Bright, crunchy, and full of nutty flavor, this salad is perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. Sesame Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with crisp veggies and a simple sesame-ginger dressing for an easy, feel-good meal. If you want another bold weeknight option, try the chicken shawarma crispy rice salad for more savory inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Salad
- Big sesame-ginger flavor in every bite.
- Ready in minutes for fast weeknight meals.
- Great for meal prep and holds up well as leftovers.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize.
- Light but filling with protein and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients Needed
- Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- Greens & Veggies
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Toppings & Spices
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions 5
1. Toss the salad base
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. Add the chicken
Place the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken on top of the salad.
3. Whisk the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
4. Dress and combine
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
5. Finish and serve
Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and serve immediately for best texture.
Serving Suggestions Sesame Chicken Salad
- Serve with warm pita or toasted sesame bread for a heartier meal.
- Add sliced avocado or edamame for extra creaminess and protein.
- Top with crispy wonton strips or chopped peanuts for crunch.
- Enjoy with a cold jasmine tea or light lager for a refreshing pairing.
- Make it a wrap in a tortilla for an on-the-go lunch and try pairing it with healthy chicken salad wraps if you want more wrap ideas.
Tips for Success Sesame Chicken Salad
- Use warm cooked chicken for better flavor absorption, then cool slightly before tossing.
- Taste the dressing and adjust honey or rice vinegar to balance sweetness and tang.
- Dry vegetables well after washing to prevent a soggy salad.
- Store dressing separately if prepping ahead to keep greens crisp.
- For a southwestern twist, serve alongside a Southwest chicken salad-style side or toppings.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Make it spicy: add sriracha or thinly sliced jalapeño to the dressing.
- Swap protein: use shrimp, tofu, or turkey instead of chicken.
- Add more veggies: shredded cabbage, snap peas, or radishes work great.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Greens & Veggies
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Toppings & Spices
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Place the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken on top of the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and serve immediately for best texture.
