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
Scale
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.
