Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Meal in Every Bite
If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes—crisp, juicy, tangy, and satisfying—this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is your go-to. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, toasty almonds, and a sesame-honey dressing that’s both savory and slightly sweet, it’s a salad that actually feels like a meal (and not just a side).
Perfect for lunch, light dinners, or meal prepping ahead, this salad brings together color, crunch, and craveable flavor with every forkful.
Why I Love This Recipe
Salads can sometimes feel… boring. But this one? Anything but. The crunch from cabbage and carrots, the freshness of herbs, and the satisfying sesame flavor in the dressing keep you coming back bite after bite. I especially love that it’s customizable and holds up well even after a couple hours in the fridge—great for parties or prepping lunch.
And did I mention those crispy wonton strips? Instant texture upgrade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (a mix of green and purple)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Sesame Dressing
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Ingredient Swaps & Tips
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or even leftover steak.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, cucumbers, or edamame for more variety.
- No Wonton Strips? Crunchy ramen noodles or tortilla strips also work in a pinch.
- Dressing Shortcut: A high-quality store-bought sesame-ginger dressing can be used in a hurry.
How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
- Make the Dressing:
Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use. - Assemble the Base:
In a large salad bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, chopped romaine, green onions, and cilantro. - Add the Chicken:
Place the sliced cooked chicken on top of the salad mix. - Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the bowl and toss everything together until well coated. - Add the Crunch:
Right before serving, top with crispy wonton strips, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds.
Tips for Success
- Shred Ahead: Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots save tons of time—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Warm Chicken Optional: You can use warm or chilled chicken depending on preference. Both are delicious!
- Toasting Almonds: Lightly toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden—just 3–4 minutes.
- Dressing Double Duty: Make extra dressing—it works great as a marinade or dipping sauce too!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Make this salad the star of the show or pair it up with simple sides for a full spread:
- Start with Baked Brie Appetizer for a contrast of creamy and crisp.
- Pair with a refreshing drink like Blueberry Lemonade.
- Serve alongside Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fun fusion-style lunch or dinner.
- Or keep it light and fresh with A Light Tangy Chicken Salad as a second salad to share at potlucks or picnics.
Storage & Leftovers
- Best Fresh: For max crunch, serve immediately after adding toppings.
- Fridge Life: Store undressed salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dressing and toppings separate.
- Meal Prep Tip: Layer salad ingredients in jars (dressing at the bottom, crunchiest at the top) for grab-and-go lunches.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this fresh and vibrant dish, check out these other light and satisfying recipes:
- A Light Tangy Chicken Salad
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Baked Brie Appetizer
- DIY Sidewalk Chalk – okay, not edible, but fun for a picnic day!
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is proof that salads can be the most exciting thing on your plate. It’s colorful, loaded with textures, and bursting with bold, savory-sweet flavor.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! Share your salad snaps or tag @chefmaniac on social—we love seeing your delicious creations. And be sure to follow for more fresh, fast, and flavor-packed recipes!
