Easy Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for this salad as it cooks quickly and stays juicy. You can use grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option, and it’s just as tasty!

Green and Purple Cabbage: This salad shines with both cabbages! If you’re short on time, a pre-packaged coleslaw mix can save you some chopping. Other greens like spinach or kale could also work.

Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty flavor that’s key for the dressing. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with olive oil, but the taste will be different. Toasted sesame oil is even better as it has a richer flavor.

Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other crunchy veggies like cucumbers or radishes. For a touch of sweetness, you might consider adding some mango or diced apple. The more colorful the salad, the better!

How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?

Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right:

• Make sure the grill pan or skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice sear.
• Keep an eye on the time: 5-7 minutes per side usually works well, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C).
• After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it tender and juicy.

With these tips, your chicken will be perfectly cooked, giving your sesame chicken salad that delicious flavor and texture!

Easy Sesame Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Salad:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 scallions, sliced (green and white parts separated)
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad will take about 30 minutes to prepare, including 20 minutes to marinate the chicken. You’ll love how quickly it comes together for a fresh and healthy meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate Chicken:

In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp grated ginger, and the red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Add the chicken breasts and make sure they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

2. Cook Chicken:

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and have nice grill marks. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Prepare Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove until combined. This dressing will bring all the flavors together!

4. Assemble Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, white parts of the scallions, sliced jalapeño, and the chopped cilantro. Mix it all together to distribute the veggies evenly.

5. Toss Salad:

Drizzle the dressing over the veggie mixture and toss everything together until all the veggies are coated in the dressing. This is where the magic happens!

6. Plate Salad:

Transfer the colorful salad mixture to a serving platter. Arrange the sliced chicken breasts on top of the salad to make it look beautiful.

7. Garnish:

To finish, sprinkle the green parts of the scallions, sliced almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds over the chicken and salad. This adds a nice crunch and extra flavor!

8. Serve:

Dig in and enjoy your vibrant and delicious sesame chicken salad right away. It’s fresh, zesty, and super satisfying!

This bright and crunchy salad combines tender sesame-glazed chicken with fresh vegetables, herbs, and nuts for texture and flavor. The dressing adds a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet notes to tie it all together. Happy eating!

FAQ About Easy Sesame Chicken Salad

Can I Substitute the Chicken for Another Protein?

Absolutely! Feel free to use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If you prefer another meat, grilled shrimp or sliced pork would work well too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The vegetables may soften slightly, but it will still taste great! To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prep a lot of the ingredients in advance! Marinate the chicken and chop the veggies a day ahead, then assemble the salad right before serving for the best texture. Just be sure to keep everything stored separately until you’re ready to enjoy it!

How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?

If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or slice up more jalapeños. For a different kind of heat, you could even toss in a bit of Sriracha or a spicy sesame oil in the dressing. Adjust to your taste!