why make this recipe

Sesame Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures! This dish combines perfectly marinated chicken with fresh vegetables, making it a healthy option that’s both filling and satisfying. The sesame dressing adds an irresistible nutty flavor, and the mix of colors makes it visually appealing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side for dinner, this salad fits the bill beautifully.

how to make Sesame Chicken Salad

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breast
Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
Garlic
Brown sugar or coconut sugar
Tahini
Sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil)
Rice vinegar
Fresh ginger
Sesame seeds
Red pepper flakes
Green cabbage
Red cabbage
Green onion
Cilantro
Carrots
Red bell pepper
Jalapeño
Olive oil
Pure maple syrup
Toasted sliced almonds
Roasted cashews
Extra cilantro
Extra green onion

Directions

Start by marinating the chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let it rest before slicing.
Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the green and red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, red bell pepper, and jalapeño.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, olive oil, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and fresh ginger. If you want a creamy dressing, add tahini or cashew butter.
Assemble: Slice the chicken and add it on top of the salad. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
Serve: Top the salad with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashews, sesame seeds, extra cilantro, extra green onion, and jalapeño.

how to serve Sesame Chicken Salad

Serve this salad fresh and crisp. It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish for grilled meats. You can also pack it for lunch, making sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess.

how to store Sesame Chicken Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If you need to store the dressing, keep it in a separate container to maintain the crunch of the veggies.

tips to make Sesame Chicken Salad

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes.
Experiment with different nuts or seeds for added crunch.
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.

variation

You can customize this salad by adding your favorite veggies or proteins. Consider adding avocado for creaminess or swapping the chicken for shrimp or beef for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing in advance. Just keep them separate until serving to maintain freshness.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

3. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumbers.