Name: Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded); 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1/2 cup chopped cucumber; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; pinch of salt and pepper

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Get ready to fall in love with bold flavors and unbeatable crunch! This Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad brings together juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a zippy homemade sesame dressing in every bite. It’s the kind of hearty, Asian-inspired salad that’s just as perfect for weekday lunches as it is for impressing friends at your next backyard dinner. Balanced, fresh, and endlessly satisfying, the Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will brighten up any table.

Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about real, everyday ingredients that make this salad shine. You don’t need anything fancy: every component has its own special role, whether it’s adding snap, color, or nutty depth. Trust me, you’ll taste every thoughtful layer, and each piece keeps the Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad full of energy and excitement.

Chicken breast: Perfect for protein and substance, use cooked and chopped or shredded for best texture.
Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it forms the crunchy base for all the other elements.
Red cabbage: Offers a peppery bite and beautiful purple color; shred it finely for best results.
Carrots: These sweet, vibrant strips brighten up the bowl and add gentle crunch.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a juicy, crisp texture in every forkful.
Cucumber: Cool and hydrating, these chunks keep things light and snappy.
Green onions: Bring a pop of mild onion flavor that won’t overpower.
Cilantro: Fresh, herbal, and a little citrusy—use as much as you like!
Sliced almonds or chopped peanuts: Choose your favorite for that irresistible, toasty crunch on top.
Sesame seeds: A sprinkle gives nutty flavor and visual flair to the finished salad.

Rice vinegar: The tangy backbone of the Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad dressing.
Soy sauce or tamari: Adds savoriness; go with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Sesame oil: Nutty, fragrant, and totally essential for that signature sesame punch.
Olive oil: Rounds out the dressing with delicate richness.
Honey or maple syrup: Balances out the flavors with a touch of natural sweetness.
Fresh ginger: Grate it finely for brightness and zing.
Garlic: Mince one clove for that unmistakable savory aroma.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
Salt and pepper: Just a pinch of each, to taste.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad

Step 1: Chop and Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

This is your moment to let those knife skills shine! Chop or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Next, pile up the greens and veggies: roughly chop the romaine, finely shred the red cabbage and carrots, dice the bell pepper, and cube the cucumber. Don’t forget to slice the green onions and chop some fresh cilantro. All of these vibrant components bring color and texture to your Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad, so make sure each piece is bite-sized for the best salad experience.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sesame Dressing

In a small bowl or a jar, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well-blended. This step is where the magic happens: the dressing ties every crunchy veggie and tender chicken bite together, making the whole Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad sing with layered, nutty flavor.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a spacious salad bowl, add the chicken and all the prepared veggies and herbs. Drizzle your homemade sesame dressing all over, then use salad tongs or two big spoons to toss everything until thoroughly coated. Every leafy bite should glisten with dressing and show off those beautiful colors—we eat with our eyes first, after all!

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Toppings

Scatter the sliced almonds or chopped peanuts and sesame seeds over the top just before serving. These final touches give your Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad the ultimate irresistible crunch and nutty richness in every bite. Don’t skimp—the toppings are truly the cherry on top of this dish!

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad

Garnishes

Want to take your salad from delicious to show-stopping? Garnish it with extra cilantro sprigs, a few more sesame seeds, and perhaps a squeeze of fresh lime. These little touches not only make the Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad pop visually but add tiny bursts of fresh flavor that keep each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, pair your sesame chicken chopped salad with light sides like steamed edamame, miso soup, or some crisp baked wontons. Prefer grains? A scoop of jasmine rice or a simple quinoa pilaf alongside this salad will leave everyone smiling and satisfied.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not try serving your Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad family-style on a big platter, layered in a glass trifle bowl for pretty presentation, or even stuffed into lettuce cups for fun finger food? For lunchboxes or picnics, pack the dressing and toppings separately, then toss everything together when you’re ready to eat. The options to make this salad special are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad, pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It tastes just as fab the next day, though for best texture, keep the dressing and toppings separate until you’re ready to enjoy. This way, your salad stays crisp and fresh rather than soggy.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked chicken solo for future salads, the assembled Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh veggies’ high water content. Instead, prep and freeze the protein, then build a fresh salad when you want that satisfying crunch.

Reheating

No reheating necessary for this crisp, refreshing salad! If using chilled cooked chicken, you can take the chill off by letting it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before tossing into the salad, but the magic of this dish is in its cool, vibrant nature.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a delicious shortcut that brings more flavor and saves time. Just shred or chop as needed and toss it in.

How do I make this salad vegetarian?

Simply swap the chicken for crispy tofu or drained, rinsed chickpeas. Both options soak up the sesame dressing beautifully and keep the Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad hearty and satisfying.

Could I prep the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! Chop all your veggies and cooked chicken in advance, then store separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, mix everything together, add the toppings and dressing, and serve fresh.

Should I toast the almonds or peanuts?

Toasting the nuts (or seeds) brings out an extra layer of rich, nutty flavor and is highly recommended if you have an extra minute. Let them cool before sprinkling on the salad.

Is this Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad gluten-free?

It can be! Just use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check any packaged nuts for hidden sources of gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one salad guaranteed to shake up your meal routine, it’s the Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad. With its vivid crunch, lively flavors, and endless versatility, it’s a dish you’ll crave all year round. Give it a try and see just how delightfully satisfying a chopped salad can be!

Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and a tasty sesame dressing. It’s perfect for a light and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded)
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
pinch of salt and pepper

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Instructions

Main Salad Preparation: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, romaine, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth and well blended. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat.
Serving: Top with almonds or peanuts and sesame seeds before serving.