This Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a zesty sesame dressing. It’s fresh, healthy, and so colorful, it looks like a party on your plate!
I love that it’s easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, the dressing has just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Your taste buds will thank you! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this salad. If you’re looking for a quicker option, try using rotisserie chicken instead. It saves time and adds flavor!
Cabbage: Red and green cabbage not only add color but also a satisfying crunch. If you can’t find fresh cabbage, coleslaw mix works well as a substitute.
Carrots: Shredded carrots bring sweetness and color. For a different flavor, consider grated zucchini or bell peppers instead.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds a rich, nutty flavor. If it’s not available, you can use olive oil for a lighter taste, though it won’t have that sesame essence.
Nuts & Seeds: Almonds and cashews add crunch, but you can use any favorite nuts, like peanuts or walnuts. You can also omit them for a nut-free dish if needed.
How Do I Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with some care, you’ll get juicy results every time! Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This helps achieve those lovely grill marks.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper for flavor. Don’t be shy; it enhances the taste!
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is helpful for accuracy.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step keeps it juicy when you slice it!
Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
For The Dressing:
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and about 15-20 minutes for cooking the chicken and tossing everything together. Fast, fresh, and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grill the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. While it heats up, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Once the grill is ready, lay the chicken on it and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. You want the chicken to be cooked all the way through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After grilling, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded red and green cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, trimmed snap peas, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss everything together gently to mix the colorful veggies well.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until it’s nicely blended. This dressing will add a delicious, savory flavor to your salad.
4. Combine Everything:
Drizzle the dressing over your prepared salad mixture. Toss everything together to ensure all the veggies are well coated with the tasty dressing.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Now it’s time to arrange everything! Place the salad on a large serving platter and top it with the sliced grilled chicken. For some extra crunch, sprinkle the salad with the sliced almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds. If you’d like, garnish with additional green onions and cilantro before serving.
Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful sesame chicken salad! It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Tofu?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken breasts with firm tofu. Just press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into slices, and then marinate it in the same seasonings before grilling or pan-frying until golden brown.
What Can I Use Instead of Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil on hand, you can use olive oil or canola oil as a substitute. However, if you want to impart some nutty flavor, consider mixing in a bit of toasted sesame seeds or a small amount of peanut oil for a similar taste profile.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftover sesame chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess. When preparing to serve, just drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss it again!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. This salad works great with cucumbers, radishes, or even avocado. Just make sure any extra vegetables are cut small enough to blend well with the other ingredients!
