Zesty Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Whipping up a delectable sesame-ginger chicken salad recipe brings summer flavors dancing onto your plate.

Fresh, vibrant ingredients merge into a light yet satisfying meal.

The combination of tender chicken and crisp vegetables creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Zesty ginger adds a punchy kick that awakens every single bite.

Aromatic sesame notes weave through the dish, offering a nutty depth that feels both comforting and exciting.

Packed with protein and bursting with Asian-inspired seasonings, this salad promises a quick and delicious dining experience.

You’ll want to grab your fork and dive right in.

Storing Sesame-Ginger Salad for Freshness

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad crisp by storing dressing separately and adding just before serving.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and chop vegetables in advance to streamline weeknight dinner assembly. Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
• Freeze with Caution: While chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, the salad's fresh vegetables won't maintain optimal texture after freezing. Best to consume within recommended refrigeration time.
• Pack for Lunch: Use leak-proof containers to transport this salad to work or school. Pack dressing in a small separate container to prevent soggy greens and maintain maximum crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 355 kcal

Servings: 7

Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad: Ingredients Breakdown

• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and balances the rich flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty, authentic Asian-inspired depth to the dressing.
• Soy Sauce: Creates umami and salty undertones for complex taste.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps bind the dressing smoothly.
• Ginger: Delivers zesty, warm spiciness that elevates the entire dish.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, aromatic undertones for depth of flavor.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully and offers tender texture.

• Mixed Greens, Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, fresh foundation that provides nutritional crunch.
• Carrots: Adds vibrant color and sweet, earthy crunch.
• Green Onions: Introduces mild, fresh onion notes with elegant garnish quality.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkles delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Tools for Making Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dressing and salad ingredients.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing dressing components.
• Plastic baggie: Essential for marinating chicken in dressing.
• Large skillet: Key for cooking chicken evenly and thoroughly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping cooked chicken.
• Sharp knife: Required to slice chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Measuring tablespoons: Helps accurately portion out dressing for marinating.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Useful for stirring and handling chicken while cooking.

Instructions for Tossing Chicken Salad Just Right

• Dressing Preparation

Mix all dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl until well blended, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors that will elevate the entire dish.

• Chicken Marination

Place chicken in a sealed container and coat with a portion of the prepared dressing, allowing the meat to absorb the zesty sesame-ginger essence for at least 30 minutes.

• Chicken Cooking

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook the marinated chicken thoroughly, ensuring each side develops a golden, caramelized exterior. Alternatively, a grill can provide beautiful char marks and smoky undertones.

• Salad Assembly

After chicken has cooled and been chopped into bite-sized pieces, combine with fresh salad ingredients in a spacious bowl. Drizzle remaining dressing over the mixture and gently toss to distribute flavors evenly.

• Serving

Plate the salad and garnish with optional toppings like toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra layer of texture and visual appeal.

Tips for Balancing Sesame and Ginger Flavors

• Let chicken soak in the sesame-ginger dressing for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to intensify the taste and tenderize the meat.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or grilled salmon for a delightful variation that keeps the meal exciting and suits different dietary preferences.
• Sprinkle roasted sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or crispy wonton strips on top to add extra crunch and nutritional value to the salad.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like roasted bell peppers, cucumber ribbons, or pickled radishes to create a personalized salad that reflects your taste and local produce.
• Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables in advance, storing them separately to quickly assemble a fresh salad within minutes during busy weekdays.

Serving Suggestions for Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad

• Elevate with Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or sliced almonds on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Serve Chilled and Fresh: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and create a refreshing summer dish.
• Pair with Sides: Complement the salad with steamed jasmine rice or warm, soft pita bread to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
• Customize with Extras: Add sliced avocado, mandarin orange segments, or cucumber ribbons to boost the salad's nutritional value and visual appeal.

Zesty Sesame-Ginger Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Sesame-ginger chicken salad showcases Asian-inspired flavors with tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Fresh ingredients combine for a light, refreshing meal that satisfies hunger and delights palates.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ large green cabbage, thinly sliced
• ½ red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (240 g) shredded or matchstick carrots
• 1 can mandarin oranges (no sugar/syrup)
• 4 green onions, diced (or ½ red onion, finely diced)
• ½ cup (20 g) chopped and loosely packed cilantro
• 1 cup (100 g) sliced almonds
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) coconut aminos
• ¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) avocado oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsps minced ginger
• 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk sesame oil, ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and garlic in a mixing bowl until ingredients meld into a smooth, aromatic emulsion.
2. Chicken Marination: Submerge chicken pieces in half of the prepared dressing within a sealed container, allowing flavors to infuse deeply for 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Chicken Cooking: Sear marinated chicken in a preheated skillet over medium-high heat, cooking 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
4. Salad Assembly: While chicken rests and cools, combine mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and mandarin oranges in a large serving bowl.
5. Final Composition: Slice cooled chicken into uniform strips, gently layer over prepared salad, drizzle remaining dressing, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a vibrant, flavorful presentation.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Reserve a portion of dressing before adding to raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination and use as a fresh finish.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Rest Chicken Properly: Letting meat rest allows internal juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, flavorful chicken slices that aren’t dry.
• Dress Just Before Serving: Add final dressing moments before eating to maintain salad’s crisp vegetables and prevent wilting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 355
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg