Prep time: 20 MINS | Total time: 20 MINS | Yield: 4-6 SERVINGS
Perfectly sweet, creamy, crunchy, and savory. This Sesame Chicken Salad is a must-try!
I love this salad so much that this has always been on our menu rotation. Plus, this easy recipe is very customizable. You are welcome to use any protein you like, such as steak, salmon, tofu, pork, or even chicken. If desired, you can also use other greens like chopped romaine or other lettuce or cabbages. Peanuts and cashews are amazing alternatives to almonds. You can also add fruits, crunchy noodles, or wontons, and even make this salad vegetarian and/or gluten-free. You’ll never go wrong with this simple salad recipe!
This salad is easy and quick to put together. Toss all the ingredients in a simple, delicious sesame vinaigrette, and you are good to go. If you like, you can sprinkle over some sesame seeds before serving.
INGREDIENTS
SALAD:
2 c. diced or shredded cooked chicken
1 (14-oz.) bag coleslaw (or 7 c. shredded cabbage)
1/2 c. shredded carrots
1 c. loosely-packed chopped cilantro
2/3 c. sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
2/3 c. sliced green onions
toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
SESAME VINAIGRETTE:
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
a few twists of freshly-cracked black pepper
1 small garlic clove, pressed or minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
HOW TO MAKE SESAME CHICKEN SALAD
Step 1: For the vinaigrette, place all the sesame vinaigrette in a small bowl. Mix well until just blended. Or in a mason jar.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, place the coleslaw, chicken, cilantro, green onions, almonds, carrots, and avocado. Toss well, then drizzle with the vinaigrette. Mix until everything is combined.
Step 3: Enjoy the salad right away. If desired, sprinkle with some sesame seeds.
SESAME CHICKEN SALAD
Ingredients
- SALAD:
- 2 c. diced or shredded cooked chicken
- 1 14-oz. bag coleslaw (or 7 c. shredded cabbage)
- 1/2 c. shredded carrots
- 1 c. loosely-packed chopped cilantro
- 2/3 c. sliced or slivered almonds toasted
- 2/3 c. sliced green onions
- toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted, and diced
- SESAME VINAIGRETTE:
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- a few twists of freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1 small garlic clove pressed or minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
Instructions
- For the vinaigrette, place all the sesame vinaigrette in a small bowl. Mix well until just blended. Or in a mason jar.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the coleslaw, chicken, cilantro, green onions, almonds, carrots, and avocado. Toss well, then drizzle with the vinaigrette. Mix until everything is combined.
- Enjoy the salad right away. If desired, sprinkle with some sesame seeds.
