Description
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed salad full of crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a savory-sweet sesame dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
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)
For the sesame dressing:
- 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)
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and fresh herbs.
- Add chicken to the bowl and toss everything together.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Top with sesame seeds, almonds, and crispy noodles just before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for ease.
- Add mandarin oranges or mango for a fruity twist.
- Swap chicken with crispy tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Use bagged coleslaw mix to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg