Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish full of flavor and texture. It combines crisp veggies, juicy chicken, crunchy toppings, and a bold sesame dressing that ties everything together perfectly. I love how refreshing and satisfying this salad is—it’s light enough for lunch, yet hearty enough to keep me full until dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s packed with everything I want in a meal: crunch, protein, color, and a dressing that’s tangy, nutty, and just a little sweet. It’s quick to prep, especially if I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, and it holds up well for meal prepping. Whether I’m craving something healthy or need a flavorful way to use up leftover chicken, this salad always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

• Shredded cooked chicken (grilled or rotisserie)

• Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix

• Red cabbage, shredded

• Carrots, julienned or shredded

• Bell peppers, thinly sliced

• Green onions, chopped

• Edamame (optional)

• Crunchy toppings: sliced almonds, crispy wonton strips, chow mein noodles, or sesame seeds

For the sesame dressing:

• Soy sauce or tamari

• Rice vinegar

• Toasted sesame oil

• Olive oil

• Honey or maple syrup

• Fresh ginger, grated

• Garlic, minced

• Optional: a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

1. I start by prepping all the vegetables and placing them in a large mixing bowl.

2. I add the shredded chicken and any optional toppings like edamame or almonds.

3. In a separate bowl or jar, I whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.

4. I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.

5. I top with crispy wontons or chow mein noodles just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 20 minutes to prepare—no cooking required if I’m using pre-cooked chicken.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or even leftover steak. I’ve also added mandarin orange segments or thinly sliced cucumbers for a fresh twist. If I want to make it more filling, I toss in some cooked rice noodles or quinoa.

Storage/reheating

I store the salad (undressed) in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing keeps well in a separate container for about a week. I don’t reheat this salad—it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. I always add the crunchy toppings right before eating so they stay crispy.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, but I love making it myself—it’s quick and lets me control the flavor and ingredients. If I use store-bought, I look for a sesame or Asian-style vinaigrette.

What kind of chicken works best?

Any cooked chicken works. I often use rotisserie for convenience or grill up some seasoned chicken breasts.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be. I use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure any crunchy toppings are gluten-free.

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes. I prep all the components ahead of time and store them separately. I toss everything together just before serving.

What gives this salad its crunch?

The combo of fresh cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and the crunchy toppings like almonds or crispy noodles makes every bite super satisfying.

Conclusion

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed, refreshing meal that’s easy to make and full of texture. With colorful veggies, juicy chicken, and a homemade sesame dressing, it’s everything I want in a balanced, satisfying salad. Whether I’m prepping lunch for the week or making a quick dinner, this recipe always delivers.

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