Description
If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed meal that’s easy to throw together, this Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. Tender sesame-marinated grilled chicken, crisp colorful veggies, and a bold homemade dressing make this salad an instant hit. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, healthy dinner, or make-ahead meal prep. Loaded with protein, fiber, and bold Asian-inspired flavors, this easy recipe is also gluten-free and endlessly customizable. A total game-changer in your lineup of healthy food ideas, this one checks all the boxes for quick lunch, easy dinner, and meal prep favorite.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
2 cups red cabbage thinly sliced
1 cup carrots julienned
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
1 cup cucumber sliced
1/3 cup fresh cilantro chopped
2 green onions sliced
1 jalapeño sliced (optional)
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic minced
1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken thighs and marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. While the chicken marinates, whisk together the dressing ingredients and set aside.
3. Slice all vegetables and place them in a large salad bowl.
4. Grill marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest, then slice thinly.
5. Toss the sliced vegetables with dressing just before serving.
6. Top with sliced chicken, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and extra cilantro.
7. Serve fresh with lime wedges or additional dressing if desired.
Notes
Always let the grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Keep dressing and veggies separate if meal prepping to maintain crunch.
Toast the peanuts briefly to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: healthy dinner, crunchy salad, sesame chicken, gluten-free salad, Asian salad, quick dinner, meal prep