Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Bright, fresh, and bursting with texture, Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is the kind of dish that makes you look forward to lunch. Picture juicy shredded chicken tossed with crisp cabbage, sweet red bell pepper, and crunchy almonds, all enveloped in a tangy-sweet sesame dressing. Each bite offers layers of flavor and a medley of satisfying crunch, making this salad just as at home on a relaxed weeknight dinner table as at a special lunch with friends. It’s healthy, colorful, and so easy, you’ll find yourself making this salad again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad comes from its fresh, simple ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, contributing unique flavor, color, or crunch to create a perfectly balanced bowl. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how each component elevates the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad.

• Chicken breast: Tender cooked and shredded chicken is the hearty base of your salad, making it super satisfying.
• Green cabbage: Shredded green cabbage adds bulk, freshness, and that all-important crisp bite.
• Red cabbage: For color and extra crunch, red cabbage brings a subtle sweetness and a pop of purple.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots offer natural sweetness and vibrant orange shades throughout the salad.
• Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for a juicy, mild pepper flavor and even more color.
• Green onions: Chopped green onions add their mild, peppery sharpness that brings the salad to life.
• Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro weaves in a zesty, herbaceous note that brightens every bite.
• Sliced almonds: Almonds deliver nutty flavor and a delightful crunch that pairs so well with the smooth veggies.
• Crispy wonton strips: These are your secret weapon for irresistible crispness with every forkful.
• Sesame seeds: Toasty and nutty, sesame seeds sprinkle the final touch on your salad both for flavor and looks.
• Rice vinegar: The mild tang in the dressing that keeps flavors lively but balanced.
• Soy sauce: Umami-rich soy sauce adds seasoning and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Toasted sesame oil: Just a bit gives the dressing its signature fragrance and flavor.
• Honey: The sweetness balances the tang from lime and vinegar—essential for harmony!
• Lime juice: Brings a zippy brightness that makes the dressing pop.
• Grated ginger: Just a touch gives the dressing a gentle, spicy warmth.
• Garlic: One clove, minced, delivers aromatic depth and just the right amount of pungency.
• Olive oil: Adds body to the dressing, helping everything coat the salad beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning to taste is essential for rounding out every flavor.

How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by assembling all of your salad and dressing ingredients. Shred your cooked chicken breast or pick up a rotisserie chicken for fuss-free prep, then chop your veggies, herbs, almonds, and crispy wonton strips. This makes the assembly a breeze and ensures you get to that first crunchy bite faster!

Step 2: Mix the Veggies and Chicken

Grab a large salad bowl and combine the shredded chicken, green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Give it all a gentle toss so every ingredient is well distributed and colorful. This part sets the stage for a gorgeous salad that’s never boring.

Step 3: Whisk the Sesame Dressing

In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing looks silky and fully combined. The aroma alone will have you anticipating deliciousness!

Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the fantastic dressing all over your chicken and veggie mixture. Use tongs or two big forks to toss everything together until every ingredient is glossy and coated. This is the key to making sure every forkful of Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Toppings and Serve

Right before serving, scatter sliced almonds, crispy wonton strips, and sesame seeds over the top. These last-minute garnishes keep their irresistible crunch, making every mouthful a joy. Serve up immediately and savor those vibrant textures and flavors!

How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Garnishes

The perfect finish for Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad? A shower of extra sesame seeds, some whole cilantro leaves, or a tiny sprinkle of chopped green onion on top. If you’re feeling a little fancy, add a few slices of fresh chili or some mandarin orange segments for extra color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair your salad with a cup of miso soup, a scoop of steamed jasmine rice, or even some chilled soba noodles tossed in a touch of sesame oil. The salad’s zesty flavors also work perfectly alongside simple edamame or a crunchy cucumber salad to round out a satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held twist, or pile it high onto avocado halves for a gorgeous appetizer. Individual mason jars make it portable and picnic-perfect, while a big platter lets all those vibrant colors and textures shine family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This will keep everything fresh and prevent the crunchy elements from getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, as the fresh vegetables and herbs lose their crispness after thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh or make only as much as you’ll need within a couple of days.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating required! If you’ve just taken it out of the fridge, let it rest for a few minutes to take off the chill, then toss and serve right away for the best flavor and crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all your components (shred the chicken, chop the veggies, whisk the dressing) up to a day in advance, but wait to toss everything together and add the crunchy toppings until just before serving for peak freshness.

What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Feel free to swap out the chicken for cooked shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced steak. The salad’s flavors are incredibly versatile, so use what you love or what you have handy!

Is this salad gluten free?

With just one small tweak—using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce—Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is completely gluten-free, making it a tasty option for different dietary needs.

Can I add fruit or other veggies?

Yes! Try adding mandarin orange segments, diced mango, or edamame. Crunchy snow peas or sliced cucumber are also fantastic additions. The possibilities are endless, so go wild and make it your own.

What if I don’t have crispy wonton strips?

No worries! Substitute with crispy chow mein noodles or homemade baked tortilla strips. Even roasted chickpeas would add an unexpected (and delicious) crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as vibrant and exciting as it is satisfying, this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is your new go-to. With tons of texture, bold flavors, and a dressing you’ll want to drizzle over everything, it’s impossible not to fall in love. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself making it on repeat!

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