Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and tangy elements. This salad brings together tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, nutty sesame seeds, and a luscious sesame-soy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Inspired by Asian flavors, it’s a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm weather, quick lunches, or a wholesome dinner.

Unlike heavy salads drenched in creamy dressings, this version feels vibrant and nourishing. The sesame dressing is the star—rich with toasted sesame oil, tangy rice vinegar, a touch of honey, and a hint of soy sauce for umami depth. Combined with crunchy cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and edamame, it creates a meal that is both energizing and deeply satisfying.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this Asian Chicken Salad because it is versatile, healthy, and full of texture. The combination of crisp vegetables, lean protein, and a bold, nutty dressing makes it a go-to for anyone looking for a nutritious yet indulgent dish.

Another reason to love it is its meal prep friendliness. It stays crisp and fresh even after a few hours, making it ideal for packed lunches or make-ahead dinners. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, which means leftovers are just as good—if not better—the next day.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This salad is a must-try because it brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s quick, customizable, and works as both a light side or a hearty main dish.

For those who love global flavors, this recipe introduces Asian-inspired tastes in a way that’s easy and approachable. The sesame dressing is addictive—you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. And since it’s naturally gluten-free (if you use tamari instead of soy sauce) and easily made dairy-free, it’s also a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.

Preparation and Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for chicken)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~380

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Salad
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 3 cups shredded green or Napa cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional for color)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shelled edamame (cooked)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• ¼ cup sliced almonds or cashews (optional, for crunch)

For the Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tbsp sesame oil (toasted for rich flavor)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)

Quick Directions

1. Cook and shred chicken.
2. Chop and prepare vegetables.
3. Whisk together sesame dressing.
4. Toss chicken and vegetables with dressing.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds, herbs, and nuts.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • If using raw chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, then grill, bake, or poach until fully cooked. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
   • Alternatively, use store-bought rotisserie chicken for ease.
2. Chop Vegetables:
   • Shred the cabbage, slice bell peppers, grate carrots, and chop green onions. Keep everything crisp and uniform for a beautiful salad texture.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and sriracha. Adjust to taste (add more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or more sriracha for spice).
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine chicken, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, edamame, and cilantro.
5. Dress and Toss:
   • Pour the sesame dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds or cashews, and extra herbs. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

• Serve in a large bowl for family-style dining.
• For a meal prep option, portion into airtight containers with the dressing on the side until ready to eat.
• Pair with miso soup, spring rolls, or steamed rice for a more filling meal.

Tips for this Recipe:

• Massage the cabbage lightly with your hands before tossing—it softens the texture and makes it easier to eat.
• Toast your sesame seeds and nuts for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Don’t overdress—add half the dressing first, toss, then add more if needed.

Variations:

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Crunch Boost: Add crispy wonton strips or fried rice noodles.
• Fruit Twist: Add mandarin oranges or mango for sweetness.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace cabbage with zucchini noodles or lettuce.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate to maintain crunch.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cabbage and vegetables lose texture when thawed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Sharp chef’s knife or mandoline (for uniform slicing)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk (for dressing)
• Salad spinner (optional, but helps keep greens crisp)

FAQ:

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the veggies and chicken, store separately, and mix with dressing just before serving.

Q2: Can I use bottled sesame dressing instead of homemade?
Absolutely, but homemade dressing gives the freshest flavor.

Q3: Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, just use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Q4: How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap chicken for crispy tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.

Conclusion

Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is a dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With its crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, and bold sesame dressing, every bite is a harmony of flavors and textures. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this salad will leave you refreshed, satisfied, and craving it again and again.