Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad! Every bite is a crunchy, flavor-packed celebration—tender chicken mingling with crisp romaine, vibrant vegetables, and a bold, tangy-sweet sesame dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re craving a wholesome lunch that doesn’t skimp on excitement or the perfect potluck crowd-pleaser, this salad is destined to become your new go-to. It’s not just delicious—it’s downright irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad comes from its colorful, fresh ingredients and a zippy homemade dressing. Each component brings something special, whether it’s crunch, color, or a burst of savory-sweet flavor—so don’t skip a thing!
- Chicken breast: Chopped or shredded cooked chicken lends protein and soaks up all the dazzling dressing flavors.
- Romaine lettuce: Its hearty crunch forms the perfect base and never goes soggy.
- Red cabbage: Adds a vibrant purple pop and a delightful, subtle bitterness.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness and crisp texture play beautifully with the sesame dressing.
- Red bell pepper: Juicy, sweet, and vibrant—these brighten up every forkful.
- Cucumber: Refreshing coolness that makes every bite feel fresh and lively.
- Green onions: Brings a gentle, savory bite that ties the veggies together.
- Cilantro: A handful perks up the whole ensemble with citrusy zing (skip if you prefer!).
- Almonds or peanuts: For that signature nutty crunch on top—choose your favorite or mix both.
- Sesame seeds: Just a sprinkle delivers classic sesame nuttiness in every bite.
- Rice vinegar: Sharp yet mild, this forms the tart backbone of your dressing.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Adds essential savory depth—opt for tamari if you need gluten-free.
- Sesame oil: Toasty aroma and flavor make this the secret star of the dressing.
- Olive oil: Smooths and balances everything with a gentle richness.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch balances the tartness and brings out those veggie flavors.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for zingy brightness—you’ll taste it in every bite.
- Garlic: Minced for a subtle savory warmth that lingers on the palate.
- Dijon mustard: For a hint of creaminess and a punch of tangy depth.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch to round everything out—season to taste!
How to Make Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
Step 1: Gather and Prep All Your Ingredients
Start by prepping your workspace! Chop or shred your cooked chicken breast, slice and dice the fresh veggies, and toast the nuts briefly for extra flavor if you’d like. Laying everything out beforehand not only saves you time but makes salad assembly a total breeze.
Step 2: Pile Up the Salad Base
Grab a large bowl and add the romaine lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro. Give them a rough toss with your hands or two big forks to mix things up—already, the bowl will look like confetti!
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Toss in your chopped or shredded chicken breast. The chicken will soak up the flavors from the veggies and add satisfying substance, making this Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad a genuine meal, not just a side.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Sesame Dressing
In a small bowl or lidded 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 silky and fully emulsified—the aroma itself will make your mouth water!
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Pour the dressing evenly over the salad. Toss everything thoroughly, making sure every piece gets glossy and coated. Finally, sprinkle on the sliced almonds or chopped peanuts and a generous shower of sesame seeds for that signature crunch and irresistible finish.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
Garnishes
Finish your Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad with a few extra sesame seeds, a scattering of more fresh cilantro, or even a dash of sriracha for those who love heat. A wedge of lime on the side adds a fresh pop that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own, but if you’re going for a complete spread, try serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice, veggie spring rolls, or a soothing bowl of miso soup. The fresh, clean flavors pair beautifully with almost any Asian-inspired side.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad by serving it in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held option, or layer it in mason jars for charming picnic-ready portions. For parties, consider arranging the ingredients separately on a platter, letting guests assemble and toss their own salads to taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad holds up surprisingly well in the fridge, especially if dressed just before serving. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, making sure to toss again before eating to redistribute those tasty flavors.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing will change the texture of the veggies and cause them to lose their crunch. Both the vegetables and the dressing do not freeze well, so it’s best to make only what you’ll enjoy within a couple of days.
Reheating
No reheating required—this Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature! If you prefer, you can gently warm the chicken before combining, but all the other ingredients should stay crisp and cool.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken shreds beautifully and saves time. Just remove the skin and bones before chopping or shredding. It’s a perfect shortcut for busy weeknights.
What are the best vegetarian or vegan swaps?
For a satisfying vegetarian or vegan version, swap in crispy baked tofu or canned chickpeas instead of chicken. Both options soak up the sesame dressing and add plenty of protein, keeping your meal hearty and filling.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce in the dressing. Double check that your other condiment ingredients are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a totally satisfying gluten-free Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad.
Is there a way to make the salad nut-free?
Yes! Leave out the almonds or peanuts, and opt for roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without any nuts. The sesame seeds in the dressing and garnish will still provide that signature flavor.
Can I prep this salad ahead for lunches?
Definitely. You can chop and store the salad ingredients separately and whisk the dressing in advance. Simply assemble and toss everything together right before eating for the freshest flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad a try—it’s the kind of meal that keeps you coming back for more. The flavors are simply joyful, the crunch is unbeatable, and it checks all the boxes for a vibrant, make-ahead salad. Happy chopping!
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Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing with a hint of sesame. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 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
Instructions
- Main Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, romaine, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
- For the 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.
- Top with almonds or peanuts and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- This salad is great for meal prep and keeps well for a day or two.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with chickpeas or crispy tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
