sesame chicken salad

Name: Sesame Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup shredded carrots; 0.5 cup chopped celery; 0.25 cup chopped green onions; 0.25 cup chopped cilantro; 0.25 cup sesame seeds; 0.25 cup soy sauce; 0.25 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 clove garlic, minced

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

You know those recipes that just stick with you? The ones you can whip up without even looking at the instructions, the ones that smell like pure comfort and always, *always* get rave reviews? Well, this Sesame Chicken Salad is one of those for me. It’s become such a staple in our house, especially for packing lunches. I swear, my kids actually request it now, which is a miracle in itself! If you’re tired of the same old tuna or basic chicken salad sandwiches, you are in for a treat. This isn’t just any chicken salad; it’s got this incredible Asian-inspired twist with the sesame, a hint of sweetness, and just the right amount of crunch that makes it absolutely irresistible. It’s my secret weapon for busy weeknights and a surefire way to make everyone happy at the dinner table, or even just for a quick lunch on the go. Honestly, it’s so good, I’ve even found myself sneaking a forkful straight from the bowl when no one’s looking!

What is Sesame Chicken Salad?

So, what exactly *is* this magical sesame Chicken Salad? Think of it as your classic, beloved chicken salad, but with a delicious passport stamp to Asia. Instead of the usual mayo-heavy dressing, we’re leaning into that wonderful nutty flavor of toasted sesame oil, a touch of soy sauce for that savory umami kick, and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. It’s a symphony of flavors that are both familiar and excitingly new. We’ll toss in some crunchy elements like water chestnuts or celery, maybe some bright green onions, and often a little bit of shredded carrot for color and a subtle sweetness. It’s essentially taking all the creamy, satisfying goodness of a traditional chicken salad and giving it a sophisticated, yet incredibly easy, makeover. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re having something a little bit special, even if it took you less than 15 minutes to throw together.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this sesame Chicken Salad has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I have a feeling it’ll become a favorite for you too. First off, let’s talk flavor. Oh my goodness, the flavor! That toasted sesame oil is the star of the show, giving everything this warm, nutty depth that’s just incredible. Then you have the salty-sweet balance from the soy sauce and honey, which is just divine. It’s a flavor profile that’s complex enough to feel gourmet but simple enough that everyone, even picky eaters, will devour it. And simplicity? This recipe is a lifesaver. I can honestly pull this together in under 15 minutes if I have cooked chicken on hand, making it perfect for those nights when you’re starving and don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. Chicken is usually readily available, and the other ingredients are pantry staples for most of us. What I love most, though, is its versatility. You can serve this on a bed of crisp lettuce, stuff it into pita pockets, pile it high on toasted bread, or even just eat it with crackers. It’s a chameleon in the kitchen! If you enjoyed my quick Asian Noodle Salad, you’ll absolutely adore the flavor profile here. It hits all the same satisfying notes but in a creamy, spreadable format.

How do I make Sesame Chicken Salad?

Quick Overview

The magic of this sesame Chicken Salad is its effortless assembly. We’re talking about a quick chop, a simple whisk of the dressing, and a speedy mix. The key is using pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is your best friend here!) and getting all those fresh, crunchy veggies ready. You just combine everything in a bowl, give it a good stir until it’s perfectly coated in that irresistible sesame dressing, and boom! You’ve got a delicious, flavorful salad ready to be enjoyed. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen whiz, even on your busiest days. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment, just pure, delicious goodness.

Ingredients

For the main salad: What is the best way to prepare it?
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is ideal for ease and flavor!)
1/2 cup finely diced celery (for that classic crunch)
1/4 cup finely diced red onion or sweet onion (adds a nice bite without being overpowering)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (if you love it, like I do! If not, parsley works too)
1/3 cup chopped water chestnuts, drained (for an extra layer of crispiness, optional but highly recommended!)
2-3 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)

For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand, or a lighter version if you prefer)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (this is where the magic happens!)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (adds a touch of brightness)
1/2 teaspoon grated Fresh Ginger (optional, but gives a wonderful zing!)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flair:
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for garnish
A dash of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, just pull the meat off the bones and shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using leftover cooked chicken breast, dice it up. You want pieces that are easy to eat in a scoop or on a sandwich. Make sure it’s cooled completely before you start mixing.

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies and Herbs

This is where you get all your crunchy elements ready. Dice your celery, red onion (or sweet onion), and water chestnuts (if using) fairly finely so they integrate well into the salad. Slice your scallions thinly. If you’re using cilantro or parsley, give it a good chop. Having everything prepped before you make the dressing makes the whole process super smooth.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a medium bowl, add your mayonnaise, soy sauce (or tamari), toasted sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar. If you’re feeling fancy and have it on hand, whisk in that grated fresh ginger. Give it all a really good whisk until it’s smooth and well combined. Taste it now and adjust the seasonings. Need a little more sweetness? Add a touch more honey. Want it saltier? A splash more soy sauce. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate.

Step 4: Combine Everything!

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine your shredded or diced chicken, chopped celery, diced onion, water chestnuts (if using), and sliced scallions. Pour the prepared dressing over the top. Gently fold everything together with a spoon or spatula, making sure every piece of chicken and every bit of veggie is coated in that delicious dressing. Don’t overmix, you don’t want to mash the chicken, just coat it evenly.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

This is crucial! Before you chill it, take a small taste. Does it need a pinch more salt? A crack of fresh black pepper? Maybe a little more heat from Sriracha? Adjust as needed. This is your sesame chicken salad, after all, so make it exactly how you like it!

