Name: Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or sliced; 3 cups shredded cabbage (green, purple, or mix); 1 cup carrots, shredded or julienned; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped; 2 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or mint (optional); 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 1/3 cup sliced almonds, crispy wontons, or chow mein noodles (optional); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)

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Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish loaded with crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing that ties everything together. I love how the textures come together—the crunch of cabbage and carrots, the tender chicken, and the toasted sesame seeds make every bite exciting. It’s light but satisfying, and it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy a healthy, no-fuss meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s colorful, crunchy, and bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavors. The sesame dressing is savory, slightly sweet, and has just the right hint of tang. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and it keeps well without getting soggy. Plus, I can easily adjust the ingredients to what I have on hand. Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

Cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or sliced
Shredded cabbage (green, purple, or a mix)
Carrots, shredded or julienned
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped
Green onions, sliced
Cilantro or fresh mint (optional)
Crunchy toppings: toasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds, crispy wontons, or chow mein noodles

For the sesame dressing:

Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Olive oil or avocado oil
Honey or maple syrup
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Lime juice (optional for brightness)

Directions

In a small bowl or jar, I whisk together all the sesame dressing ingredients until smooth. I adjust the flavor to taste—more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and herbs.
I add the cooked chicken to the bowl and toss everything together.
I drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss again until evenly coated.
I top with sesame seeds, crunchy noodles, or almonds just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 20–25 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for a light dinner or a refreshing lunch.

Variations

I use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
I add mandarin orange segments or mango slices for a sweet twist.
I toss in edamame or shredded napa cabbage for extra texture.
I make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. I keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until serving to preserve the texture. No reheating needed—it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead?

Yes! I mix the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. I shake or stir before using.

What’s the best chicken to use?

I like grilled or poached chicken breast, but leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works great too.

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut and saves time without sacrificing crunch.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be—just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and check your toppings.

Can I serve this as a main dish?

Yes, it’s filling enough as a main course, especially with protein-packed chicken and crunchy add-ins.

Conclusion

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is fresh, fast, and full of vibrant textures and flavors. I love how the savory sesame dressing pulls everything together, and the combination of crisp veggies and tender chicken keeps it light but satisfying. It’s a go-to recipe for when I want something refreshing, colorful, and full of good-for-me ingredients