Asian sesame chicken salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that adds a fresh twist to your meal rotation. This collection of recipes showcases easy-to-follow preparations that highlight tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a sesame dressing that’s both tangy and nutty. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, these salads are not just delicious but also quick to whip up, making them ideal for busy days.
Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad
This Thai-inspired chicken salad is a burst of fresh flavors and textures. It’s light yet satisfying, thanks to the grilled chicken and crunchy veggies, all tossed in a zesty dressing that ties everything together. The combination of citrusy lime, savory soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness creates a delightful balance that is refreshing and easy to love.
Making this salad is simple and quick, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With just a few ingredients and a short prep time, you can whip up a vibrant dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, shredded chicken, carrots, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and peanuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sesame oil to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and peanuts if desired.
Mandarin & Almond Chicken Salad
This Mandarin & Almond Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of fresh flavors and textures. Each bite is a burst of sweetness from the mandarin oranges, paired perfectly with tender chicken and crunchy almonds. It’s light yet satisfying, making it a perfect choice for lunch or a light dinner.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. You can whip it up in no time, and it requires just a few fresh ingredients. The combination of savory chicken, sweet mandarins, and the nutty crunch of almonds creates a salad that’s not only delicious but also refreshing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, mixed greens, red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Korean-Style Chicken Salad
Korean-Style Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor and crunch. The tender chicken, marinated in a savory sauce, pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables and a light dressing. It’s a refreshing dish that balances sweet, spicy, and umami tastes, making every bite exciting.
This salad is simple to prepare, making it a great option for a quick weeknight meal or a gathering with friends. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking, you’ll have a tasty and satisfying dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add the shredded chicken on top of the salad mixture.
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds and sesame seeds over the top before serving.
- Enjoy your refreshing Korean-Style Chicken Salad right away!
Teriyaki Chicken & Soba Noodle Salad
This Teriyaki Chicken & Soba Noodle Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It features tender teriyaki-glazed chicken served over a bed of nutty soba noodles, complemented by fresh vegetables. The dish is not only tasty but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a refreshing lunch.
The sweet and savory notes of the teriyaki sauce pair perfectly with the earthy undertones of the soba noodles. Crisp veggies add crunch, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds finishes it all off. This salad is light yet satisfying, ensuring you feel good after every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: In a pot of boiling water, cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine soba noodles, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and carrots. Toss with remaining teriyaki sauce.
- Serve: Place the salad on a plate, top with sliced chicken, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with cilantro and green onions.
Spicy Peanut Chicken Salad
This Spicy Peanut Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors that packs a punch! With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty peanut dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad is simple to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
The combination of tender chicken, crisp greens, and a hint of spice creates a delicious balance that will excite your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or as a side dish, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, salad greens, bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, red onion, peanuts, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Spicy Peanut Chicken Salad!
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