Step 6: Chill for Flavors to Meld

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This is really important! It allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together and for the salad to chill properly. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me, the wait is worth it. The flavors get so much better.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once chilled, give it one last stir. Serve it up! Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and a few extra scallion greens if you like. This sesame chicken salad is ready to be piled onto croissants, stuffed into pita bread, served over a bed of mixed greens, or just enjoyed straight from the bowl with a fork.

What to Serve It With

This sesame chicken salad is wonderfully adaptable, which is part of why I love it so much. For a simple breakfast or a light lunch, I often serve it on top of a bed of crisp mixed greens or baby spinach. It’s so satisfying and keeps me full for ages. If I’m packing lunches for the kids (or myself!), I love stuffing it into soft whole wheat pita pockets or spreading it generously on toasted whole grain bread with a few lettuce leaves for extra crunch. It makes for a much more exciting lunch than the usual suspects. For a slightly more elegant brunch or lunch gathering, I’ll serve it in small lettuce cups, maybe with a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top for extra texture. It also makes a fantastic filling for little cucumber boats – just scoop out the seeds and fill with the salad. For a quick, satisfying snack, a scoop of this with some crunchy whole-grain crackers is absolutely perfect. Honestly, the possibilities are endless, and it always feels a little bit special, no matter how you serve it.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sesame Chicken Salad

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate this sesame chicken salad from good to absolutely spectacular. First, when it comes to the chicken, use good quality cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is my absolute favorite because it’s already seasoned and incredibly moist, which transfers to the salad. If you’re cooking your own chicken breasts, make sure not to overcook them, or they can make the salad a bit dry. Secondly, don’t skimp on the toasted sesame oil! That nutty aroma is key to this salad’s signature flavor, and using regular sesame oil just won’t give you that same depth. Make sure it’s toasted for the best taste. When you’re dicing your vegetables, aim for a consistent, small dice. This ensures that every bite has a good balance of chicken, crunch, and flavor. If your celery or onion pieces are too big, they can overpower the other ingredients. I’ve learned the hard way that thoroughly draining and patting dry any wet ingredients, like if you use canned chicken (though I prefer rotisserie), is crucial. Excess moisture can make the salad watery and dilute the dressing. For the dressing, I always taste and adjust before I chill it. It’s so much easier to fix the seasoning when you can taste it right away. Sometimes a little more soy sauce or a touch more honey makes all the difference. Finally, give it time to chill! Seriously, this is non-negotiable for me. Letting the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes in the fridge transforms the salad from just mixed ingredients to a cohesive, delicious dish. It’s like the flavors get to know each other and become best friends.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This sesame chicken salad is fantastic for making ahead, which is why it’s such a go-to for me. For optimal freshness, I always store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually tend to get even better the second day, as everything has had more time to meld together. When it comes to serving, it’s best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary! If, by some wild chance, you have any leftovers after a few days and want to refresh it, you can stir in a tiny bit more mayonnaise and a splash of soy sauce to liven it up. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, though. The mayonnaise can separate when frozen and thawed, which can affect the texture quite a bit, making it a bit watery and less creamy. So, stick to refrigeration for the best results! And remember, the glaze for this recipe is typically the dressing itself, so you don’t have to worry about a separate glaze to store or reheat. Just make sure the salad is well-covered in its delicious dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Making this sesame chicken salad gluten-free is super simple. Just swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There’s no zucchini in this particular sesame chicken salad recipe! However, if you were thinking of another recipe, generally, for things like zucchini bread or muffins, peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and color, but can sometimes give a slightly more textured peel. For this chicken salad, we’re focusing on chicken and veggies like celery and onion for our texture.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

This recipe is for a salad, so it’s not designed to be made into muffins. Muffins typically involve baking with flour, eggs, and leavening agents. This sesame chicken salad is a cold dish meant to be eaten as is or on bread/lettuce. If you’re looking for a baked good, I’d recommend a different recipe!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can easily adjust the sweetness! I usually start with 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Taste it, and if you prefer it sweeter, add another teaspoon or two until it’s just right for you. You could also try a sugar-free maple syrup if you’re watching your sugar intake.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

The “glaze” for this recipe is actually the dressing itself – the creamy mixture of mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. There isn’t a separate glaze to apply. If you wanted something different, you could serve the salad without the mayonnaise base and instead toss the chicken and veggies with a lighter vinaigrette made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for a less creamy, more tangy salad.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite sesame chicken salad recipe! It’s more than just a meal; it’s a little bit of sunshine in a bowl, a quick fix for hunger, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly hope you give this a try, especially if you’re looking for something new and exciting for your lunch routine or a light dinner. It’s those simple, delicious recipes like this that make cooking at home so rewarding. If you loved this, you might also enjoy my recipe for [Link to another relevant recipe, e.g., “Crispy Sesame Beef Stir-Fry”] – it shares a similar flavor profile and is another family favorite! Don’t forget to let me know in the comments below how yours turned out, or if you tried any fun variations. I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy this! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how it tastes at your house!

No ratings yet