If there’s a dish that effortlessly brings zest, crunch, and a burst of freshness to any table, it’s got to be this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. Imagine juicy shredded chicken mingling with crisp cabbage, sweet peppers, and a rainbow of veggies, all tossed in an oh-so-tangy sesame dressing. Every bite delivers layers of bold flavor and irresistible texture. Whether you’re seeking a lively main for lunch or a showstopping side for dinner, this salad captures the balance of citrusy brightness and irresistible crunch that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad is in its simple, colorful ingredients—each bringing fresh flavor and a satisfying combination of textures. Here’s what makes every component essential for the perfect Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad.
- Chicken breast: Shredded or chopped, cooked chicken adds hearty protein and soaks up the zingy dressing beautifully.
- Green cabbage: Its crunch is the backbone of the salad, keeping things refreshingly crisp.
- Red cabbage: Not only does it bring a gorgeous pop of color, but its flavor is slightly sweeter than green cabbage.
- Carrots: Sweet, shredded carrots add brightness and a bit of natural sweetness.
- Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for vibrant crunch and a delicate peppery note.
- Green onions: These bring a mild sharpness and a pop of color.
- Fresh cilantro: Just a hint adds herbaceous, citrus-like flavor.
- Crispy chow mein noodles: The ultimate topper for an extra layer of satisfying crunch.
- Sliced almonds (toasted): A hit of nutty flavor and more crunch for each forkful.
- Sesame seeds: Tiny but mighty, these add subtle toastiness and tie in the sesame flavor from the dressing.
- Rice vinegar: Light and tangy, it forms the backbone of the dressing.
- Soy sauce: Brings savory depth and classic Asian-inspired saltiness.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the entire salad with that unmistakable toasty, nutty aroma.
- Honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the tang and salt of the dressing.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for sparkle and a hint of acidity.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Adds a warming, slightly spicy kick that enlivens every bite.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers savory boldness and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste to bring every ingredient into perfect harmony.
How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Chicken
Start by getting all your ingredients ready for assembly—shred both the green and red cabbage, julienne the carrots and red bell pepper, slice up those green onions, and chop your fresh cilantro. If your chicken isn’t already cooked, simply poach, grill, or bake it until juicy, then shred or chop it up. Having all the veggies prepped and chicken ready makes tossing the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad a breeze!
Step 2: Whisk the Sesame Dressing
Grab a small bowl or a mason jar and combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), freshly squeezed lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and the honey is fully dissolved. This dressing is what gives the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad its vibrant, addictive flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, pile in the chicken, cabbages, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the sesame dressing over everything and toss well, ensuring that every bite is coated with that delectable flavor. Letting it sit for a few minutes before serving allows the veggies to soak up the dressy goodness.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Toppings
Right before you serve, scatter the crispy chow mein noodles, toasted sliced almonds, and sesame seeds across the top. This last-minute addition keeps them from getting soggy and guarantees every bite is as crunchy as it should be. Now your Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Give your salad a flourish just before serving by sprinkling a few extra sesame seeds, a little more fresh cilantro, or even a squeeze of lime on top. These finishing touches brighten the flavors and make your Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad not just delicious, but a true feast for the eyes.
Side Dishes
This salad stands alone as a meal, but it pairs beautifully with a bowl of miso soup, steamed jasmine rice, or freshly baked sesame flatbread. If you’re hosting, consider adding light spring rolls or sautéed edamame for a stunning, Asian-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad in lettuce cups or even pre-portioned in mason jars for picnics and packed lunches. Plating it on a beautiful platter and topping with extra vibrant veggies will make it the centerpiece of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, simply transfer it to an airtight container—preferably storing the crunchy toppings separately. It will stay crisp and fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended, as raw cabbage, vegetables, and dressing can become watery and lose their crunch after thawing. However, you can freeze cooked, shredded chicken in advance to have on hand for super speedy salad prep!
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give it a good toss before serving and add your crunchy toppings. If you make it ahead, let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill before eating.
FAQs
Can I make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for crispy tofu, or simply load up on extra crunchy veggies. The flavors are just as delicious without the meat.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and works perfectly here. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding to your salad.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a gluten-free or lower-sodium option, coconut aminos or tamari make great substitutes for soy sauce in the dressing while maintaining that savory taste.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Store the dressing and crunchy toppings separately if you’re making the salad ahead of time. Toss everything together just before serving for maximum crunch!
Is there a way to make the salad spicier?
Of course! Feel free to add thin slices of fresh chili, a dash of sriracha, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your dressing for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the lively textures and vibrant flavors of this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad that brings excitement to any mealtime. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite way to eat your veggies and chicken together!
Print
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with a colorful mix of veggies, tender chicken, and a zesty sesame dressing. The crunchy toppings add a satisfying finish to this refreshing salad.
Ingredients
Main Salad Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Additional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Main Salad Preparation: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, green and red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well blended.
- Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Add Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle with chow mein noodles, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds for crunch.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or use crispy tofu.
- You can prep the salad and dressing ahead of time—just store them separately and toss before serving to keep it crisp.
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