Looking for a lunch that’s light, vibrant, and packed with flavor? This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe combines juicy grilled sesame chicken, crisp cabbage, colorful veggies, and a bold sesame-ginger dressing—all in one hearty, healthy bowl. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this protein-packed salad hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, tangy, and just the right amount of crunch.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Salad
✅ Crunch in Every Bite – Fresh shredded cabbage, carrots, peppers, and nuts for addictive texture
✅ Protein-Rich – Grilled sesame chicken gives this salad serious staying power
✅ Easy Meal Prep – Holds up well in the fridge for 2-3 days without getting soggy
✅ Better Than Takeout – Homemade dressing with clean, pantry-friendly ingredients
✅ Customizable – Swap in tofu, shrimp, or edamame for a vegan twist
🥬 Ingredients & Swaps
For the Grilled Sesame Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Optional: 1 tsp sriracha for a spicy kick
For the Salad Base:
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots (or julienned)
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
Sesame Ginger Dressing:
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or agave
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard or tahini
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Optional: splash of lime juice
For Topping:
- ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup roasted cashews
- Sesame seeds (white or black)
- Extra green onions & cilantro
- Crispy wonton strips (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate & Grill the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, honey, and ginger. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
2. Make the Dressing
Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a jar or bowl. Taste and adjust sweetness, acidity, or spice to your preference.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss to coat.
4. Top & Serve
Arrange salad on a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, toasted almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, and extra garnishes. Drizzle remaining dressing over top and enjoy immediately.
🌟 Expert Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Slice veggies thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife for restaurant-style texture.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes after tossing in dressing so flavors meld beautifully.
- Double the dressing to keep on hand—it’s perfect for other salads or as a marinade.
- Char the chicken slightly for smoky contrast.
🌱 Diet & Customization Options
Make this recipe fit your lifestyle:
| Diet Type | Customization Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Use grilled tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, or edamame |
| Gluten-Free | Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce |
| Nut-Free | Use sunflower seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds |
| Low-Carb | Omit carrots & bell pepper, increase greens |
| High-Fiber | Add cooked quinoa or chopped kale |
🍴 Serving Ideas
- Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or ramen noodles
- Wrap in a large tortilla or lettuce leaf for a quick lunch wrap
- Add to a bento box with fruit, boiled egg, and hummus
- Top with crunchy noodles for an extra crispy twist
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Meal Prep: Chop all veggies and grill chicken up to 2 days in advance.
- Dressing: Store in a jar for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Leftovers: Keep dressed salad for up to 2–3 days. Store chicken separately if possible to retain texture.
🔢 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 594 kcal |
| Protein | 35.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g |
| Sugars | 19.2 g |
| Fat | 36.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g |
Note: Based on 4 servings. Macros will vary with substitutions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just skip the marinating step and toss shredded rotisserie chicken with a little dressing for flavor.
How do I keep the cabbage from wilting?
Store the cabbage and dressing separately and mix only when ready to eat.
Is this salad freezer-friendly?
No, the fresh veggies won’t hold up well after freezing. But you can freeze the grilled chicken.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra jalapeños, sriracha to the dressing, or chili flakes.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is more than just a salad—it’s a full-flavored, nutrition-packed, make-ahead meal you’ll crave weekly. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for yourself, this recipe offers flexibility, freshness, and that unbeatable crunch.
Tried it? Don’t forget to leave a star rating and comment below! 💛