Dinner

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup shelled edamame (steamed); 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced or shredded; 2 green onions, sliced; Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced almonds, wonton strips, cilantro; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 small garlic clove, minced; Optional: splash of lime juice or sriracha for a kick

BySana Jeannette March 21, 2026March 21, 2026

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Introduction

This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish packed with crisp vegetables and tender grilled chicken. Tossed in a flavorful sesame-ginger vinaigrette, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.

A bowl filled with a colorful salad base made of shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, thinly sliced cucumber, shredded bright orange carrots, and fresh green spinach leaves, topped with grilled chicken breast slices that show dark char marks and are drizzled with a creamy light brown peanut sauce sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A small round white bowl sits on the side inside the larger bowl, filled with more peanut sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds. The bowl is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shelled edamame (steamed)

2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced or shredded
2 green onions, sliced

Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced almonds, wonton strips, cilantro

Sesame-Ginger Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 small garlic clove, minced
Optional: splash of lime juice or sriracha for a kick

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, steamed edamame, and sliced green onions.
Step 2: Top the vegetable mixture with the sliced or shredded grilled chicken breasts.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until well blended. Add a splash of lime juice or sriracha if desired for extra brightness or heat.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
Step 5: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sliced almonds, wonton strips, or cilantro if using, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped water chestnuts or crispy fried onions.

Swap grilled chicken for tofu or shrimp to suit your preference.
Make the vinaigrette ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days to save time.
Use kale or spinach in place of cabbage for a different texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the vinaigrette separately and toss just before serving to maintain crispness. Reheating isn’t recommended as the fresh vegetables are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful salad as the base layer, made of shredded purple cabbage, bright orange carrot strips, thin green cucumber slices, and leafy spinach, creating a fresh, textured mix. On top, there are thick slices of grilled chicken breast arranged in a row, showing a golden-brown char with dark grill marks and drizzled with a creamy tan peanut sauce sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds. At the side inside the bowl, a small round white dish contains a smooth tan peanut dipping sauce topped with white sesame seeds. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this salad?

Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works perfectly to save time. Just slice or shred it before adding to the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to eat to keep the salad fresh and crisp. Prepare all ingredients in advance for a quick assembly day.