Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Salad
Hey there, food lover! Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s both satisfying and surprisingly quick to make? Then look no further! This Sesame Chicken Salad is your new best friend. Imagine this: tender, juicy chicken tossed with a crunchy, nutty coleslaw mix, all coated in a sweet and savory sesame dressing. The creamy avocado adds a luxurious touch, while the fresh cilantro and green onions provide a delightful burst of freshness. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes – crunchy almonds, tender chicken, the slight tang of rice vinegar, and the irresistible aroma of toasted sesame. It’s the perfect light yet filling meal for a busy weeknight, a satisfying lunch, or a vibrant addition to your next picnic. You’ll love how incredibly easy it is to whip up, and how much it tastes like it took hours to prepare. Trust me, this is one salad that will impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking – add more or less of your favorite components, swap out some veggies, or even make it a vegetarian delight (more on that later!). It’s healthy, packed with protein and nutrients, and so incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that will transport you to a sunny, vibrant kitchen, filled with the delightful aromas of sesame, ginger, and fresh herbs. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you feeling energized and happy! This isn’t just a salad; it’s an experience.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing sesame chicken salad. I’ve included little descriptions to help guide you.
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or even rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience. Shredded or diced, it’s your call!
- 1 Avocado, pitted and diced: Provides a creamy texture and healthy fats. Choose a ripe avocado for the best flavor and consistency.
- 1/2 cup Carrots, shredded or diced: Adds sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Pre-shredded carrots save time!
- 1 cup Cilantro, loosely-packed: This vibrant herb brings a fresh, citrusy flavor and a beautiful green hue. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley is a great substitute.
- 1 small Garlic clove, minced: Adds a pungent depth of flavor that beautifully complements the sesame. Don’t skip this!
- 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger: A touch of warming ginger adds a unique layer of flavor and a hint of spice.
- 2/3 cup Green onions, thinly sliced: These provide a mild onion flavor and a delicate crunch. Use both the white and green parts.
- 1 tbsp Maple syrup or honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements of the dressing.
- 1 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides that signature savory umami flavor we all crave. Low-sodium is best for controlling salt content.
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil: A healthy and flavorful oil with a mild taste that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
- 3 twists Freshly-cracked black pepper: Freshly ground pepper is essential for the best flavor and aroma. It adds a necessary kick.
- 1 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds: These add a nutty flavor and delightful crunch. Toast them yourself for the best results!
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess that brightens the flavors of the salad.
- 1 tsp Toasted sesame oil: A small amount of toasted sesame oil enhances the sesame flavor without overwhelming the salad.
- 2/3 cup Toasted almonds, slivered or chopped: These add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the sesame seeds perfectly. Toast them lightly for a richer taste.
- 1 (14-ounce) bag Coleslaw mix: The base of the salad, providing a refreshing crunch. Look for a mix that includes a variety of shredded cabbage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is easier than you think.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup (or honey), low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, avocado oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside.
- Toast the Almonds (optional but recommended): If you haven’t pre-toasted your almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning! Tip: Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and adds a lovely aroma to your salad.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the shredded coleslaw mix, cooked chicken, diced avocado, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Tip: Don’t over-toss the salad, as this can bruise the avocado and make it mushy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Tip: A sprinkle of extra cilantro adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness.
That’s it! Your delicious and easy Sesame Chicken Salad is ready to enjoy. The entire process, from prep to plate, should only take around 15-20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for those busy weeknights.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Sesame Chicken Salad is a masterpiece, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Opt for organic produce whenever possible.
- Don’t overdress the salad: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- Toast your sesame seeds and almonds: Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a delightful nutty aroma to the salad.
- Prep ahead: You can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing ahead of time, making assembly even quicker.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey/maple syrup for sweetness, or rice vinegar for tang.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Here are a few variations to explore:
- Spicy Sesame Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Sesame Salad: Replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or edamame for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken Salad: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, shredded red cabbage, or cucumber.
- Different nuts: Swap the almonds for other nuts like cashews, pecans, or walnuts.
Storing and Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado will likely brown slightly, which is normal. To prevent excess browning, consider storing the avocado separately and adding it just before serving. Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the texture of the vegetables and avocado will be negatively affected.
If you do have leftovers, gently toss them with a little extra dressing before reheating. Avoid microwaving, which can make the avocado mushy. It’s best to gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the oven until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious sesame chicken salad:
- Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can substitute the avocado oil with another neutral-flavored oil like vegetable oil or canola oil. However, avocado oil has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients particularly well.
- How long does the salad keep? This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado may brown slightly but will still be safe to consume.
- Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it even easier to prepare the salad on a busy weeknight.
- What if I don’t like cilantro? No problem! You can substitute cilantro with fresh parsley or even omit the herb altogether. The salad will still be delicious!
- Can I add other proteins? Yes! Feel free to experiment with different proteins, such as shrimp, tofu, or even grilled steak.
The Final Word
This Sesame Chicken Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious and healthy meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures is irresistible, and the vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy its fresh, exciting flavors. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it!
Sesame Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Large bowl For mixing the salad
- Small bowl For whisking the dressing
Ingredients
Proteins
- 2 cups Chicken cooked
Vegetables
- 1 Avocado pitted and diced
- 0.5 cup Carrots
- 1 cup Cilantro loosely-packed
- 1 Garlic clove small, minced
- 0.5 tsp Ginger ground
- 0.67 cup Green onions chopped
Dressing
- 1 tbsp Maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce low-sodium
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil
- 3 Black pepper freshly-cracked twists
- 1 Sesame seeds toasted
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tsp Sesame oil toasted
- 0.67 cup Almonds toasted
- 1 (14-ounce) bag Coleslaw mix
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, avocado, carrots, cilantro, garlic, ginger, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup or honey, soy sauce, avocado oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the toasted sesame seeds and almonds.
- Add the coleslaw mix and gently toss to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, maple syrup for sweetness, or black pepper for spice.
- Serve immediately or chill for later. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or cilantro if desired.