I recently made this vibrant salad that blends juicy chicken with the crunch of fresh veggies. The sesame ginger dressing ties everything together in a balanced, flavorful way. I love how customizable it is and how the textures play off each other. It’s an energizing meal that feels both healthy and totally satisfying.

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I’m excited to share my try at this Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad which is a perfect blend of health and taste. I use 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips seasoned with salt and pepper.

The juicy chicken pairs so well with the crunchy veggies like 4 cups mixed salad greens, 2 cups shredded cabbage, a large red bell pepper and 1 cup shredded carrots. I also toss in a cucumber julienned and 1/2 cup sliced green onions for that extra zing.

The toasted sesame seeds add not only a nutty flavor but an extra dose of calcium while garlic and fresh ginger bring a sharp twist that enhances the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and honey dressing. This dish fits perfectly into one of my favorite Healthy Meal Prep, Chicken And Cabbage recipes that keep your meals nutritious without being complicated Its nutritional balance makes it great for a healthy dinner or an easy meal prep when you’re in a rush.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it mixes the crunch of fresh veggies with the tender, juicy chicken in a way that makes every bite exciting. For one, the dressing is super flavorful – the sesame and ginger combo adds this tangy kick that makes me crave more. I also like how easy it is to switch up the veggies if I feel like experimenting; it feels really customizable and fun. Lastly, i appreciate that it comes together quickly and it’s a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, which fits perfectly with my busy lifestyle.

Ingredients

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Chicken: Provides lean protein and helps build strong muscles while remaining low in fat.
Mixed Salad Greens: Rich in fiber and vitamins, giving a fresh and crisp base.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and a punch of vitamin C for immune support.
Cabbage: Loaded with fiber and antioxidants, it brings a refreshing crunch.
Sesame Seeds: Offers healthy fats and a nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Soy Sauce: Delivers a salty zest that helps balance the dish against the honey’s sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Salt and pepper to season

4 cups mixed salad greens

2 cups shredded cabbage (red or green, whichever you like)

1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cucumber, julienned

1/2 cup sliced green onions

1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium is best)

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp sesame oil

1-2 tbsp honey (adjust for your preferred sweetness)

How to Make this

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1. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.

2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.

3. While the chicken’s cooking, combine the salad greens, shredded cabbage, sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, and sliced green onions in a large bowl.

4. In a smaller bowl, mix the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey until they are well blended.

5. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it into bite-sized strips if needed.

6. Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss them gently so everything gets coated evenly.

7. Add the cooked chicken to the salad and toss again to combine all the flavors nicely.

8. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad for a delightful crunch.

9. Give the salad a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding a touch more salt, honey, or vinegar, according to your preference.

10. Serve your Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad right away and enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and tasty meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board for prepping chicken and veggies
2. Chef’s knife to slice, dice, and trim the ingredients
3. Nonstick skillet for cooking the chicken strips evenly
4. Large mixing bowl to toss together the salad greens and vegetables
5. Smaller bowl to blend the dressing ingredients
6. Measuring spoons for the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey
7. Grater for getting fresh ginger evenly grated
8. Spatula or tongs to flip the chicken and mix the salad ingredients

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute the chicken with another type of protein?
A: Yep, you can try tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a twist. They work pretty well with the sesame sauce.

Q: How much time does the whole recipe take?
A: It should take about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: For sure, just mix the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and honey in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Q: Will this salad stay crispy if I add the dressing early?
A: It’s best to add the dressing just before serving so that the veggies keep their crunch.

Q: Can I make this salad more spicy?
A: If you like a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle on a little sriracha into the dressing mix.

Incredible Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have chicken or want a meat-free option, try using firm tofu instead. Just make sure to press it well before cooking
If you run out of soy sauce, coconut aminos is a great substitute because it’s less salty and works well in dressings
Fresh ginger can be replaced by a sprinkle of ground ginger powder if you’re in a rush, though the flavor might be a bit different
For honey, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup if you prefer a vegan alternative or if you’re out of honey
If there’s no rice vinegar available, apple cider vinegar works nicely in its place and won’t overpower the other flavors

Pro Tips

1. If you have some extra time, try marinating the chicken in a little bit of the garlic, ginger and soy sauce mixture before cooking it. It really helps boost the flavor alot.
2. Make sure your pan is super hot before you add the chicken so it gets a nice sear on the outside. Otherwise, it might end up kinda soggy.
3. Let the chicken rest for like a couple minutes after cooking it so that the juices settle in. This makes it way tastier when you slice it up.
4. If you arent using pre-toasted sesame seeds, toast them quickly in a dry pan on medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning and you’ll get a really crunchy topping.