Name: Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: 5 Reasons Its a Summer Superstar
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded or grilled chicken; 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, napa cabbage, or spinach); 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup red cabbage, finely sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments; 1/4 cup sliced almonds or cashews; 2 tbsp sesame seeds; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; ; **For the dressing:**; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

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Tired of bland, wilted salads that leave you unsatisfied on hot summer days? Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is about to transform your seasonal eating experience with its vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients. This colorful bowl combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a nutty sesame dressing that will have you craving salad like never before.

As someone who’s created hundreds of seasonal recipes for busy families, I’ve found this Asian Sesame Chicken Salad to be the ultimate solution for those who want healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. This recipe hits all the right notes: it’s quick to prepare, packed with protein, and delivers that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, including ingredient selection, preparation shortcuts, and creative serving ideas that will make this dish your go-to summer meal.

Why This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Works

Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand
Comes together in just 20 minutes for quick weeknight dinners
Perfect for meal prep—components stay fresh for days
Balanced nutrition with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
Versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste preferences
Light yet satisfying for hot summer days

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Best Chicken Options for This Salad

For the juiciest, most flavorful Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor, while breasts are leaner. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an incredible time-saver that still delivers wonderful results.

Fresh Produce Selection

Look for vibrant, crisp vegetables like red cabbage, carrots, and snap peas. The freshness of your vegetables makes all the difference in this salad. For optimal crunch, choose firm cabbage heads and bright green snap peas without any yellowing.

Sesame Ingredient Options

Traditional Asian sesame dressing incorporates both toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds. For the most authentic flavor in your Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, choose toasted rather than raw sesame oil—it has a much more pronounced nutty flavor that defines this dish.

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Ingredients & Prep

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: 5 Reasons Its a Summer Superstar

Protein Preparation

Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 pound, thinly sliced)
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (1 tablespoon for cooking)

Salad Base Components

Napa cabbage (3 cups, shredded)
Red cabbage (1 cup, shredded)
Carrots (2 medium, julienned)
Red bell pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced)
Green onions (4, chopped)
Snap peas (1 cup, halved)
Mandarin oranges (1 can, drained) – optional for sweetness

Asian Sesame Dressing

Rice vinegar (3 tablespoons)
Soy sauce or tamari (2 tablespoons)
Honey or maple syrup (2 tablespoons)
Toasted sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated)
Garlic (1 clove, minced)
Toasted sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, plus more for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (pinch, optional for heat)

Looking for more Asian-inspired chicken dishes? Check out my Sweet and Sour Peanut Chicken for another delicious option!

Step-by-Step Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Instructions

Pre-Cooking Chicken Prep for Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Slice chicken into thin, even strips for quick cooking
Season chicken with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt and pepper
Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb flavors
Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables and dressing

Cooking Method for Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Add seasoned chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed)
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature)
Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly before adding to salad

Salad Assembly for Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

In a large bowl, combine all salad vegetables
Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a separate small bowl
Add cooled chicken to the vegetables
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine
Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions

Serving the Perfect Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

For best results, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This brief marinating time makes a remarkable difference in how the flavors develop.

For more great chicken recipe ideas, browse my collection on Pinterest where I share weekly meal inspiration for busy home cooks!

Pro Tips for Perfect Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Achieving Perfect Texture in Your Salad

Slice vegetables uniformly thin for the best eating experience
Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden for enhanced flavor
Marinate chicken for up to 30 minutes if time permits for more flavor penetration
Use a mix of soft and crunchy vegetables for textural contrast

Tool Recommendations

A sharp chef’s knife makes quick work of slicing vegetables
Mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, consistent vegetable cuts
Glass jar with lid for mixing and storing dressing
Large salad serving bowl with plenty of room for tossing

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store components separately for meal prep—vegetables in one container, chicken in another, and dressing in a jar
Assembled salad will stay crisp for about 4 hours with dressing
Without dressing, prepped ingredients last 3-4 days in the refrigerator

If you enjoy hearty salads, you might also love my Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Zesty Orzo for another delicious option!

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Flavor Variations

Spicy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Add sriracha or sambal oelek to the dressing for a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with the cool, crisp vegetables. You can also include thinly sliced jalapeños in the salad for pops of heat throughout.

Low-Carb/Keto Version

Skip the honey in the dressing and substitute with a keto-friendly sweetener. Add avocado for healthy fats and exclude the mandarin oranges to keep the carb count low.

Regional Asian Variations

Variation	Key Ingredients	Flavor Profile
Thai-Inspired	Lime, fish sauce, cilantro	Bright, tangy, herbaceous
Japanese-Style	Miso, yuzu, shiso leaves	Umami, citrusy, complex
Korean Twist	Gochujang, kimchi, gochugaru	Spicy, fermented, bold
Chinese-Inspired	Five spice powder, hoisin	Sweet, aromatic, warming

Craving potatoes to serve alongside? My Baked Feta Potatoes make a fantastic complement to this salad for a more substantial meal!

Serving Suggestions for Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Serve in lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer presentation
Add cooked soba or rice noodles for a heartier main dish
Pair with miso soup for a complete Japanese-inspired meal
Serve with spring rolls for an Asian-themed dinner party
Complement with a chilled glass of Riesling or jasmine tea

FAQs About Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Yes! Prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving. The dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

How can I make this Asian Sesame Chicken Salad vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with baked tofu, edamame, or tempeh. Marinate your protein choice in the same seasonings for maximum flavor.

Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free Asian Sesame Chicken Salad.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works beautifully in this salad, making it even faster to prepare.

How long will the salad last once dressed?
For best texture and flavor, consume the dressed salad within 4 hours. The cabbage base holds up better than lettuce-based salads.

Final Thoughts on Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad has earned its superstar status for good reason—it’s the perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and simplicity that summer eating calls for. The combination of colorful vegetables, protein-rich chicken, and that irresistible sesame dressing creates a meal that satisfies without weighing you down.

Give this recipe a try this week and discover why thousands of home cooks have made it their summer go-to! Share your creation on social media and tag me—I love seeing your kitchen successes.

Ready for more delicious recipes? Explore my collection of seasonal dishes designed to make weeknight cooking easier and more enjoyable!

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: 5 Reasons Its a Summer Superstar