Zesty Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad Recipe: Fresh & Fabulous

Sesame-ginger chicken salad brings vibrant Asian-inspired flavors to your dining table with remarkable simplicity.

Crisp vegetables and tender meat create a delightful harmony of textures that dance across your palate.

Light and refreshing ingredients meld together, refineing an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Zesty seasonings breathe life into each carefully crafted bite, promising a delightful blend of nutrition and excitement.

Home cooks can easily elevate their weeknight dinner routine with this quick and satisfying recipe.

The combination of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients ensures a memorable dining moment that will delight your senses.

You’ll love how effortlessly this salad comes together, offering maximum flavor with minimal preparation.

What You’ll Love About Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad

• Savor Bold Asian-Inspired Flavors: This sesame-ginger chicken salad bursts with vibrant, tangy notes that dance across your taste buds, creating an exciting fusion of traditional and modern cuisine.
• Master Quick and Easy Meal Prep: The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy professionals or home cooks seeking convenient yet delectable dining options.
• Enjoy Protein-Packed Nutritional Powerhouse: Grilled or skillet-cooked chicken delivers lean protein, while fresh salad ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a wholesome, balanced meal that supports health-conscious eating.
• Experience Delightful Texture Combinations: Crisp vegetables contrast beautifully with tender marinated chicken, offering a satisfying crunch and smoothness that keeps every bite interesting and enjoyable.

What Goes Into Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad

• Rice Vinegar: A tangy base that adds bright acidity to the dressing.
• Soy Sauce: Classic Asian-style seasoning that provides depth and saltiness.
• Sesame Oil: Rich, nutty oil that brings authentic Asian flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the dressing's savory elements.
• Ginger: Fresh root that adds zesty and warming notes to the dressing.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that serves as the main salad component.

• Mixed Greens: Fresh salad foundation with varied textures and nutrients.
• Carrots: Crunchy vegetable that adds color and sweetness.
• Green Onions: Mild onion flavor with fresh, sharp finish.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty garnish that provides extra crunch and visual appeal.

Steps to Make Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Sesame-Ginger Dressing

In a mixing bowl, blend all dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

• Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag
• Pour 3-of dressing over the chicken
• Seal the bag and gently massage to coat chicken evenly
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat

Cook marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked

Alternative cooking method: Grill chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F

Step 4: Cool and Chop Chicken

Let cooked chicken rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes

Slice or chop chicken into bite-sized pieces

Step 5: Assemble Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine remaining salad ingredients

Add cooled, chopped chicken

Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad

Toss gently to ensure even coating

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer salad to individual plates

Garnish with additional sesame seeds or green onions if desired

Serve immediately and savor the delicious sesame-ginger flavors

Handy Tips for Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad

• Marinate Smartly: Let chicken soak in dressing for maximum flavor absorption, aiming for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Perfect Chicken Cooking: Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and juicy meat without overcooking.
• Slice with Precision: Let chicken cool completely before chopping to maintain moisture and prevent dry, tough pieces.
• Dressing Distribution: Toss salad gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient evenly with the sesame-ginger dressing.
• Freshness Matters: Serve immediately after mixing to preserve crisp vegetable textures and prevent wilting of salad components.

How to Keep Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate the dressing to keep ingredients crisp and prevent soggy textures.
• Freeze: Chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve moisture and prevent rubbery texture. Add fresh dressing after reheating to refresh flavors.

What Pairs Well with Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad

• Enhance with Crisp Riesling: Pair this sesame-ginger chicken salad with a chilled, slightly sweet Riesling that complements the tangy Asian-inspired dressing and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with Crunchy Sesame Breadsticks: Add homemade or store-bought sesame breadsticks on the side to echo the sesame notes in the recipe and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the salad's soft ingredients.
• Match with Chilled Green Tea: Brew a cool green tea to harmonize with the ginger and sesame flavors, offering a refreshing and light beverage that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Complement with Asian Slaw: Create a small side of quick pickled Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a similar dressing to amplify the salad's flavor profile and add extra crunch to the meal.

Fun Twists on Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad

• Asian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein experience, maintaining the sesame-ginger flavor profile while creating a lighter or seafood-focused meal.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase ginger and add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for those who enjoy a more intense, zesty flavor with a warming heat.
• Crunchy Garden Boost: Incorporate additional fresh vegetables like sugar snap peas, julienned carrots, or edamame to enhance texture and nutritional value, creating a more substantial and colorful salad.
• Cold Noodle Remix: Transform the salad into a chilled noodle dish by adding thin rice noodles or soba noodles, tossing everything with the sesame-ginger dressing for a refreshing summer meal.

Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sesame-ginger chicken salad brings Asian-inspired zest to your dinner table. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and tangy dressing combine for a refreshing meal that satisfies your craving for bold, balanced flavors.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Vegetables and Fruits:

• ½ large green cabbage, thinly sliced
• ½ red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (240 grams) shredded or matchstick carrots
• 4 green onions, diced (or ½ red onion, finely diced)
• 1 can Mandarin oranges (no sugar/syrup)
• ½ cup (20 grams) chopped and loosely packed cilantro

Dressing and Garnish:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) coconut aminos
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1 cup (100 grams) sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Whisk together dressing ingredients in a medium mixing bowl until smoothly blended, creating a harmonious sesame-ginger flavor profile.
2. Transfer raw chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag, pour 3-of prepared dressing over the meat, and gently massage to ensure complete coating. Refrigerate and let marinate for 30-45 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place marinated chicken into the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Alternatively, grill chicken over medium-direct heat until fully cooked.
4. Remove chicken from heat and let rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and meat to cool to room temperature.
5. While chicken cools, prepare remaining salad ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, arranging components for optimal texture and visual appeal.
6. Slice cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces, maintaining even cuts for consistent distribution throughout the salad.
7. Gently fold chicken into prepared salad mixture, drizzling remaining dressing and tossing delicately to ensure thorough coating and flavor integration.
8. Serve immediately to preserve salad’s crisp texture and vibrant taste profile.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken in sesame-ginger dressing for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Cook chicken thoroughly until internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Let chicken cool completely before chopping to prevent wilting delicate salad greens.
• Customize salad with additional toppings like sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, or crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.
• Prepare dressing ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick meal prep.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste and texture of this refreshing Asian-inspired salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 356 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg