Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Get ready for a major flavor and texture party with this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad! It’s packed with crispy, colorful veggies, juicy chicken, crunchy noodles, and a lip-smacking sesame dressing that ties everything together. Fresh, fast, and full of bright flavors, it’s the kind of salad you’ll actually crave — perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping for the week.

Why You’ll Love Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

So much texture: Crisp cabbage, crunchy noodles, tender chicken — every bite is exciting.

Bold, delicious flavors: The sesame dressing is savory, tangy, and just a little sweet, making the salad incredibly satisfying.

Quick and easy: Comes together fast, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken.

Customizable: You can toss in any veggies you have on hand and make it your own.

Meal-prep friendly: It holds up really well, making it a fantastic option for prepping lunches in advance.

Ingredients in Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Here’s everything you need to create this crisp, fresh salad:

Chicken

Cooked and shredded or diced chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works great.

Cabbage

A mix of green and purple cabbage gives the salad a beautiful color and great crunch.

Carrots

Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and extra crunch.

Green Onions

Thinly sliced green onions bring a mild onion flavor and freshness.

Slivered Almonds

Toasted almonds add even more crunch and a nutty flavor.

Crunchy Noodles

Crispy chow mein noodles or broken-up ramen noodles give that signature crunch.

Sesame Seeds

Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top for a nutty finish.

Cilantro

Optional, but it adds a burst of fresh herb flavor.

Asian Sesame Dressing

A simple dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, a little honey, and a touch of ginger and garlic.

(Note: Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Cook and shred or dice the chicken if you haven’t already.

2. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and chicken. Toss gently.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a little bit of vegetable oil until well combined.

4. Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.

5. Add the Crunch

Just before serving, sprinkle the crunchy noodles and sesame seeds over the top so they stay crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some fun ideas:

• Wrap it up: Stuff it into a tortilla or lettuce wraps for a handheld version.
• With rice or quinoa: Serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for an even more filling meal.
• As a side: Serve smaller portions alongside grilled meat or seafood.

Additional Tips

• Toast your almonds and sesame seeds: A quick toast in a dry skillet over medium heat makes a world of difference in flavor.
• Use rotisserie chicken: A great shortcut to get this salad on the table even faster.
• Don’t add the crunchy noodles too early: They’ll get soggy if they sit in the dressing too long. Add them just before eating.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

Q2: Can I use a different type of protein?
A2: Sure thing! Shrimp, tofu, or even steak would all be delicious.

Q3: What’s a good substitute for cabbage?
A3: You can use a coleslaw mix for an easy swap that’s just as crunchy.

Q4: How do I keep the salad crunchy if prepping ahead?
A4: Store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad right before serving.

Q5: Is this salad gluten-free?
A5: It can be — just use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free crunchy noodles.

Q6: Can I add fruit to this salad?
A6: Yes! Mandarin oranges or diced mango would add a sweet, juicy twist.

Q7: Can I make it vegetarian?
A7: Just leave out the chicken or swap it with crispy tofu or edamame.

Q8: How spicy is the dressing?
A8: It’s mild, but you can add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

Q9: Can I use bottled sesame dressing?
A9: You can, but homemade dressing tastes fresher and you control the ingredients.

Q10: How long does this salad last in the fridge?
A10: Undressed salad lasts about 2-3 days. Once dressed, it’s best eaten within a day.

Conclusion

Fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor, Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is the kind of meal that feels both satisfying and energizing. It’s ridiculously easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy weekdays when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Give it a try — it might just become your new favorite salad!

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