This Easy Sesame Chicken Salad is a fresh and tasty dish that combines crunchy veggies with juicy chicken, all tossed in a yummy sesame dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Honestly, who can resist that little crunch and flavor explosion? I love adding some crispy noodles on top for extra fun. Makes it feel like a party on my plate! 🎉
Making this salad is a breeze—I just grill the chicken, chop the veggies, and whisk the dressing together. Quick and delicious, it’s always a hit at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for grilling. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken can work too. Just skip the marinating step!
Vegetables: Shredded cabbage adds crunch and nutrition. You can swap it for a coleslaw mix or spinach if you prefer. Don’t hesitate to use whatever veggies you have on hand—like cucumbers or snap peas!
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring flavor, but you can use garlic powder and ground ginger in a pinch. Note that the fresh ingredients are more vibrant!
Nuts: Almonds and cashews add crunch, but feel free to use sunflower seeds or peanuts if you have nut allergies or just want to switch things up.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken Perfectly?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor into your chicken. Here’s a simple way to get it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Keep half for later.
- Place chicken in a ziplock bag or dish and pour the marinade over. Seal or cover and let it sit in the fridge.
- For best results, marinate for 1-2 hours, but even 30 minutes can make a difference!
Remember: Don’t reuse the marinade that touched the raw chicken—always use a fresh batch for your dressing!
What’s the Trick for Grilling Chicken Juicy and Tender?
Getting juicy chicken is all about temperature and timing:
- Preheat your grill or pan before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. You want that golden-brown exterior!
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is the target.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps all those juices inside!
By following these steps, you can achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time!
Easy Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Salad Base:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage)
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Sesame Chicken Salad is quick to prepare! It takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus an additional 30-120 minutes for marinating the chicken. Grilling it will take about 10-15 minutes, resulting in a total time of around 50-145 minutes, but the hands-on time is just around 20 minutes! Perfect for a healthy, vibrant meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well blended. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour half the marinade over them. Seal or cover, then marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, carrots, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro until evenly combined.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed and combined.
5. Toss the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is well coated with the dressing.
6. Serve:
Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the tossed salad. Sprinkle with sliced almonds, cashews, and toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, crunchy Easy Sesame Chicken Salad!
This salad is not only delicious but full of vibrant colors and textures that will delight your taste buds! It’s a fantastic choice for a quick, healthy meal!
FAQ for Easy Sesame Chicken Salad
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Tofu?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with firm or extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken before grilling or sautéing until golden brown.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the salad crunchy, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey for a Vegan Option?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey. They provide a similar sweetness and work well in the dressing and marinade.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the veggies! Ingredients like cucumber, radishes, or snap peas would make excellent additions. Just chop or slice them and mix them in with the other vegetables for added crunch and flavor!
