Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together a variety of textures and flavors. With grilled sesame chicken, crisp vegetables, and a delicious sesame ginger dressing, this salad is as satisfying as it is nutritious. It’s perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish for gatherings and potlucks. It’s not only visually appealing but also packed with health benefits, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced meal.

Why Make This Recipe

There are several reasons to consider making Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. For starters, it is bursting with flavor. The marinated grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and nutty dressing. This recipe offers a wonderful balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have available or to suit your dietary needs. The salad is also straightforward to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills. Overall, this salad is a delightful way to incorporate fresh ingredients into your diet while enjoying a dish that feels indulgent.

How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Making this salad is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow the steps below to create your own Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Sesame Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil preferred)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Salad:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced green onions
• 3/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
• 1 cup shredded carrots (pre-packaged or freshly cut into matchsticks)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

For Serving:

• 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Additional cilantro, for garnish
• Additional diced green onions, for garnish
• A few jalapeño slices, for garnish
• Optional: Crispy wonton strips, for extra crunch

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce (or coconut aminos), garlic, brown sugar, tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to create the marinade. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Set aside to cool slightly before slicing.
2. Make the Dressing: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your Sesame Ginger Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, freshly grated ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, shredded carrots, bell pepper, and diced jalapeño. Drizzle the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss everything together until well coated. Let the salad sit covered for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Salad: Once the salad has rested, transfer it to a large serving platter. Top the salad with slices of the grilled sesame chicken. Garnish the salad with toasted almonds, roasted cashew halves, sesame seeds, and additional cilantro and green onions. Add a few slices of jalapeño for an extra kick, and if you want more crunch, toss on some crispy wonton strips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

This salad is best served fresh and can be a main dish or a side. If serving as a main course, simply divide it into individual bowls or plates and ensure each serving includes a generous amount of the grilled chicken. For a family-style serving, present it on a large platter with the toppings arranged nicely on top.

You might want to have some extra dressing on the side for those who enjoy a saucier salad. This allows everyone to customize their experience.

How to Store Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat more salad to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. When stored properly, the chicken salad can stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.

If the salad becomes too dry after a day or two, you can always drizzle a little more dressing on it before serving.

Tips to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

1. Marinate the Chicken Longer: If you have time, letting the chicken marinate for longer than 30 minutes enhances the flavor even more.
2. Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables possible for the best crunch and flavor.
3. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as snap peas, cucumbers, or radishes for variety.
4. Take Shortcuts: If short on time, consider using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising taste.
5. Adjust the Heat: Modify the amount of jalapeño according to your spice tolerance.

Variations

You can easily adapt this recipe to accommodate dietary preferences or seasonal ingredients. Consider the following variations:

• Vegan Version: Substitute grilled tofu for chicken and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
• Pasta Salad: Mix cooked soba noodles or rice noodles into the salad for additional substance.
• Grains: Add cooked quinoa or brown rice for a heartier meal, making it a complete and filling dish.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this salad in advance? A1: While the grilled chicken can be made ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the salad shortly before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Q2: What can I use instead of soy sauce? A2: If you need a gluten-free option, you can use coconut aminos or tamari, which provides a similar flavor without gluten.

Q3: Is this salad suitable for meal prep? A3: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance. Just store them separately and mix them together when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: How can I add more protein? A4: You can include edamame, chickpeas, or even a boiled egg on top for extra protein in your salad.

Enjoy making and savoring this delicious Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad!