If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and wholesome goodness, then this Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a refreshing mix of tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sesame dressing that brings everything together in a bright, mouthwatering way. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a show-stopping salad to impress guests, this recipe hits every mark with simplicity and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this sensational salad. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute a unique texture, flavor, or color, making the final dish both beautiful and deeply satisfying.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Provides hearty protein and a tender base for the salad.
- 4 cups mixed salad greens: A fresh and crisp foundation packed with nutrients and color.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and a crunchy, vibrant orange pop.
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber: Brings a cool, refreshing bite to balance out richer flavors.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness and a slight tang for contrast.
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion: Offers a sharp bite and lovely purple hues to brighten the dish.
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds: Adds nuttiness and a subtle crunch that’s essential to a sesame salad.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: The acidic backbone that gives the dressing its lively zip.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers savory umami that enriches the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances acidity and saltiness with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts deep, aromatic sesame flavor that defines the salad.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Smooths out the dressing while adding heart-healthy fats.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a little zing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Brings a punch of savory complexity.
- 1 tablespoon water: Lightens the dressing for perfect coating without heaviness.
- Salt to taste: Enhances every flavor in the salad.
- Pepper to taste: Adds just the right amount of heat and depth.
How to Make Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine Chicken and Greens
Start by tossing together your shredded cooked chicken breast and mixed salad greens in a large bowl. This combination creates a wonderful base that’s both satisfying and colorful, setting the stage for the fresh veggies and dressing to come.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, add shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion into the bowl. Each veggie contributes a unique texture and flavor that brightens the salad and keeps every bite interesting.
Step 3: Sprinkle Toasted Sesame Seeds
Scatter the toasted sesame seeds evenly over your salad mixture. These little seeds pack a nutty crunch that perfectly complements the other ingredients and intensifies the sesame flavor throughout.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. This homemade dressing is where all the magic happens, marrying sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty notes into one harmonious blend.
Step 5: Add Water and Combine
Mix in the tablespoon of water to your dressing and whisk well until everything is fully combined. This step ensures the dressing has a smooth consistency that coats the salad beautifully without being heavy.
Step 6: Season the Dressing
Taste your dressing, then add salt and pepper as needed to balance and enhance the flavors. Adjusting seasoning here ensures your salad will be bursting with savory depth.
Step 7: Toss the Salad With Dressing
Pour the dressing over your salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. This step ties every element together, making sure each bite has a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Step 8: Serve Fresh or Chill
Finally, serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate it for up to an hour if you prefer it nice and chilled. Either way, this Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe will shine with freshness and zest.
How to Serve Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad even more, feel free to sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro also add a wonderful herbal brightness that complements the dressing’s bold flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad is fantastic on its own or paired with lightly steamed jasmine rice or a warm crusty baguette for a satisfying meal. It also works well alongside light Asian-inspired soups or simple grilled veggies for a complete lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe in crispy wonton cups or wrap it inside soft lettuce leaves for a delightful handheld option. You can also layer it in a mason jar for an on-the-go meal that’s practical and pretty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Adding dressing later keeps the greens crisp and fresh.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the fresh vegetables and dressing, which do not hold up well once thawed. Instead, focus on enjoying it fresh within a couple of days.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or ideal. If you prefer a warm version, you could gently reheat the shredded chicken separately and serve it over fresh salad greens with the dressing poured on top.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens for this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in spinach, arugula, or romaine if you prefer. Mixing greens adds complexity and keeps the salad exciting.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, prepping the ingredients ahead of time and storing them separately from the dressing works wonderfully. Just toss together right before eating for the best texture.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Definitely! Grilled shrimp, tofu, or even cooked turkey can be excellent swaps that bring their own unique flavor to the salad.
How spicy is the dressing?
This dressing is mild and more savory than spicy, but you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to give it a kick.
What if I don’t have sesame oil on hand?
Sesame oil gives the salad its characteristic flavor, but you can substitute with toasted walnut or peanut oil in a pinch for a slightly different nutty profile.
Final Thoughts
This Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a delightful, quick, and wholesome dish that can brighten up any mealtime. Its combination of textures and flavors feels gourmet yet is incredibly easy to throw together. I promise once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite salads to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, mix up that irresistible dressing, and enjoy every crunchy, tangy, savory bite!
Print
Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Sesame Chicken Salad featuring shredded cooked chicken breast, crisp mixed greens, and a vibrant homemade sesame dressing with ginger and garlic. Perfect for a light, healthy meal that can be served immediately or chilled.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Chicken and Greens: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken breast and mixed salad greens for the base of the salad.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion into the bowl with the chicken and greens to add freshness and crunch.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad mixture to provide a nutty flavor and texture.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic to create the dressing.
- Add Water and Combine: Add the tablespoon of water to the dressing and whisk until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Season Dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, vibrant meal or refrigerate it for up to an hour to enjoy a chilled dish.
Notes
- Use shredded cooked chicken breast to save time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- To toast sesame seeds, lightly heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- This salad can be made ahead but is best served within a few hours of dressing to maintain crispness.
- Gluten-free soy sauce can be used to adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets.
