If you are craving a salad that bursts with flavor, texture, and vibrant colors, this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together tender, juicy chicken and a medley of fresh veggies with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sesame dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Every bite offers a perfect balance of crunchy and juicy, boosted by toasted sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips that add delightful crispness. Whether you want a quick lunch or a light dinner that feels special, this salad delivers all the excitement without any complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad comes from simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own unique touch to the dish. From the savory chicken to the colorful array of greens and crunchy nuts, these components come together effortlessly to create a harmonious bowl of goodness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Provides a hearty protein base, shredded or chopped for easy eating.
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, cabbage, and spinach): Offers a crisp and refreshing foundation with varied textures and subtle flavors.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds a beautiful pop of color and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant orange hues.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds juicy crispness and bright, cheerful color.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Imparts a mild oniony aroma and sharpness without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or chopped peanuts: Provides nutty crunch that complements the salad perfectly.
- 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips: Delivers an irresistible crunch and a touch of indulgence.
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: Adds toasty depth and a characteristic sesame aroma.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Gives a balancing tang that lifts all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Supplies savory umami seasoning for depth.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Introduces gentle sweetness that smooths the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Infuses that unmistakable nutty richness and fragrance.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds zesty warmth and a little kick to the dressing.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Brings pungent aromatic notes that brighten the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a faint heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Veggies
Start by mixing the salad greens, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and green onions in a large salad bowl. This colorful mix forms the vibrant base of the salad while delivering a variety of textures that keep every bite interesting.
Step 2: Add the Protein
Next, top the fresh vegetable mix with the cooked chicken breast. Whether shredded or chopped, the chicken adds satisfying substance without overwhelming the lightness of the veggies. It’s the perfect meat component that keeps this salad both filling and fresh.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and the optional red pepper flakes until everything is smoothly blended. This dressing is where all the flavors meld together beautifully, bringing sweet, tangy, spicy, and nutty notes into harmony.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad bowl, then gently toss everything to make sure each leaf and ingredient is evenly coated. The tossing helps distribute the vibrant dressing throughout the salad, ensuring every bite has that bright, flavorful punch.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped peanuts, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds on top. This final touch introduces satisfying crunch layers, making this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve the salad right away to enjoy the freshness of the vegetables and the perfect crunch of the added toppings. Delaying serving can cause the wonton strips to lose their crispness, so dig in while it’s at its best!
How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special presentation, consider adding thinly sliced fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives. These garnishes enhance the herbal aroma and add another layer of freshness. A wedge of lime on the side can also be a fun addition if you want a zesty twist.
Side Dishes
This salad can stand proudly on its own as a balanced meal, but if you want to round out your dining experience, light sides like steamed jasmine rice or a simple bowl of miso soup pair wonderfully. These sides keep the meal light and infused with complementary Asian flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual glass jars or bowls layered beautifully to show off the vivid colors. You might also wrap the salad in fresh rice paper for a delightful hand-held option perfect for picnics or casual dinners. These creative presentations make the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe even more fun and tempting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the salad’s crunch, keep crispy toppings separate and add them only before serving. This way, the salad stays fresh and crisp.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the delicate greens and crunchy elements will wilt and lose texture. It’s worth making just enough to eat fresh, or to refrigerate and consume within a couple of days.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad with a cold dressing, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer warm chicken, you can gently reheat the chicken before assembling the salad, but always add the greens and dressing fresh for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works wonderfully in the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe. Just shred or chop it before adding.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring the wonton strips are gluten-free or omitted entirely. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before tossing with the salad to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
What can I substitute for the crispy wonton strips?
If you want to avoid wonton strips, try crushed rice crackers or toasted pita chips. Both options add a similar crunch and texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with crispy tofu or chickpeas for protein, use maple syrup instead of honey, and ensure the dressing ingredients are plant-based. This way you still enjoy the full flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is the kind of dish that never gets old. Its incredible combination of textures, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors makes it a go-to for quick meals that feel special and exciting. I encourage you to try it soon and experience the satisfying crunch and vibrant taste that will have you coming back for seconds every time.
Print
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 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 combining tender shredded chicken, fresh mixed greens, and colorful vegetables with a zesty sesame dressing, topped with crunchy almonds, wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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
- Combine the vegetables: In a large salad bowl, mix the salad greens, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and green onions to create a fresh and colorful base for the salad.
- Add the chicken: Place the cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast on top of the mixed vegetables to add protein and heartiness to the salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined to make a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to ensure the fresh ingredients are evenly coated with the tangy sesame dressing.
- Add crunch and garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds or chopped peanuts, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds over the top to add texture and extra flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to maintain its crispness, vibrant colors, and delicious crunchy texture.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- To make this salad vegan, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- For extra crunch, add additional crispy wonton strips or toasted nuts.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- The salad is best served immediately but can be prepped ahead by keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve.
