This Easy Sesame Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and nutty sesame flavor. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner!
Honestly, the crunch from the veggies and the drizzle of sesame dressing bring such joy. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again! 😊
I love how simple it is to whip up. Just toss everything together and enjoy a fresh meal that feels special without the fuss. It’s a win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this salad. If you’re looking for alternatives, grilled shrimp or tofu can work well too. They provide a different flavor but still keep things light.
Vegetables: Cabbage adds crunch, but you can use any mix of veggies you like! Try using kale, broccoli slaw, or even bell peppers of different colors for variety.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a rich flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with olive oil, but you’ll miss that distinct taste. Using a mix of half olive oil and half toasted sesame oil could also be delicious!
Honey: If you’re looking to cut sugar, maple syrup is a great alternative. You can also use agave syrup for a vegan option.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can seem tricky, but with a few simple steps, it can turn out juicy and delicious every time!
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; this will help keep it moist.
- Cook the chicken in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Avoid high heat to prevent burning or drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; aim for 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
This method ensures flavorful, tender chicken that shines in your salad!
Easy Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
For the Salad:
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup whole cashews
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy Sesame Chicken Salad takes about 30 minutes of prep time. After marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, you’ll spend around 10-15 minutes cooking and assembling everything together. Don’t forget to add a few minutes for letting the chicken rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by making the marinade! In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Toss the chicken breasts in the marinade, covering them well. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those yummy flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, heat a skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (don’t waste that marinade just yet!) and cook each breast for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a large bowl and toss together the shredded green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, and jalapeño slices (if you’re feeling spicy!). Add the chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until everything is combined. This dressing is what brings the salad to life!
5. Assemble the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss it all together until every bite is coated. This is where it gets colorful and exciting!
6. Serve:
Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad. Sprinkle with sliced almonds, whole cashews, and sesame seeds for that delicious crunch. If you’d like, add a bit more chopped cilantro as a garnish.
7. Enjoy:
Your vibrant and full-of-texture Easy Sesame Chicken Salad is ready to be served! Enjoy it fresh for a delightful crunch and flavor that will have you coming back for more!
This salad is a perfect blend of nutty sesame flavors with hints of spice and freshness. Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just shred or slice it and add it directly to the salad without marinating. You can toss it with the dressing just before serving for maximum flavor.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Marinate them in the same sauce for added flavor, then sauté until golden. Alternatively, you can use chickpeas as a protein-packed substitute.
What If I Don’t Have Some Ingredients on Hand?
No worries! If you don’t have a specific ingredient, feel free to swap as needed. For example, you can use other vegetables like cucumber or zucchini, any nuts or seeds you prefer, or substitute the honey with another sweetener like agave syrup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the salad’s crispness. When you’re ready to eat, just give it a good toss!
