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Sesame Chicken Salad

Sesame Chicken Salad is a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Packed with crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing, this salad has a great balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Let’s dive in and make this delicious and vibrant salad!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, or a mix)
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

For the Sesame Dressing

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing

  1. Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad

  1. Prepare Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, bell pepper slices, and chopped green onions.
  2. Add Chicken and Nuts: Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the salad along with the toasted sesame seeds, slivered almonds, and fresh cilantro if using.
  3. Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared sesame dressing over the salad. Gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
  4. Serve: Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve from the bowl. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or cilantro, if desired.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

  • Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe, but you can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
  • Toasting Nuts and Seeds: Toasting the almonds and sesame seeds enhances their flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Adjusting Dressing: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add an extra teaspoon of honey. For more acidity, add a bit more lime juice or rice vinegar.

Variations

  • Spicy Sesame Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat.
  • Peanut Sesame Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the dressing for a nutty twist.
  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this salad.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken skewers or shrimp for a full meal.
  • Wrap It Up: Use this salad as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas for a quick and easy handheld meal.
  • Meal Prep: Prepare the salad components ahead of time and keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

Can I Use Store-Bought Dressing?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought sesame or Asian-style dressing can be used as a substitute for the homemade dressing.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

You can add cucumber slices, snap peas, or even edamame for extra crunch and nutrition.

Sesame Chicken Salad is a perfect combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful sesame dressing that’s both light and satisfying. It’s a versatile salad that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Gather your ingredients, toss them together, and enjoy this vibrant, healthy dish!

Happy Cooking!

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