Easy and Healthy Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this salad. If you’re looking for something different, try grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option!

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish healthy. You can swap it for coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative that maintains the flavor.

Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners work well here. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar-free syrup or leave it out for a less sweet dressing.

Cabbage: The green and purple cabbages add crunch and color. You could substitute with mixed greens or kale, but keep in mind the texture will differ slightly.

Nuts: I love using cashews and almonds for crunch, but sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds would also be delicious if you want to avoid nuts.

How Do You Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?

Marinating chicken is simple yet key to achieving delicious flavor. Here’s how to get it right:

• Combine soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a bowl.
• Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—1 hour is even better to let those flavors soak in!

How Do You Cook Chicken So It Stays Juicy?

Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but here’s a foolproof method:

• Heat your skillet on medium-high and add a bit of oil.
• Remove chicken from marinade but set the marinade aside. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side till golden brown.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This seals in the juices and keeps it tender!

By following these tips and techniques, your Easy and Healthy Sesame Chicken Salad will be flavorful, vibrant, and a real crowd-pleaser! Enjoy your healthy meal with ease!

Easy and Healthy Sesame Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted if preferred)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil or cooking oil for cooking chicken

How Much Time Will You Need?

Preparing this delicious salad will take about 15-20 minutes of active cooking time. However, you will want to add at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) for marinating the chicken. Overall, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy the full, fresh flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha (if using). Whisk until well mixed. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for best results.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade (set the marinade aside) and cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

3. Prepare the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded green and purple cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, the white parts of the green onion, jalapeño slices, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything together to combine.

4. Toast Nuts and Seeds:

In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the cashews, sliced almonds, and sesame seeds until fragrant—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then remove from heat and set aside.

5. Make the Dressing:

Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil for 1-2 minutes to ensure it is safe to eat. Let it cool slightly. Alternatively, you can prepare a fresh dressing using soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger.

6. Assemble the Salad:

Toss the cabbage mixture with your dressing until all the veggies are well coated.

7. Serve:

Arrange the dressed salad on a large platter or on individual plates. Top with the sliced chicken breasts. Finally, garnish with the toasted nuts, sliced almonds, sesame seeds, the green parts of the green onion, and additional cilantro if desired.

8. Enjoy Immediately:

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right away to savor the flavors and crisp textures!

This vibrant sesame chicken salad combines lean protein with crunchy vegetables and a flavorful dressing made with sesame oil and soy sauce. The nuts add a satisfying texture and the fresh jalapeño slices give just a hint of heat that you can adjust to your liking. Perfect for a healthy and easy lunch or dinner!

FAQ for Easy and Healthy Sesame Chicken Salad

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Salad?

Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken, you can skip the marinating and cooking steps. Simply shred the chicken and mix it into the salad along with the veggies and dressing for a quick meal.

How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

To make this salad vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey, and be sure to choose a vegan-friendly soy sauce or tamari. This modification will still keep the flavor delicious!

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the salad dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, so the veggies stay crunchy. Just give it a good toss before serving!

Can I Add Different Vegetables?

Definitely! This salad is very versatile. Feel free to add or substitute any of your favorite veggies such as cucumbers, radishes, or snap peas. Just keep in mind to maintain a balance of textures for the best flavor and crunch!