Description
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
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 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 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
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.
Notes
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Keep crunchy toppings separate until just before serving to maintain texture.
Dressing can be made ahead and stored for enhanced flavor.
Substitute ground ginger if fresh is unavailable (use 1/4 teaspoon).
Store salad and dressing separately if making ahead; add crunchy toppings fresh before serving.
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for pescatarian/vegetarian variations.
Try different nuts like cashews or pecans for variety.
Add avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
Use kale or arugula instead of mixed greens for different texture and flavor.
Add extra sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cook, toss
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
