Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a bright, crunchy salad with grilled sesame chicken, toasted nuts, and a sesame ginger dressing.
- Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad introduction
- Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad — why make this recipe
- How to make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
- Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Directions
- How to serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
- How to store Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
- Tips to make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
- Variation for Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
- FAQs about Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad introduction
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad brings crisp cabbage, grilled sesame chicken, and a tangy dressing together in one bowl.
For another Asian-style chicken idea, try the Korean-style BBQ Chicken Bowls for a different take on crunchy cabbage and sesame.
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad — why make this recipe
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is fast, fresh, and full of texture.
It mixes crunchy veggies, warm sliced chicken, and nutty seeds for a meal that feels special but is easy to make.
How to make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is built in three parts: grilled sesame chicken, salad, and dressing.
Follow these simple steps for a quick assembly.
- Prepare the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
- Make the sesame ginger dressing and taste for balance.
- Toss vegetables with the dressing and let them sit a few minutes.
- Top with sliced chicken and crunchy nuts before serving.
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Ingredients
For the Grilled Sesame Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 3/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 1 cup shredded carrots (pre-packaged or freshly cut into matchsticks)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
For the Dressing:
- Prepare a batch of Sesame Ginger Dressing
For Serving:
- 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Additional cilantro, for garnish
- Additional diced green onions, for garnish
- A few jalapeño slices, for garnish
- Optional: Crispy wonton strips, for garnish
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Marinate and cook the grilled sesame chicken according to the recipe. Set aside to cool slightly before slicing to add to the salad.
- Make the Dressing: Prepare your sesame ginger dressing according to its recipe. Adjust seasoning as needed and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeño.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss well to ensure all components are evenly coated. Let the salad sit covered for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Salad: Transfer the salad to a large platter. Top with slices of the grilled sesame chicken.
- Garnish: Garnish with toasted almonds, cashew halves, extra cilantro, sesame seeds, additional jalapeño slices, and green onions. If desired, add crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately.
How to serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
How you serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad can change the meal mood.
Serve it on a large platter for family style or in bowls for a quick lunch.
- Add extra sliced chicken on the side for bigger appetites.
- Offer crispy wonton strips or extra nuts at the table.
- Serve with a simple side like the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad if you want more variety.
How to store Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Store Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad the right way to keep texture.
Keep dressing separate if you plan to store leftovers.
- Refrigerate chicken and salad separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Toss salad with dressing just before serving to keep cabbage crisp.
- Store crunchy toppings like almonds and wonton strips in a sealed bag at room temperature.
Tips to make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Follow these tips to make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad turn out well every time.
Small steps make big differences in texture and flavor.
- Toast sesame seeds and nuts lightly to boost flavor.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling so it stays juicy when sliced.
- Taste the dressing and adjust salt, acid, or sweetness before tossing.
- Chop veggies uniformly for even bites and a neat look.
Variation for Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
You can change Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad to fit diets or tastes.
Try these easy swaps.
- Swap grilled chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
- Use napa cabbage or romaine for a milder crunch.
- Add mandarin orange segments or sliced mango for a sweet note.
- Use peanuts instead of cashews for a peanut flavor twist.
FAQs about Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Q: Can I make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad ahead?
A: Yes. Keep dressing and crunchy toppings separate and toss just before serving for best texture.
Q: Is there a good store-bought dressing to use for Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad?
A: You can use a quality sesame ginger dressing from the store if short on time. Buy it here to try popular options and brands.
Q: Can I use roasted chicken instead of grilled for Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad?
A: Yes, roasted or rotisserie chicken works and saves time. Slice or shred and add just before serving.
Q: How do I make the salad less spicy if I add jalapeño?
A: Remove the seeds and white ribs from the jalapeño or use less jalapeño to lower the heat.
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the Grilled Sesame Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Salad
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 3/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 1 cup shredded carrots (pre-packaged or freshly cut into matchsticks)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly julienned
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and diced
For Serving
- 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Additional cilantro, for garnish
- Additional diced green onions, for garnish
- A few jalapeño slices, for garnish
- Optional: Crispy wonton strips, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the Chicken: Marinate and cook the grilled sesame chicken according to the recipe. Set aside to cool slightly before slicing to add to the salad.
- Make the Dressing: Prepare your sesame ginger dressing according to its recipe. Adjust seasoning as needed and set aside.
Assembly
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeño.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss well to ensure all components are evenly coated. Let the salad sit covered for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving
- Transfer the salad to a large platter. Top with slices of the grilled sesame chicken.
- Garnish: Garnish with toasted almonds, cashew halves, extra cilantro, sesame seeds, additional jalapeño slices, and green onions. If desired, add crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately.
