Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is ideal for those who love bold Asian flavors and enjoy meals that are both nutritious and delicious. The grilled sesame chicken provides protein, while the mix of fresh vegetables adds color, crunch, and plenty of vitamins. The dressing brings everything together with a balance of tang, sweetness, and a hint of spice. Plus, the crunchy garnishes of toasted almonds, cashews, and wonton strips elevate the dish to the next level.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Sesame Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar

• 1 tablespoon tahini

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil preferred)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Salad:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage

• 2 cups shredded red cabbage

• ½ cup diced green onions

• ¾ cup freshly chopped cilantro

• 1 cup shredded carrots (pre-packaged or freshly cut into matchsticks)

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

For Serving:

• ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds

• ⅓ cup roasted cashew halves

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

• Additional cilantro, for garnish

• Additional diced green onions, for garnish

• A few jalapeño slices, for garnish

• Optional: Crispy wonton strips, for extra crunch

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce (or coconut aminos), garlic, brown sugar, tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to create the marinade. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Set aside to cool slightly before slicing.

2. Make the Dressing: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your Sesame Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame seeds. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, shredded carrots, bell pepper, and diced jalapeño. Drizzle the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss everything together until well coated. Let the salad sit covered for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Serve the Salad: Once the salad has rested, transfer it to a large serving platter. Top the salad with slices of the grilled sesame chicken. Garnish the salad with toasted almonds, roasted cashew halves, sesame seeds, and additional cilantro and green onions. Add a few slices of jalapeño for an extra kick, and if you want more crunch, toss on some crispy wonton strips. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this crunchy Asian sesame chicken salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for extra heat.

• Fruit Addition: Incorporate mandarin orange segments or sliced mango for a touch of sweetness.

• Nut-Free Version: Omit the almonds and cashews to make the salad nut-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the vegetables may soften over time.

• Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the chicken warm, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Just toss it in some of the dressing to add extra flavor.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch.

How can I add more crunch?

Besides the nuts and crispy wonton strips, you can also add toasted sesame seeds or even crushed ramen noodles for an extra crunchy topping.

Is there a gluten-free option?

To make this salad gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and ensure any additional garnishes are gluten-free.

Can I use other vegetables in the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumbers to suit your taste.

How do I toast sliced almonds?

To toast sliced almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes, the sesame ginger dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, grilled shrimp, salmon, or even grilled tofu can be used as alternatives to chicken.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Can I make this salad spicier?

Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper to the dressing to enhance the heat.

Conclusion

The Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. With its vibrant colors, crunchy vegetables, and savory-sweet dressing, it's a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to impress guests, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.