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Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

A quick and flavorful salad featuring crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a zippy sesame dressing, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the salad
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), trimmed You can also grill or bake the chicken.
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce For marinating chicken.
  • 1 tsp sesame oil For marinating chicken.
  • 6 cups shredded Napa cabbage Or a mix of Napa and green cabbage.
  • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded carrots About 2 medium carrots.
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 0.5 cup cilantro leaves Optional.
  • 1 package crunchy ramen noodles, crushed Optional but iconic.
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted Black or white.
For the sesame dressing
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup.
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1-2 tbsp water To thin if needed.
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes Optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Marinate the chicken briefly by mixing 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl. Brush or toss over the chicken and let sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil, cooking 5–7 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, romaine, carrots, and green onions. Add cilantro if using.
Making the dressing
  1. Whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add water gradually until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
Assembly
  1. Pour most of the dressing over the salad base, reserving some for serving. Toss gently to coat.
  2. Top the salad with sliced chicken, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crushed ramen noodles. Drizzle with any remaining dressing.
  3. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

If serving picky eaters, offer the dressing on the side. This salad is great with steamed rice or quinoa on the side.