Name: Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped; 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, cabbage, and spinach mix recommended); 1 cup shredded purple cabbage; 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts, toasted; 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips; 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds; Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat

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Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad a vibrant, crunchy salad bursting with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a savory sesame dressing that brings an irresistible Asian-inspired flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped

4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, cabbage, and spinach mix recommended)

1 cup shredded purple cabbage

1 large carrot, julienned or shredded

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

3 green onions, chopped

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts, toasted

1 cup crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips

For the sesame dressing:

3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey or maple syru

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sriracha if using until well combined.

In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Toss lightly to mix.

Add the cooked chicken to the salad bowl, then pour the sesame dressing over everything. Toss gently so all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds (or peanuts) and crispy chow mein noodles on top to add a satisfying crunch.

Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crunchy textures paired with the bold sesame flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes (assuming chicken is pre-cooked)

Total time: 15 minutes

Each serving has approximately 350 calories, making this salad a light yet protein-packed meal.

Variations

I often switch up ingredients based on what I have. Here are some ideas I like:

Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.

Use cashews or pecans instead of almonds or peanuts for a different nutty crunch.

Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra healthy fats.

Try different greens like kale or arugula for more bite.

For more heat, I add extra sriracha or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the crunchy textures intact. If I have leftovers, I store the salad (without the crunchy toppings) and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, I toss everything together and add fresh crunchy toppings. I don’t recommend reheating this salad as it’s designed to be served cold and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken for this salad?

I prefer using cooked chicken for this salad to keep prep time quick. If you want to cook raw chicken, grilling or baking until fully cooked and then shredding it works well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce and choose gluten-free chow mein noodles or omit them entirely.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often make the sesame dressing a day ahead to let the flavors deepen. Just give it a good whisk before using.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Ground ginger can work in a pinch—use about ¼ teaspoon instead of fresh. Fresh ginger adds the best brightness, though.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

I keep the crunchy toppings separate until just before serving, and I toss the salad gently with the dressing right before eating.

Conclusion

I find this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad to be one of my favorite quick, healthy meals that never feels boring. It’s fresh, full of exciting textures, and packed with bold flavors that make me look forward to lunchtime or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to customize and perfect for meal prep. Give it a try next time I want something light yet satisfying.

Recipe:

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A vibrant, crunchy salad bursting with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a savory sesame dressing that brings an irresistible Asian-inspired flavor.

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sriracha if using until well combined.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Toss lightly to mix.
Add the cooked chicken to the salad bowl, then pour the sesame dressing over everything. Toss gently so all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds (or peanuts) and crispy chow mein noodles on top to add a satisfying crunch.
Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crunchy textures paired with the bold sesame flavor.