A light, crunchy salad with sesame flavor and tender chicken.
introduction
This Sesame Chicken Salad mixes cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and a sesame dressing for a quick meal. It is easy to make and works for lunch or dinner. You can pair it with a warm dish like honey sesame chicken or enjoy it by itself.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is fast, healthy, and tasty. It uses cooked chicken and simple pantry ingredients. The salad keeps well for a day or two and makes a good meal for work or home.
how to make Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients :
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach)
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked chicken, bell peppers, carrots, cucumber, and green onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and honey (if using).
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing meal.
how to serve Sesame Chicken Salad
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Offer extra dressing on the side. Add rice, crusty bread, or wrap the salad in a tortilla for a sandwich. Top with more sesame seeds or a few chopped nuts for crunch.
how to store Sesame Chicken Salad
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store the salad longer or want crisper greens. Re-toss before serving.
tips to make Sesame Chicken Salad
- Toast sesame seeds briefly in a pan for more flavor.
- Use warm cooked chicken or cold leftover chicken.
- Taste the dressing and adjust soy sauce, vinegar, or honey to your liking.
- Slice veggies thin so the salad is easy to eat.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp.
variation (if any)
- Add mandarin segments or orange slices for a sweet touch.
- Swap chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian.
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Add cooked soba noodles to make it a pasta salad.
- Mix in chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken works very well and saves time.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead?
A: You can prep ingredients ahead, but keep dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Q: Is sesame oil necessary?
A: Sesame oil adds key flavor, but you can use a neutral oil if needed. Add a little sesame seeds for flavor.
Q: How long does the dressing last?
A: Store dressing in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake before use.
Sesame Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A light, crunchy salad featuring tender chicken and a flavorful sesame dressing, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach)
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the mixed greens, cooked chicken, bell peppers, carrots, cucumber, and green onions in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and honey (if using) in a separate small bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing meal.
Notes
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Pair with rice or crusty bread, and top with extra sesame seeds for crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg