Are you craving something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying? This Asian sesame chicken salad recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that'll make your taste buds dance. I've been perfecting this Asian sesame chicken salad recipe for years, and trust me, once you try it, you'll never go back to boring salads again.
What makes this Asian sesame chicken salad recipe so special? It combines tender grilled chicken with crisp vegetables, all tossed in a homemade sesame dressing that's absolutely irresistible. This Asian sesame chicken salad recipe is not just delicious; it's also packed with nutrients and takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Why This Asian Chicken Salad Recipe Stands Out
This isn't your average chicken salad. What sets this Asian sesame chicken salad recipe apart is the incredible texture combination and the restaurant-quality sesame dressing that brings everything together. The secret lies in using fresh, crispy vegetables alongside perfectly seasoned chicken, creating a harmony of flavors that's both satisfying and healthy.
I've tested countless variations of this Asian sesame chicken salad recipe, and this version consistently gets rave reviews from family and friends. The sesame dressing has just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy rice vinegar, while the sesame oil adds that authentic Asian flavor. Plus, this Asian sesame chicken salad recipe is incredibly versatile; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein preferences.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic powder
- Ground ginger
- Salt and pepper
For the Salad:
- Mixed greens (romaine and cabbage)
- Shredded purple cabbage
- Carrot
- Red bell pepper
- Cucumber
- Sliced almonds
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
For the Sesame Dressing:
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Rice vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Honey
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Let marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
- Heat a grill pan or regular pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Make the Sesame Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Add honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Salad Base
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and shredded cabbage.
- Add julienned carrots, sliced bell pepper, and diced cucumber.
- Toss gently to distribute vegetables evenly.
- This creates the perfect base for your Asian sesame chicken salad recipe.
Final Assembly and Serving
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Top the salad with sliced chicken strips.
- Drizzle with sesame dressing to taste.
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Marinate and grill the chicken until cooked through.
- Step 2: Make the Sesame Dressing
Whisk together the sesame dressing ingredients.
- Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
Combine fresh vegetables to create the salad base.
- Step 4: Final Assembly and Serving
Add chicken, drizzle dressing, and garnish.
Expert Cooking Tips
Chicken Preparation
- The key to perfect chicken in your Asian sesame chicken salad is proper marination. Don't skip the 15-minute marinating time; it makes a huge difference in flavor penetration. For extra juicy chicken, pound the breasts to even thickness before cooking.
Vegetable Selection
- Choose the freshest vegetables possible for maximum crunch and flavor. Purple cabbage not only adds beautiful color but also provides extra nutrients. If you can't find purple cabbage, regular green cabbage works just fine.
Dressing Balance
- The perfect sesame dressing should balance sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Start with less honey and add more to taste; you can always add sweetness but can't take it away. Fresh ginger makes a significant difference compared to ground ginger.
Assembly Tips
- Always dress your salad just before serving to prevent wilting. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss right before eating. Toast your sesame seeds and almonds for extra flavor and crunch.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Protein Alternatives
- While chicken is traditional, you can easily substitute with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for vegetarian options. For a budget-friendly version, use rotisserie chicken from the store. If you prefer beef, thin slices of grilled steak work wonderfully too.
Vegetable Swaps
- Feel free to customize your vegetables based on what's in season or your preferences. Snow peas, bean sprouts, edamame, or mandarin oranges make excellent additions. For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or cashews instead of almonds.
Dressing Modifications
- Make the dressing dairy-free by ensuring all ingredients are vegan-friendly (which this recipe already is). For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount. Add sriracha or chili oil for a spicy kick.
Dietary Accommodations
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. For keto dieters, skip the honey and add a sugar-free sweetener like stevia. The salad is already low-carb and high in protein, making it perfect for various diet plans.
Equipment Recommendations
- You'll need a sharp chef's knife for efficient vegetable prep and clean chicken slicing. A good cutting board (preferably separate ones for meat and vegetables) ensures food safety. A grill pan or cast-iron skillet gives the chicken beautiful sear marks and even cooking. A large mixing bowl makes tossing the Asian sesame chicken salad recipe components much easier. A whisk or small jar with a lid works perfectly for making the dressing smooth and emulsified.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store components separately for best results. Cooked chicken keeps for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Pre-cut vegetables stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in airtight containers. The sesame dressing can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Meal Prep Strategy
- This salad is perfect for meal prep! Cook a batch of chicken at the beginning of the week and portion it into containers. Pre-cut all vegetables and store them separately. When ready to eat, simply combine everything and add the dressing. This approach keeps everything fresh and prevents soggy salad syndrome.
Freezing Guidelines
- While you can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months, fresh vegetables don't freeze well for salads. The dressing doesn't freeze well either due to the oil separation. Stick to refrigerator storage for best quality and texture.ll to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret my grandmother taught me about making the perfect Asian sesame chicken salad recipe: always let your chicken rest after cooking and slice it against the grain. This simple technique ensures every bite in your Asian sesame chicken salad recipe is tender and juicy, transforming an ordinary salad into something extraordinary.
The second secret to mastering the Asian sesame chicken salad recipe involves the dressing timing. Never dress the entire Asian sesame chicken salad recipe at once if you're not serving immediately. Instead, serve the dressing on the side or dress individual portions. This keeps the greens in your Asian sesame chicken salad recipe crisp and prevents that disappointing wilted texture that can ruin even the most carefully prepared Asian sesame chicken salad recipe.
FAQ
What is in Panera Asian sesame chicken salad?
Panera's version typically includes grilled chicken, mixed greens, cabbage, carrots, almonds, and sesame seeds with their signature Asian sesame vinaigrette. Our Asian sesame chicken salad recipe captures those same flavors with fresh, homemade ingredients.
What goes in Asian sesame salad?
A traditional Asian sesame salad contains mixed greens, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, sesame seeds, and almonds, all tossed in a sesame-based dressing. The key is balancing textures and flavors for the perfect Asian sesame chicken salad recipe experience.
What is Asian sesame dressing made of?
Asian sesame dressing combines sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, and garlic. Some variations include sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat. The quality of sesame oil makes a significant difference in your Asian sesame chicken salad recipe.
What is the Asian salad dressing at Panera?
Panera's Asian sesame vinaigrette contains sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and various seasonings. Our homemade version in this Asian sesame chicken salad recipe offers better control over ingredients and freshness compared to store-bought versions.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
Once you've mastered this incredible Asian sesame chicken salad recipe, expand your culinary horizons with these fantastic recipes. The Blueberry Walnut Salad Recipe offers another fresh, healthy option that's perfect for summer entertaining or light lunches. The combination of sweet blueberries and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful contrast that pairs beautifully with grilled proteins.
If you're in the mood for something indulgent after all this healthy eating, try our Spicy Cheese Fries Recipe. This Asian sesame chicken salad recipe proves that eating well doesn't mean sacrificing flavor, and sometimes you deserve a delicious treat. These spicy cheese fries are the perfect comfort food for movie nights or casual gatherings. Both recipes complement this Asian sesame chicken salad recipe beautifully, giving you a complete range of flavors for any occasion.
Cooking with love, one recipe at a time - By Lisa Johnson✨
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Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife For efficient vegetable prep and clean chicken slicing
- 1 Cutting board Use separate boards for meat and vegetables for food safety
- 1 Grill pan or skillet For grilling chicken with nice sear marks
- 1 Large mixing bowl To toss the salad ingredients together
- 1 Small whisk or jar with lid For mixing and emulsifying the sesame dressing
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens romaine and cabbage mix
- 2 cups purple cabbage shredded
- 1 large carrot julienned
- 1 piece red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 piece cucumber diced
- 0.25 cup sliced almonds
- 2 stalks green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
For the Sesame Dressing
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Season chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper. Marinate 15 minutes.
- Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until 165°F. Rest, then slice.
- Combine dressing ingredients until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix greens, cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and cucumber.
- Add chicken, drizzle dressing, sprinkle almonds, green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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