Name: Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens or shredded cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 green onions, sliced; 1/2 cup sliced cucumber; 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (optional); 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced; 1/4 cup sliced almonds or crushed peanuts; 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp grated ginger (optional); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe

This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a perfect combination of vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing, offering a refreshing and satisfying meal. With its balance of textures—from the crunch of almonds and crispy noodles to the smoothness of the mandarin oranges and tender chicken—this salad is both delicious and visually appealing. It’s a quick and easy dish, ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or as a side at your next gathering. Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this salad brings the best of Asian cuisine into a single bowl.

The homemade sesame dressing is the real star of this salad, adding a delicious umami flavor with a hint of sweetness and heat. The addition of crunchy elements like chow mein noodles and sliced almonds elevates the salad’s texture, making each bite exciting. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a main course, this salad is a healthy and flavorful option that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With only 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for a fast and satisfying meal when you’re short on time.

2. Full of Crunch and Flavor

The mix of crunchy almonds, crispy noodles, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful texture contrast, while the sesame dressing adds a deliciously bold flavor.

3. Customizable Protein Options

You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or grilled salmon, making this recipe flexible to different tastes and dietary preferences.

4. Healthy and Light

Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this salad is a great way to enjoy a nutritious, low-calorie meal without sacrificing flavor.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Simply store the ingredients and dressing separately, and toss together when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

Mixed greens or shredded cabbage
Shredded carrots
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Green onions, sliced
Sliced cucumber
Mandarin orange segments (optional)
Cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
Sliced almonds or crushed peanuts
Crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips

For the Dressing:

Soy sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Sesame oil
Rice vinegar
Grated ginger (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Variations

Protein Options: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or grilled salmon to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Vegetable Boost: Add extra crunch with snap peas, edamame, or radishes, or incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or shredded cabbage for more variety.
Make it Vegan: Use tofu or chickpeas as a protein substitute, and ensure the dressing is made with vegan-friendly honey or sugar.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens or shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cucumber. Add the cooked chicken breast, mandarin orange segments (if using), sliced almonds or peanuts, and crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger (optional), and red pepper flakes (optional) until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to coat evenly. Serve immediately for the crunchiest texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Store Dressing Separately: To maintain the crispiness of the salad, store the dressing separately and drizzle it on just before serving.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even shredded cabbage work great in this salad.
For Extra Heat: If you like a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the dressing.
Chill Before Serving: For a colder, refreshing salad, let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is perfect as a standalone meal, or you can pair it with grilled meats, tofu, or even serve it alongside sushi for a full Asian-inspired meal. It also works wonderfully as a side dish at barbecues or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad can stay fresh for about 1-2 days in the refrigerator. However, the crispy noodles and almonds may lose their crunch after a while, so it’s best to add them right before serving.

Freezing

It is not recommended to freeze the salad, as the fresh ingredients don’t freeze well. However, you can freeze leftover chicken if needed.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold, there is no need to reheat. Simply toss it with the dressing just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different protein besides chicken?

Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, or grilled salmon as protein alternatives in this salad.

2. Can I prepare the salad in advance?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but store the dressing separately to keep the salad crispy.

3. How do I make the salad vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and ensure the dressing is made with vegan-friendly honey or sugar.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Yes, you can add additional vegetables like snap peas, edamame, or shredded cabbage for extra flavor and crunch.

5. Can I use a different type of noodle for crunch?

Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with wonton strips, rice noodles, or even crushed rice crackers for a different texture.

6. How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add more honey or brown sugar. For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sweetener.

7. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the noodles are gluten-free.

8. How can I store the leftover dressing?

You can store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

9. Can I use a store-bought dressing?

While homemade dressing is recommended for the best flavor, you can use a store-bought sesame dressing if you’re short on time.

10. Can I make this salad without mandarin oranges?

Yes, the mandarin oranges are optional, but they add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Conclusion

The Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a deliciously fresh, easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor and texture. With its vibrant mix of vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy dinner, or a side dish to complement your main course, this salad delivers on all fronts. Quick, customizable, and packed with bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.