This Sesame Chicken Salad is packed with fresh, vibrant vegetables, tender grilled sesame chicken, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing that ties everything together. The perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and spice makes this salad a refreshing and filling dish, ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich chicken, this salad is both nutritious and full of flavor.
Crunchy and Refreshing: With crunchy cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, each bite is a delightful burst of texture.
Customizable: You can easily swap out proteins or add extra fruits and vegetables to suit your tastes.
Quick and Easy: Once the chicken is grilled, it takes just minutes to assemble the salad, making it a great weeknight meal.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 cups shredded red cabbage
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
1 lb grilled sesame chicken (see linked recipe for details)
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/4 cup roasted cashews (optional)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Crispy wonton strips (optional)

For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:

1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
Grill the Chicken: Follow the grilled sesame chicken recipe linked in the ingredients section, or use pre-cooked chicken.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, green cabbage, green onions, cilantro, carrots, red bell pepper, and jalapeño.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Top and Serve: Add the grilled chicken on top, followed by the toasted almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips (if using). Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes (for grilled chicken)
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Make It Vegan: Swap the chicken for tofu, chickpeas, or edamame.
Add Fruit: Mango, mandarin oranges, or pineapple add a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
Use Different Protein: Try grilled shrimp, salmon, or even roasted turkey as a protein source.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.
Reheating: It’s best to enjoy this salad cold, but you can warm up the chicken before adding it if desired.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, chop the vegetables and grill the chicken in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, this salad works well with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even leftover roast chicken.

What if I don’t like spicy foods?

You can omit the jalapeño or replace it with a mild pepper or cucumber for a cooler taste.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in the dressing.

How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the salad may lose some of its crunch.

Can I substitute the almonds or cashews?

Yes, you can omit them entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

Is this recipe low-carb?

This salad is low-carb as long as you skip or reduce the amount of crispy wonton strips.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought sesame or ginger dressing, but homemade dressing adds a more personalized touch.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, shredded brussels sprouts, broccoli, or kale would work well in this salad.

How do I toast almonds at home?

Toast almonds by placing them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 2-5 minutes until golden brown. Or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes.

Conclusion

This Sesame Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a deliciously tangy dressing. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner. Whether you keep it classic or mix in your favorite ingredients, this salad will surely become a go-to in your recipe collection.