If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and freshness, the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. This vibrant salad combines tender chicken, crisp veggies, nutty sesame, and a zingy dressing to deliver a sensational taste experience that’s both light and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a bright dinner option, this salad hits every note—from the satisfying crunch of wonton strips and almonds to the delicate balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in the dressing. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for any meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is simple, honest, and fresh. The ingredients are essential not just for flavor but to create a beautiful balance of colors and textures that make this salad so irresistible.
- Cooked chicken breast: Provides a protein-packed base that is tender and hearty.
- Mixed salad greens (romaine, cabbage, and spinach): Adds vibrant color and a crisp, refreshing foundation.
- Shredded red cabbage: Offers a mild crunch and gorgeous deep purple hue.
- Shredded carrots: Brings sweetness and a bright orange pop.
- Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for a juicy sweetness and beautiful red contrast.
- Green onions: Adds a delicate sharpness and a fresh green note.
- Toasted sliced almonds or chopped peanuts: Gives a satisfying nutty crunch that complements the sesame theme.
- Crispy wonton strips: The ultimate textural star adding irresistible crispiness.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Intensifies the nutty flavor and adds pretty speckles throughout.
- Rice vinegar: Provides the perfect tangy backbone for the dressing.
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Adds savory depth and umami richness.
- Honey or maple syrup: Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness.
- Toasted sesame oil: Infuses a warm, toasty aroma and taste that’s signature to this recipe.
- Fresh grated ginger: Brightens the dressing with a subtle zing.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a touch of savory warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a little heat for those who like a kick.
How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by tossing together the mixed salad greens, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions in your largest salad bowl. This colorful combination sets the stage for both vibrant flavor and exciting textures.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Layer the cooked and shredded or chopped chicken breast on top of the salad mix. The chicken adds protein and heartiness, making this salad a complete meal that’s perfectly satisfying.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth and balanced dressing that’s tangy, sweet, and just a little spicy.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly. Make sure every bite bursts with that delicious Asian-inspired flavor, coating every leaf and veggie with the dressing.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds or peanuts, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds over the top. This final step delivers that satisfying crunch that makes this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Enjoy this salad right away to savor all the freshness, crispness, and harmonious flavors at their peak. The contrast between the tender chicken, crunchy toppings, and zingy dressing is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra green onions, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even a wedge of lime can elevate this salad’s presentation and flavor. Garnishes like chopped fresh herbs or additional toasted sesame seeds enhance both the aroma and the visual appeal, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad is hearty on its own, but pairing it with light sides like edamame, steamed dumplings, or a simple miso soup can create a well-rounded Asian-inspired meal. Light rice or a side of pickled vegetables also complements the salad’s bright flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual bowls for a fresh grab-and-go lunch vibe, or present it family-style on a large platter for gatherings. For an eye-catching twist, pile the salad into crunchy lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell pepper halves to wow your guests with both taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to keep everything crisp and fresh. Combine just before serving to maintain the signature crunch and freshness that defines this recipe.
Freezing
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, and freezing is not recommended. The textures of the fresh vegetables, crispy wontons, and dressing simply don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Because this salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary or ideal. If using warm chicken, you can gently reheat the chicken separately before combining with fresh salad ingredients and chilled dressing for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds wonderful flavor. Just shred or chop it and you’re good to go.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas for a plant-based twist that still retains that satisfying crunch and flavor.
What can I substitute for crispy wonton strips?
If you don’t have wonton strips, try crunchy tortilla strips, crispy fried noodles, or toasted pita chips for a similar delightful crunch.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely. The dressing can be prepared up to a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before drizzling over the salad.
How spicy is this salad?
The salad has a gentle kick if you add the red pepper flakes, but you can always adjust or omit them based on your preference to keep it mild or add more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a gem—quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and bursting with textures that keep every bite exciting. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Eating well never felt so delicious and fun!
Print
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken breast, fresh mixed greens, colorful vegetables, and a zesty homemade sesame dressing, topped with toasted almonds and crispy wonton strips for an irresistible texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, cabbage, and spinach)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix all the fresh vegetables evenly.
- Add the Chicken: Layer the cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast over the mixed salad greens and vegetables, distributing it evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds or chopped peanuts, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to enjoy its freshness and the satisfying crunch of the toppings at their best.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dressing.
- For a vegan version, omit chicken and replace honey with maple syrup.
- Prepare the dressing in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add avocado slices or edamame for extra creaminess and protein.
