This Sesame Chicken Salad recipe is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines crunchy textures with creamy flavors. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side at gatherings, this salad stands out with its delightful sesame vinaigrette. It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of sesame, chicken, and fresh veggies creates a deliciously balanced taste experience.
Versatile: Whether served as a main dish or a side, this salad fits any occasion from picnics to potlucks.
Nutrient-Dense: Loaded with fresh ingredients, this salad is rich in vitamins and healthy fats.
Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. This section outlines the necessary equipment for preparing your Sesame Chicken Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk or mason jar
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spilling.
Whisk or mason jar: Using a whisk or mason jar helps to effectively blend the vinaigrette until smooth.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board is crucial for safely chopping veggies and chicken.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for all ingredients, enhancing the presentation of your salad.

Ingredients

This Sesame Chicken Salad recipe is perfectly crunchy, creamy, sweet, savory, and tossed with a yummy sesame vinaigrette.

Ingredients:
– 1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw (or 7 cups shredded cabbage)
– 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
– 1 cup loosely-packed chopped cilantro
– 2/3 cup sliced green onions
– 2/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
– toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling.
– 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
– 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 small garlic clove, pressed or minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
– a few twists of freshly-cracked black pepper

How to Make Sesame Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or mason jar:
1. Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients until combined. This includes avocado oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup or honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic, and black pepper.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine coleslaw, chicken, cilantro, green onions, almonds, carrots, and avocado.
2. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Gently toss everything together:
1. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
2. Serve immediately topped with toasted sesame seeds as a garnish. Enjoy your vibrant Sesame Chicken Salad!

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Salad

Serving your Sesame Chicken Salad can elevate any meal. This vibrant dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.

As a Main Course

Pair it with a warm bowl of rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
Serve on a bed of mixed greens for more texture and flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps

Use large lettuce leaves, like romaine or butter lettuce, to create fresh wraps for a fun twist.
Add extra toppings like sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for crunch.

As a Meal Prep Option

Divide the salad into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Keep the sesame vinaigrette separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.

With Chips or Crackers

Serve alongside crispy rice crackers or tortilla chips for added crunch.
This combination makes for a great appetizer or snack.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Top with extra cilantro or mint just before serving for an aromatic touch.
Fresh herbs enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

How to Perfect Sesame Chicken Salad

To make your Sesame Chicken Salad truly special, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and presentation.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs will provide the best flavors and textures in your salad.
Toast your almonds: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, adding depth to each bite.
Adjust dressing sweetness: Modify the maple syrup or honey according to your taste preference; some may prefer it sweeter than others.
Include seasonal vegetables: Incorporate other seasonal veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for variety and nutrition.
Marinate chicken: If time allows, marinate the chicken in sesame oil and soy sauce before cooking for added flavor.
Serve chilled: For optimal taste, chill your salad in the refrigerator before serving; this allows flavors to meld together nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Sesame Chicken Salad

Complementing your Sesame Chicken Salad with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options:

Steamed Rice: A classic side that absorbs the flavors of the salad beautifully. Consider jasmine or brown rice for added nutrition.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: These light rolls filled with fresh veggies pair well with the salad’s crunchiness and add an Asian flair.
Miso Soup: A warm, savory soup that balances the freshness of your salad while providing comforting flavors.
Edamame: Lightly salted edamame adds protein and is a fun finger food option alongside your main dish.
Garlic Noodles: Flavorful noodles tossed in garlic butter make an excellent side that complements Asian-inspired salads perfectly.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds tanginess and contrasts nicely with the richness of sesame dressing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Sesame Chicken Salad to a whole new level. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are crucial for the best flavor. Always check the expiration date on your chicken and ensure your vegetables are crisp.
Skipping the vinaigrette: The sesame vinaigrette enhances the salad’s taste. Don’t forget this step; it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, tossing gently.
Neglecting to toast almonds: Toasted almonds provide an essential crunch and flavor boost. Take a few minutes to toast them in a dry skillet before adding them to your salad.
Ignoring personal preferences: Everyone has different tastes. Feel free to adjust ingredients like cilantro or green onions based on what you enjoy most.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Sesame Chicken Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in vegetables and avocado.
If necessary, freeze only the chicken portion separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sesame Chicken Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm chicken separately, then mix it back in.
Microwave: Use medium power for short intervals, stirring between bursts.
Stovetop: Heat chicken in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, then combine with salad ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Sesame Chicken Salad that may help clarify any doubts:

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for Sesame Chicken Salad?

Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe, making it quick and easy.

What can I substitute for soy sauce in the vinaigrette?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative.

How can I customize my Sesame Chicken Salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, or even swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu!

Is this Sesame Chicken Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the fridge when stored correctly, making it great for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients based on your preference, making each batch unique. The combination of crunchiness from fresh veggies and creaminess from avocado will leave you wanting more. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful dish today!