If you are looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and delightful textures, then this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful mix of tender chicken, crisp veggies, toasted almonds, and crunchy wonton strips all tossed in a perfectly balanced, savory-sweet sesame dressing. This salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings wholesome freshness and satisfying crunch in every bite, making it an absolute favorite for lunch, dinner, or any time you crave something light yet fulfilling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that pops with flavor, texture, and color, making the preparation straightforward but the end result spectacular.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): Shredded or diced, it adds lean protein and heartiness to the salad.
- Napa cabbage (4 cups): Provides a mild crunch and a delicate green base that’s perfect for Asian-style salads.
- Purple cabbage (2 cups): Adds vibrant color and a slightly earthier crunch to brighten the mix.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Brings natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Enhances the salad with crispness and a pop of bright red color.
- Green onions (4, sliced): Deliver a mild onion flavor and fresh green bite.
- Cilantro leaves (1/2 cup, chopped): Infuse the salad with an aromatic, herbaceous brightness.
- Sliced almonds (1/3 cup, toasted): Add a rich, nutty crunch that complements the textures perfectly.
- Crispy wonton strips (1 cup): Key for that irresistible crunch that defines this salad.
- Sesame seeds (2 tablespoons): Sprinkle a toasty, nutty flavor throughout the dish.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Provides tangy acidity essential in dressing.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory umami depth.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Offers rich, toasted sesame flavor in the dressing.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Balances the dressing with smoothness.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Touches the dressing with natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Enhances sweetness and depth in the dressing.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a zesty, aromatic kick.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Lends a subtle pungency to round out flavors.
How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Veggies and Herbs
Start by gathering and combining the fresh Napa cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. This colorful mix creates the base of your salad with layers of flavor and crisp textures that will shine through once everything is combined.
Step 2: Add the Protein and Crunchy Elements
Next, toss in your cooked chicken breast, whether shredded or diced. Then add the toasted sliced almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips. These dry ingredients not only contribute protein and nuttiness but also boost the overall crunch factor that gives this salad its signature appeal, making every bite a delightful textural experience.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, honey, brown sugar, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk or shake until all ingredients are fully emulsified and the dressing is smooth. This homemade dressing is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes with a hint of warmth from the ginger and garlic.
Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss everything thoroughly until every crunchy leaf and ingredient is coated with that flavorful sesame glaze. The dressing ties all the elements together, enhancing their natural flavors and bringing harmony to the dish.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh to keep the crisp textures lively. Serve it right away to savor the vibrant colors, varied textures, and the deliciously fresh sesame dressing at their peak. It’s truly a salad that delivers on both health and indulgence.
How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad, sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped green onions on top just before serving. For a hint of zest, a light drizzle of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors even further. These simple garnishes add a finishing touch that makes the salad look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides such as steamed jasmine rice or simple vegetable spring rolls. If you want to keep things light, a bowl of miso soup or a delicate cucumber salad are excellent complements that maintain the meal’s fresh and balanced vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors, or alternatively, pile it high on a large platter for a shared family-style meal. For a fun twist, stuff it into crunchy lettuce cups or serve it over a bed of soba noodles for a hearty noodle salad variation. Presentation really amplifies the experience of enjoying this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe, store the salad without the crispy wonton strips and almonds in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the crunchy elements separately to add just before serving, which helps maintain their texture and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
Due to the fresh vegetables and crispy ingredients, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing would compromise the texture, causing the cabbage and crunchy toppings to become limp and unappetizing once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you want warm chicken, reheat it separately before mixing with the fresh vegetables and dressing to keep that satisfying crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe, saving time while still delivering tender and flavorful protein perfect for the salad.
Are there any good substitutions for wonton strips?
If you can’t find crispy wonton strips, try crispy fried rice noodles or toasted pita chips broken into pieces. They’ll add a similar crunch and texture that complements the salad beautifully.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and add extra crunchy elements like toasted chickpeas or tofu cubes. The flavorful sesame dressing and crisp veggies make this salad a satisfying vegetarian option.
Can this salad be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and verify that your wonton strips or any crunchy topping is gluten-free. This way, the salad remains delicious and safe for gluten-intolerant guests.
What’s the best way to toast almonds for the salad?
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toss the sliced almonds until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma, about 3-5 minutes. This enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch to your salad.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful step toward a meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. Its combination of textures and flavors will become a go-to for anyone who loves a crunch-packed, nutrient-rich salad bursting with Asian-inspired notes. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite to serve again and again!
Print
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish combining shredded chicken with colorful Napa and purple cabbage, crisp vegetables, and toasted almonds. Tossed in a flavorful dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this salad delivers a perfect balance of textures and an irresistible Asian-inspired taste. A quick and easy meal ideal for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the Napa cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro to create the salad base.
- Add Chicken and Crunch: Incorporate the cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast along with toasted sliced almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips into the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, honey, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all components evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve Immediately: For optimal crunchiness and freshness, serve the salad right away and enjoy the blend of vibrant textures and Asian flavors.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add tofu or extra nuts.
- To enhance nuttiness, toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding.
- Adjust sweetness in the dressing by varying honey and brown sugar amounts.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
