without overshadowing the salad’s delicate balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe inside crisp lettuce cups or even hollowed cucumber boats. This creative presentation adds visual appeal and makes it perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the greens and wonton strips from becoming soggy, preserving the delightful crunch and freshness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. Freezing would compromise the texture of the vegetables and crisp toppings, which are essential to the experience of the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe.
Reheating
Since the salad is served cold and fresh, there is no need for reheating. If you want to warm the chicken separately, do so gently, then add it back to the salad when assembling for best results.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time, making it perfect for the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with crispy tofu or chickpeas. The dressing and crunchy toppings still ensure plenty of satisfying flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to keep wonton strips crispy?
Keep the wonton strips in a separate container and sprinkle them on just before serving. This keeps them from getting soggy and maintains their wonderful crunch.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely! The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before tossing with the salad.
How spicy is this salad?
The salad has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit entirely according to your taste buds. It’s meant to add just a touch of warmth without overpowering.
Final Thoughts
Making the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is like inviting a burst of freshness and crunch into your kitchen. Every layer of flavors and textures makes it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. So grab your ingredients, mix up that delicious dressing, and enjoy a salad that’s as vibrant and lively as a favorite get-together with friends. Trust me — your taste buds will thank you!
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Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad blends tender cooked chicken with vibrant mixed greens, red cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper, tossed in a zesty sesame-ginger dressing and topped with toasted almonds, crispy wonton strips, and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. A fresh, light, and satisfying salad perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, cabbage, and spinach)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
Toppings
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Toss them gently to mix the vegetables well.
- Add the Chicken: Place the shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast on top of the mixed salad greens and vegetables, distributing it evenly across the bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl, then toss gently to evenly coat all the components with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds or chopped peanuts, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds evenly over the top of the salad to add texture and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the vibrant freshness and satisfying crunch.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure wonton strips are gluten-free or omit them.
- To make this salad vegan, substitute cooked chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Toast the almonds and sesame seeds lightly in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor if they are not pre-toasted.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder salad.
- This salad is best served fresh; the wonton strips should be added just before serving to maintain crispiness.
