
Savor the Crisp and Refreshing Delight of Sesame Chicken Salad
Take your taste buds on a fresh and flavorful journey with this Sesame Chicken Salad—a dish that perfectly combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing.
Whether you’re planning a weekday lunch or a light, wholesome dinner, this salad brings both texture and flavor to your table. Every bite delivers a burst of freshness, making it ideal for warm days or whenever you crave something bright and nourishing.
Designed for convenience yet full of vibrant taste, this recipe offers the perfect balance of protein, crisp veggies, and a hint of sweetness. Ready to upgrade your salad game with this colorful and satisfying creation? Let’s get started!
Fresh and Flavor-Packed: Your Go-To Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
This Sesame Chicken Salad is more than just a typical leafy bowl—it’s a symphony of textures, colors, and bold flavors. From tender chicken breast to crunchy carrots and a savory sesame-ginger dressing, each ingredient brings something special to the table.
Thanks to its ease of preparation and versatility, this salad works as a standalone meal or as a crowd-pleasing side. The soy-sesame dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of zing.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this sesame chicken salad with iced green tea, spring rolls, or a bowl of jasmine rice. It’s perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or a quick dinner on busy nights.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sesame Chicken Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, always use freshly cooked chicken and crisp vegetables. Pre-cooked or leftover chicken works great, too.
- Shred Smartly: Shredding the chicken instead of slicing helps it soak up more of the delicious sesame dressing, boosting overall flavor.
- Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually and toss. This keeps the veggies from getting soggy and helps balance the flavors.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: Lightly toasting the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on adds a warm, nutty aroma that elevates the salad.
- Add Crunch Last: If you’re using crunchy wonton strips or almonds, add them just before serving. This helps maintain their crispness.

Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe with Zesty Sesame-Ginger Dressing
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
- Servings: 4
- Equipment: Large salad bowl, small mixing bowl, grater, sharp knife
This refreshing Sesame Chicken Salad is easy to put together and packs a punch with bold, Asian-inspired flavors that never disappoint.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens or shredded napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or crunchy wonton strips (optional)
For the Sesame-Ginger Dressing:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Directions:
- Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice. Mix until the dressing is well blended and smooth. - Build the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked chicken, salad greens (or napa cabbage), shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Toss the ingredients gently for even distribution. - Dress and Toss:
Pour the sesame-ginger dressing over the salad a little at a time, tossing gently between pours. This ensures the salad is evenly coated without becoming soggy. - Add the Crunchy Toppings:
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top. Add sliced almonds or wonton strips if using, just before serving to maintain their crunch. - Serve Immediately:
Transfer to individual bowls or a serving platter. Enjoy right away to preserve the fresh textures and vibrant flavors.
Ready to Relish!
With a medley of crisp veggies, savory chicken, and a bold, tangy dressing, this Sesame Chicken Salad is everything you want in a light yet satisfying meal. It’s healthy, quick to prepare, and full of layers that make every bite interesting.
Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or preparing dinner for family or guests, this salad is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant colors and rich flavor. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins or protein swaps like tofu or shrimp.
Storage Solutions:
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the salad from wilting. The salad base will last up to 2 days, while the dressing can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Avoid freezing this dish, as the fresh veggies lose their texture and flavor when thawed. For meal prep, you can pre-chop the vegetables and chicken and assemble just before eating.
Bring bold, fresh, and nutty flavors to your table with this easy and delicious Sesame Chicken Salad. Packed with protein and loaded with vibrant vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal you’ll want to make again and again.
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Sesame Chicken Salad
This refreshing Sesame Chicken Salad is easy to put together and packs a punch with bold, Asian-inspired flavors that never disappoint.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens or shredded napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or crunchy wonton strips (optional)
- For the Sesame-Ginger Dressing:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice. Mix until the dressing is well blended and smooth. - Build the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked chicken, salad greens (or napa cabbage), shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Toss the ingredients gently for even distribution. - Dress and Toss:
Pour the sesame-ginger dressing over the salad a little at a time, tossing gently between pours. This ensures the salad is evenly coated without becoming soggy. - Add the Crunchy Toppings:
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top. Add sliced almonds or wonton strips if using, just before serving to maintain their crunch. - Serve Immediately:
Transfer to individual bowls or a serving platter. Enjoy right away to preserve the fresh textures and vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)