This Sesame Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at your next gathering, this salad is not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to prepare. With its vibrant colors and textures, it’s sure to impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh herbs, crunchy almonds, and the zesty sesame vinaigrette creates an unforgettable taste.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or side dish, it’s perfect for any occasion from picnics to potlucks.
- Health-Conscious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this salad is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing this Sesame Chicken Salad requires just a few essential tools. Having these on hand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or mason jar with lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy tossing of all the ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk or mason jar with lid: Perfect for combining the vinaigrette ingredients thoroughly for a consistent dressing.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe space to chop vegetables and chicken.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking and appealing presentation.
Ingredients
This Sesame Chicken Salad recipe is perfectly crunchy, creamy, sweet, savory, and tossed with a yummy sesame vinaigrette.
For the Salad
- 1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw (or 7 cups shredded cabbage)
- 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup loosely-packed chopped cilantro
- 2/3 cup sliced green onions
- 2/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling
For the Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, pressed or minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- a few twists of freshly-cracked black pepper
How to Make Sesame Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together or shake until combined:
- Avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Rice vinegar
- Low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- Maple syrup (or honey)
- Toasted sesame oil
- Ground ginger
- Garlic clove (pressed or minced)
- Black pepper
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add:
- Coleslaw (or shredded cabbage)
- Diced chicken
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted almonds
- Shredded carrots
- Diced avocado
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture.
- Toss everything together gently until well combined.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve immediately topped with toasted sesame seeds as a garnish for added crunch. Enjoy your delicious Sesame Chicken Salad!
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Salad
This Sesame Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick lunch, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves, like romaine or butter lettuce, to wrap the salad for a fresh and crunchy bite.
Grain Bowls
- Serve the salad over cooked grains such as quinoa or brown rice for added texture and heartiness.
Sandwiches
- Pile the salad between whole-grain bread or in a pita for a satisfying sandwich option.
Appetizer Plates
- Serve smaller portions on appetizer plates alongside other finger foods at parties for an elegant touch.
Picnic Style
- Pack the salad in portable containers for a refreshing and easy meal outdoors.
How to Perfect Sesame Chicken Salad
To achieve the best version of this Sesame Chicken Salad, consider these simple yet effective tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Customize Your Proteins: Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or beef for a different taste.
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting almonds brings out their natural flavor and adds an extra crunch.
- Adjust the Dressing: Modify the vinaigrette ingredients according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Extra Crunch: Consider including water chestnuts or crispy wonton strips for additional texture.
Best Side Dishes for Sesame Chicken Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Sesame Chicken Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Crispy Spring Rolls: Light and filled with veggies, these add a delightful crunch.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Flavored rice complements the salad while adding substance.
- Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame provides protein and is easy to prepare as a side.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the savory notes of the salad.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings comforting flavors and pairs nicely with salads.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread offers a delicious contrast to the fresh salad ingredients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To create the perfect Sesame Chicken Salad, here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Using wilted vegetables: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Always choose crisp and vibrant veggies for your salad.
- Skipping the vinaigrette: The dressing is essential for flavor. Don’t forget to whisk or shake your vinaigrette before adding it to the salad.
- Not letting flavors meld: Allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes can enhance the taste. Give it time after tossing to let the ingredients mix.
- Overloading on toppings: While toppings add flavor, too many can overwhelm the dish. Stick with a few key ingredients for balance.
- Ignoring portion sizes: This recipe serves 4-6; adjust your servings accordingly if you’re cooking for a larger group.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ideal container: Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
Freezing Sesame Chicken Salad
- Duration: Not recommended for freezing, as fresh vegetables may become soggy upon thawing.
- Alternative: Consider making extra dressing separately for later use.
Reheating Sesame Chicken Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated without overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about specific aspects of this Sesame Chicken Salad recipe, you might find these FAQs helpful.
What can I substitute for chicken in Sesame Chicken Salad?
You can use shredded turkey or beef as alternatives in this salad while maintaining its deliciousness.
How long does Sesame Chicken Salad last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad will stay fresh for up to three days.
Can I customize my Sesame Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition.
Is there a vegetarian version of Sesame Chicken Salad?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option that’s just as tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Sesame Chicken Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences. You can easily mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether served as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, it’s sure to please everyone!
Sesame Chicken Salad
Indulge in the vibrant and refreshing flavors of this Sesame Chicken Salad, a delightful dish that combines crunchy textures with creamy elements for a satisfying meal. This salad features tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty sesame vinaigrette that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as an eye-catching side at gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a larger spread, this salad is sure to impress and nourish.
- Total Time: 37 minute
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 14-ounce bag coleslaw or 7 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup loosely-packed chopped cilantro
- 2/3 cup sliced green onions
- 2/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, pressed or minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- a few twists of freshly-cracked black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together or shake until combined: avocado oil or olive oil, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup or honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic clove, and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add coleslaw, diced chicken, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, toasted almonds, shredded carrots, and diced avocado.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture.
- Toss everything together gently until well combined.
- Serve immediately topped with toasted sesame seeds as a garnish for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Substitute chicken with turkey or beef if desired. Toast your almonds for an extra crunch. Let the salad sit for 15–30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
