Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying salad that’s as fun to eat as it is flavorful, let me introduce you to Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. This dish bursts with color, texture, and a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes in every bite. Tossed with a delightfully zippy sesame dressing and topped with irresistible crunchy bits, it’s a complete meal that feels good for the body and soul. Whether you’re making lunch for friends or prepping a nourishing dinner on a busy weeknight, Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad always delivers a crave-worthy experience.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create so much excitement. Each element brings its own color or flavor, making every forkful unique and memorable.

• Chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast for lean protein and hearty satisfaction—rotisserie works great for convenience!
• Napa or green cabbage: The crisp, shredded cabbage forms the vibrant, crunchy base of the salad—Napa is extra tender, but classic green cabbage is delicious too.
• Shredded carrots: These add a natural sweetness and an appealing pop of orange to every bowlful.
• Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for extra crunch and a lovely boost of color and vitamin C.
• Edamame: Shelled and cooked, these little green gems offer a protein boost and delicate bite.
• Green onions: Sliced fresh for a subtle sharpness and aromatic lift that ties everything together.
• Chow mein noodles: Add these just before serving for the ultimate crispy, snacky topping.
• Sliced almonds or chopped cashews: Toasted nuts bring a rich, buttery crunch and extra depth of flavor.
• Toasted sesame seeds: A sprinkle on top takes the sesame theme a step further and adds even more texture.
• Rice vinegar: The base of the dressing, bringing refreshing tang and balance to the flavors.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami-rich depth that’s unmistakably essential in this salad.
• Sesame oil: Just a tablespoon perfumes the entire salad with a hint of toasty, nutty richness.
• Honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness rounds out the tang and saltiness in the dressing.
• Mayonnaise (optional): For a hint of creaminess, add it to the dressing—it’s subtle but swoon-worthy.
• Fresh ginger and garlic: Grated ginger and minced garlic bring unmistakable zip and aroma to the dressing.
• Salt and pepper: Season to your taste and let the flavors shine!

How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Start by bringing together all the salad fixings: add the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, sliced red bell pepper, cooked edamame, and green onions to a large mixing bowl. This is where all the color and crispness come together—and trust me, the fresh crunch sets the stage for an incredible salad. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it with your fingers or two forks for ease. The more vibrant your mix of veggies, the more stunning the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad will look!

Step 2: Whisk the Sesame Dressing

In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), mayonnaise (if you like it creamy), grated ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until very smooth. This quick dressing is packed with punchy flavor, and you can adjust the sweetness or acidity to make it your own. The fresh ginger and garlic really wake up the whole dish—don’t skip them!

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Drizzle the luscious sesame dressing over the salad base and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. I love using tongs to really get in there. At this stage, the salad absorbs all that dressy goodness, creating the signature craveable flavor profile that makes Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad a repeat request at my table.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Toppings

Just before serving, generously sprinkle on the chow mein noodles, toasted almonds or cashews, and a shower of toasted sesame seeds. These toppings are the crown jewels of the salad: crunchy, toasty, and just plain fun to eat. The contrast in textures will keep you reaching for bite after bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a large serving platter or individual bowls, making sure every serving gets a good share of toppings and color. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or potlucks—and it travels beautifully if you’re on the go.

How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Garnishes

No salad is complete without its finishing touches! I love to scatter extra green onions, some cilantro leaves, or even a quick grate of fresh lime zest over the top to make the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad really pop. Toasted sesame seeds are a must, but a sprinkle of chili flakes looks gorgeous and adds a little heat if you like things spicy. Fresh herbs just before serving add brightness and a beautiful aroma that makes everyone hungry at the table.

Side Dishes

While this salad is hearty enough to eat on its own, it also pairs perfectly with simple sides. Try serving it with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. Miso soup or crispy vegetable spring rolls make it feel like a restaurant-worthy feast. Even some sliced mango or citrus fruit on the side can offer a sweet and refreshing balance to the crunchy, savory salad.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try serving Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad in lettuce cups for an interactive, hand-held presentation—kids (and adults) love assembling their own! Scoop it into mason jars for a picnic-ready meal, or pile it high on a large platter and let everyone help themselves for a festive family-style spread. The salad’s vibrant layers always steal the show, wherever you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the crunchy toppings (noodles and nuts) in a separate container at room temperature. This helps everything retain its crunch and freshness for up to 3 days. If tossed together, the veggies may soften and lose their crisp texture, but the flavors will deepen.

Freezing

This salad isn’t suitable for freezing, as the fresh veggies and chicken can become watery and lose their texture after thawing. Instead, focus on making only what you’ll eat within a few days or share generously with family and friends—the tastiness is worth it!

Reheating

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give leftovers a quick toss with some fresh toppings or an extra splash of dressing and dig in!

FAQs

Can I use another type Salad, Main Course

Absolutely! This salad is incredibly versatile. Try it with grilled shrimp, baked tofu for a vegetarian twist, or even leftover steak. The sesame dressing pairs well with so many proteins, so you can make it your own every time.

Is Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad gluten-free?

If you swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and choose gluten-free chow mein noodles (or skip them), you can easily make this salad gluten-free. Always check labels on your ingredients to be sure, especially the noodles and soy-based sauces.

How far ahead can I make this salad?

The salad base and the dressing can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Wait to add the dressing and crunchy toppings until just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

What if I don’t have sesame oil or seeds?

While sesame oil and seeds add that classic nutty aroma and depth, you can still make and enjoy this salad without them. Try adding a handful of sunflower seeds for a similar crunch, or just add extra nuts for flavor and bite.

How do I adjust the dressing to my taste?

The dressing is meant to be bold and bright, but tastes differ! Add more honey/maple syrup for sweetness, a bit more vinegar for tang, or a splash of hot sauce for heat. Mix, taste, and tweak—it’s your Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad after all!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad a try next time you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but couldn’t be easier to make. Share it with loved ones, tweak it for your own cravings, and most of all—enjoy every colorful, satisfying bite!

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