Description
Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor, this Asian Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing for the perfect light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein:
- 500g / 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Vegetables and Greens:
- 1 cup shredded carrots (about 120g)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage (about 90g)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (about 50g)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (about 20g)
- 1 cup mixed salad greens (about 80g)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (60ml)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15ml)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (5g)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (3g)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted (30g)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (20g)
- Crispy fried wonton strips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Marinate with soy sauce and sesame oil for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked (165°F / 74°C). Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine carrots, cabbage, green onions, cilantro, and mixed greens. Add cooked chicken and drizzle with dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with almonds, sesame seeds, and optional wonton strips. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcook: Use a meat thermometer to keep chicken juicy and tender.
- Taste the dressing: Adjust sweetness or spice to preference.
- Toast nuts: Enhances flavor and crunch.
- Make ahead: Prep ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Asian chicken salad, sesame ginger dressing, healthy salad, chicken salad recipe, gluten free salad