Sesame Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Twist on Classic Chicken Salad
Bright mandarin and crunchy seeds meet zesty ginger dressing for a refreshing twist.
Sesame Chicken Salad: Vibrant Flavors for Any Occasion
Looking for a hearty salad that doubles as a complete meal? This Sesame Chicken Salad is loaded with texture, color, and flavor—crisp mixed greens, juicy chicken, mandarin oranges, crunchy sesame seeds, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing. Inspired by classic Asian flavors and modern convenience, it’s an ideal choice for a quick family dinner, refreshing lunch, or to impress guests at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Salad
- Bold, balanced flavors: Tangy rice vinegar, umami-rich soy sauce, aromatic sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar create a dressing that brings the salad to life.
- Beautiful textures: Juicy grilled or sautéed chicken, varied greens, bright mandarin oranges, and crunchy sesame seeds make every bite interesting.
- Customizable: Switch up the vegetables or protein, add more heat, toss in nuts, or try different citrus fruits based on what you have at home.
- Meal prep friendly: Chicken and dressing can be made ahead, and ingredients stored separately for quick assembly through the week.
- Nutrient packed: This salad is rich in protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients for a satisfying, healthy meal.
Ingredients: What You Need for Sesame Chicken Salad
This recipe combines accessible pantry staples with fresh produce for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish.
| For the Chicken | For the Sesame Dressing | For the Salad |
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Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering Sesame Chicken Salad
1. Prepare the Sesame-Ginger Dressing
The dressing is the heart of this salad—tangy, sweet, nutty, and fiery all at once.
- In a medium bowl or blender, combine 2/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey), 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 cloves garlic and 2 tbsp ginger (both minced or grated).
- Blend or vigorously whisk until emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust with extra vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness.
- Set aside. This dressing keeps for up to a week in the fridge.
2. Cook the Chicken
Well-cooked chicken brings protein, texture, and flavor to the salad.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high with a bit of oil. Grill or sauté chicken until golden on the outside and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C), usually 5–6 minutes per side.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
3. Marinate the Chicken in Dressing
Tossing the chicken with some of the dressing infuses it with flavor and keeps it juicy.
- Place the warm, sliced or cubed chicken into a bowl.
- Pour about one-third of the prepared dressing over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Add 1 tbsp black sesame seeds and 1 tbsp white sesame seeds to the chicken, stirring so they’re evenly distributed. Lightly toasting the sesame seeds before adding is optional but adds more aroma and crunch.
4. Prepare the Salad Base
Fresh, crunchy, and colorful produce forms the foundation of this salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 cups mixed greens, 1/2 sliced red onion, and 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with a little of the sesame dressing—just enough to lightly coat the vegetables. Toss gently to mix.
- Add more dressing if needed, but reserve some to offer on the side when serving.
5. Assemble the Salad
- Transfer the dressed greens to a large serving bowl or individual plates.
- Top generously with the sesame chicken.
- Scatter mandarin orange segments across the top for sweet-tart brightness and a pop of color.
- Sprinkle with additional black and white sesame seeds for extra crunch and visual contrast.
What others are reading
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Sesame Chicken Salad
- Chicken Substitutions: Try shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken for a twist.
- Vegetables: Swap in thin slices of bell pepper, shredded carrots, snap peas, or snow peas for added color and crunch.
- Fruit Options: Use pineapple or mango instead of mandarin oranges for a tropical touch.
- Spice Adjustment: Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Crunchy Toppings: Add chopped peanuts, cashews, or crispy wonton strips for extra texture.
- Dressing Storage: Store leftover dressing in a jar in the refrigerator for up to one week—great for drizzling on other salads or bowls.
- To Serve Later: Keep salad components and chicken separate from dressing until ready to serve for freshest results.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sesame Chicken Salad
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Shred or cube any leftover chicken and marinate it in the dressing before adding to the salad for best flavor.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Simply use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and check that your sesame oil and other condiments are gluten-free.
Q: What other greens work well in this salad?
A: Along with spring mix, try romaine, spinach, arugula, or a combination. Add shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
Q: Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prep all the ingredients and store separately; only combine and dress just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Q: What can I serve with sesame chicken salad for a fuller meal?
A: Complement with a side of steamed rice, crusty bread, or a light soup for a more substantial menu.
Nutritional Highlights
- Protein: Chicken adds a solid protein boost, making this salad filling enough for lunch or dinner.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Greens and fresh veggies offer fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Healthy Fats: Olive and sesame oils provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats and rich flavor.
- Low in Added Sugar: The sweetness is balanced and can be reduced further by using less sugar or omitting mandarin oranges.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
- Lunch: Enjoy a hearty serving for a midday energy boost.
- Dinner: Serve family-style with extra greens or a side of rice.
- Entertaining: Present on a large platter as a stunning centerpiece for brunches or picnics.
- Meal Prep: Portion into containers (with dressing separate) for quick, satisfying work lunches.
Chef’s Notes and Pro Tips
- Grill alternative: For deeper smoky flavor, grill chicken outdoors instead of sautéing.
- Toasted seeds: Lightly toast black and white sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes before using for extra aroma and crunch.
- Dressing consistency: If you like a thicker dressing, reduce the oil slightly or whisk in a teaspoon of tahini.
- Crisp greens: Chill greens in the refrigerator before assembling; always spin dry before dressing for freshest texture.
- Flavor layering: Marinating the cooked chicken briefly in the dressing means deeper, more delicious flavor in every bite.
Printable Recipe Card
Sesame Chicken Salad Ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt & pepper - Olive oil - 2/3 cup olive oil (dressing) - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil - 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey) - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes - 2 cloves garlic (minced) - 2 tbsp ginger (minced) - 8 cups mixed greens - 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced) - 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved) - 1 can mandarin oranges (drained) - 1 tbsp white sesame seeds - 1 tbsp black sesame seeds Instructions: 1. Prepare dressing: Whisk/blend all dressing ingredients until smooth. 2. Cook chicken: Season and grill or sauté until golden and done; let rest, then cube. 3. Toss chicken: Coat with 1/3 dressing + sesame seeds. 4. Toss salad: Dress greens, onion, and tomatoes. 5. Assemble: Arrange greens, top with chicken, oranges, and extra seeds. Serve immediately.
Closing Thoughts
This Sesame Chicken Salad brings together fresh produce and bold Asian flavors in a wholesome, crowd-pleasing presentation. Quick enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for company, it deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Enjoy customizing it to your family’s tastes and discovering all the little ways you can make it your own.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLQcIo4_uC8
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11873/sesame-chicken-salad/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b00pUmumA9Q
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a56894/ultimate-asian-chicken-salad/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/g65793343/chicken-salad-recipes/
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Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.
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Read full bio of Sneha Tete
