This Easy Sesame Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of crunchy veggies and tender chicken, all tossed in a yummy sesame dressing. It’s fresh, nutritious, and super quick to make!
You’ll love how the flavors come together, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner. I often whip this up on busy days—it’s like a hug in a bowl! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe due to their quick cooking time. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Cabbage: The mix of green and purple cabbage adds color and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap in some spinach or kale. Just keep in mind that different greens have different textures!
Nuts: Almonds and cashews give a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead for a similar crunch without the nuts.
Dressing Ingredients: Soy sauce is key for flavor. Use tamari if you need a gluten-free option. For a sweeter dressing, maple syrup or agave can replace honey easily!
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken correctly will make a big difference in this salad. Here’s how to ensure it turns out juicy and flavorful:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get a nice, even cook.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute for added tenderness!
Easy Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and cooking the chicken, and then around 5-10 minutes to chop the veggies and whip up the dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, seasoning them with salt and pepper. This will add flavor and help keep the chicken juicy.
2. Bake the Chicken:
Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Then, slice it thinly for the salad.
3. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. This colorful mix brings lots of fresh crunch!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if you like some heat). This dressing is what ties all the flavors together!
5. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss everything thoroughly to coat the veggies in the delicious sauce.
6. Add the Chicken:
Arrange the sliced chicken over the top of the salad mixture for a beautiful presentation.
7. Finish with Toppings:
Sprinkle the sliced almonds, cashews, and toasted sesame seeds over the salad. If you want, feel free to add extra cilantro and green onions for garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken Salad immediately while fresh and crunchy. It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Sesame Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken works perfectly for this salad. Simply shred or slice it and toss it in right before serving to save time!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or a hearty quinoa. Just marinate the tofu for added flavor and bake or fry it for a nice texture!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge in an airtight container. However, for best taste, assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Both will work well, although the flavor will vary slightly!
