If you’re searching for a bright, vibrant, and supremely satisfying salad, Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender chicken mingling with two kinds of crisp cabbage, colorful veggies, crunchy nuts, and a savory-sweet sesame dressing that ties everything together in the most irresistible way possible. Perfect for a speedy lunch, a potluck standout, or as a make-ahead meal, this flavor-packed salad strikes an ideal balance of taste, texture, and freshness in every bite.

Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that you don’t need a ton of complicated ingredients to make something special! Each component in the Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing plays its unique part, contributing crunch, color, protein, or silkiness—all to create a masterpiece in a bowl.

Chicken breast: Use either shredded or chopped cooked chicken for lean protein and a satisfying base.
Napa cabbage: This delicately sweet and crunchy cabbage forms the perfect salad foundation.
Purple cabbage: Adds a pop of color and a deeper crunch with a hint of earthiness.
Carrots: Sweet, shredded carrots bring brightness and a gentle crispness to the mix.
Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for juicy, sweet bursts and vivid, eye-catching color.
Green onions: Their gentle onion flavor brings freshness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro lifts the whole salad with its signature herbal zing.
Toasted sliced almonds: Give the salad rich nuttiness and a touch of golden crunch.
Toasted sesame seeds: For extra sesame aroma and a delightful finishing touch.
Crispy chow mein noodles (optional): Sprinkle these in for playful crunch and a nostalgic Asian-inspired flair.
Toasted sesame oil: The star of the dressing, infusing everything with warm, irresistible sesame flavor.
Rice vinegar: Adds gentle tang that keeps the salad lively and light.
Soy sauce or tamari: Brings umami depth—choose tamari for a gluten-free version.
Honey or maple syrup: Lends a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Lime juice: For a zippy citrus kick that brightens the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a gentle, peppery note.
Garlic: A small clove, minced for savoriness and dimension.
Fresh ginger: Grated in to provide a lively, aromatic backdrop.
Olive oil: Adds smoothness and body to the dressing for a silky finish.
Salt and pepper: Season the dressing to your personal taste before serving.

How to Make Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Chicken

Begin by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken breast. Next, shred both the Napa and purple cabbage and the carrots, then slice the red bell pepper thinly. Chop up the green onions and cilantro. Prepping all the veggies before assembly makes putting this Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing together quick and effortless.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds and Sesame Seeds

For maximum flavor, briefly toast the sliced almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. This extra step wakes up their aroma and gives the finished salad addictive crunch and warmth.

Step 3: Mix the Sesame Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated ginger, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to your liking—taste and adjust as you go to hit your perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a spacious salad bowl, add the chicken, both cabbages, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Pour over the luscious sesame dressing, then toss everything generously to ensure every ingredient is coated and happy. Right before serving, sprinkle on the toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy chow mein noodles if using, so they stay extra crisp.

How to Serve Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of toasted almonds and sesame seeds takes each serving of Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing over the top. For extra freshness, finish with more chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime. If you love a bit of extra crunch, a handful of crispy chow mein noodles or even roasted peanuts can’t be beat.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a stand-alone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with light, Asian-inspired sides. Try serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice, simple miso soup, or fresh spring rolls. If you want something heartier, a little bowl of edamame or a side of sliced avocado complements every forkful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld appetizer. Layer it into glass jars for meal-prep lunches, or pile it high on a platter for an impressive potluck main. You can even wrap it up in rice paper or tortillas for a playful, portable wrap—the possibilities are truly endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, store the Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep everything vibrant and crisp, reserve the dressing and crunchy toppings separately until you’re ready to eat—then toss together just before serving.

Freezing

This salad isn’t a candidate for freezing as the fresh vegetables and greens will lose their crispness and become watery once thawed. For best flavor and texture, assemble and enjoy the salad fresh or within a day or two of making.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! The beauty of Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is that it’s served chilled or at room temperature. If you prepared components ahead, let them warm on the counter for a few minutes before tossing together and serving.

FAQs

Can I make Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in shelled edamame or crispy tofu for the chicken to make a fabulous vegetarian (and protein-packed) version. The salad is just as delicious and satisfying.

What other veggies can I add?

This salad is wonderfully versatile. Try tossing in thinly sliced snap peas, daikon radish, cucumber, or even juicy mandarin orange segments for a fun and flavorful twist.

How far ahead can I make this salad?

You can prep the veggies, chicken, and dressing up to 2 days ahead. Keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate, then just mix everything together before serving for optimal freshness.

Is Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing gluten free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and make sure your chow mein noodles are gluten free, or simply omit them. All the other main components are naturally gluten free.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just shred or chop it up, and you’ve saved yourself some extra prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this gorgeous, flavor-forward Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing very soon. Every crunchy, colorful bite delivers something new and delicious, and it’s guaranteed to brighten up your lunch or dinner. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it finds a permanent spot in your weekly rotation!

Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe