This Asian Chicken Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish with a perfect balance of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame ginger dressing. It’s light yet satisfying and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Chicken breast: 2 boneless, skinless (about 300 g)
- Mixed salad greens: 4 cups (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
- Carrot: 1 medium, julienned
- Cucumber: 1, thinly sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced
- Edamame: ½ cup, shelled (optional)
- Cabbage: 1 cup, shredded (purple or green)
- Green onions: 2, chopped
- Cilantro: Fresh, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds: 2 tbsp (for garnish)
Sesame Ginger Dressing
- Soy sauce: 3 tbsp
- Rice vinegar: 2 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Honey: 1 tbsp
- Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp, grated
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp (optional, for added tanginess)
- Salt: To taste
- Black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken cooks, prepare your vegetables. Julienne the carrot, slice the cucumber and bell pepper, shred the cabbage, and chop the green onions.
- If using edamame, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes and drain.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more honey or lime juice if desired for sweetness or acidity.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, edamame, and green onions.
- Drizzle the sesame ginger dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Top with Chicken and Garnish:
- Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
Tips for the Best Salad:
- Protein options: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or even leftover grilled pork.
- Crunchy additions: Add crispy wonton strips or peanuts for added texture.
- Meal prep: You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
This Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing is vibrant, flavorful, and full of fresh ingredients. It’s the perfect healthy meal that’s quick to prepare and great for meal prepping or entertaining!
