Name: Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 cups mixed greens; 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 cup carrots, shredded; 1 cup mandarin oranges, canned and drained; 1 cup wonton strips; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Crispy, juicy, and tossed with the perfect tangy dressing, this Sesame Chicken Salad is a colorful explosion of texture and flavor in every bite. The sweet and savory glaze on the chicken, the crunch from fresh veggies, and the citrusy bursts from mandarin oranges make this salad feel more like a celebration than a meal. It’s the kind of dish that wakes up your taste buds and makes you pause mid-bite to say, “Whoa, this is good.”

Behind the Recipe

I first whipped up this Sesame Chicken Salad on a summer evening when I needed something light but satisfying. It started with leftover glazed chicken and a fridge full of crunchy vegetables. One spontaneous toss in the bowl and this gem was born. Since then, it’s become my go-to for lunches, potlucks, and last-minute dinners that feel anything but last-minute.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Sesame chicken itself is a beloved dish often found in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its sweet, sticky glaze and toasted sesame seeds. Pairing it with crisp greens and fresh toppings like mandarin oranges takes inspiration from Asian fusion flavors, which combine traditional tastes with a Western twist. This salad bridges that gap beautifully—fresh, flavorful, and perfect year-round.

Why You’ll Love Sesame Chicken Salad

Trust me, you’re going to love this for more reasons than one.

Versatile: Great as a main course or side, and it works for lunch, dinner, or even packed in a mason jar for a picnic.

Budget-Friendly: Uses basic veggies and chicken thighs, making it an affordable option that tastes gourmet.

Quick and Easy: With some smart shortcuts, you can have this ready in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Add or skip toppings based on what you have on hand. It plays well with others.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s vibrant, flavorful, and impressive enough to serve guests.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep everything separately and toss just before serving for maximum freshness.

Great for Leftovers: The chicken keeps beautifully, and the salad can be reimagined in wraps or rice bowls.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

If you want to make this salad a guaranteed hit, here’s how to level it up:

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier bites that hold flavor better than breast meat.
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan to deepen their nutty flavor.
Chill your salad bowl before assembling for extra crunch.
Make the dressing in advance so the flavors can meld together.
Layer textures by combining crispy, juicy, and tender ingredients in every bite.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy, but having these will make prep easier:

Mixing Bowls: For tossing your salad without spilling everywhere.

Whisk: To blend that tangy sesame dressing perfectly.

Nonstick Skillet: For cooking the chicken with a golden glaze.

Cutting Board & Knife: To slice your veggies fresh and clean.

Tongs: For easy, even tossing without crushing delicate greens.

Ingredients in Sesame Chicken Salad

There’s magic in how these ingredients come together. Each one plays its part in making the salad fresh, savory, and satisfying.

Chicken Thighs: 1 pound, boneless and skinless. Juicy and flavorful, perfect for soaking up the glaze.
Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons. Adds savory depth to the glaze.
Honey: 2 tablespoons. Balances the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness.
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. Brings brightness and tang to the dressing.
Garlic (minced): 2 cloves. Boosts the flavor of the chicken and dressing.
Ginger (grated): 1 teaspoon. Adds warmth and subtle spice.
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. Gives that iconic nutty aroma to the dressing.
Mixed Greens: 4 cups. The fresh base of the salad.
Red Cabbage: 1 cup, thinly sliced. Adds crunch and vibrant color.
Carrots: 1 cup, shredded. Sweet and crisp, they balance the chicken’s glaze.
Mandarin Oranges: 1 cup, canned and drained. Juicy bursts of citrusy flavor.
Wonton Strips: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade. Adds that essential crunch.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons. Sprinkled on top for flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need to work with what you’ve got. No problem!

Chicken Thighs: Chicken tenders or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free twist.

Honey: Maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.

Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar if that’s what you have.

Mandarin Oranges: Fresh orange segments or pineapple chunks.

Wonton Strips: Crushed ramen noodles or crispy tortilla strips.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sesame Oil: This golden oil packs a punch with just a few drops. It’s nutty, rich, and brings an unmistakable aroma to the dish that elevates everything it touches.

Mandarin Oranges: These juicy little gems brighten up the salad with their sweet, citrusy notes and contrast the savory chicken beautifully.

Instructions for Making Sesame Chicken Salad

Get ready to bring this salad to life! It’s quick, fresh, and downright delicious.

Preheat Your Equipment:
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Combine Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Add a splash of oil to the skillet and sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes. Pour the sauce over and simmer until thickened and chicken is cooked through.
Assemble the Dish:
In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, red cabbage, carrots, and mandarin oranges.
Cook to Perfection:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces and place on top of the salad.
Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle with wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle extra dressing if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the veggies are crisp.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The contrast between warm, glazed chicken and crisp, cool vegetables is where this salad really shines. The sesame dressing hugs every leaf and crunch, while juicy mandarins burst with brightness in each mouthful. Every bite brings something new—soft, crunchy, sweet, and savory.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few extra nudges to make your salad shine:

Chill the salad bowl before assembling for peak crunch.
Use freshly grated ginger and garlic for bolder flavor.
Double the dressing and store for use throughout the week.
Make extra chicken for wraps, rice bowls, or noodle salads later.

What to Avoid

To keep things delicious, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

Overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry and chewy.
Tossing the salad too early—wait until just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Skipping the sesame oil. It’s small but mighty.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad is a lifesaver when prepped ahead. You can cook the chicken and make the dressing in advance, storing both in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep salad ingredients chopped and dry, and toss everything together right before serving for peak texture. Leftovers can be stored undressed for up to 2 days.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Salad

Pile it high in wide bowls, sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top, and serve with chilled iced tea or sparkling water. Add a side of steamed dumplings or a small soup for a more filling meal. For a fun twist, try layering the salad in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let a single bite go to waste.

Wrap it up: Stuff the salad into a tortilla with a bit of dressing.
Rice Bowl: Serve leftover chicken over rice with some of the salad mix on top.
Noodle Toss: Toss with soba or rice noodles for a quick noodle salad.

Additional Tips

A few bonus gems for the best results:

Add avocado for creaminess.
Spice it up with a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha.
Use a salad spinner to dry greens thoroughly for better dressing cling.

Make It a Showstopper

Use a wide, shallow bowl so every color and texture is visible. Garnish with a slice of lime, an extra drizzle of glaze, and a sprinkle of scallions. Serve with matching chopsticks or salad tongs for a polished finish.

Variations to Try

Spicy Kick: Add chili oil or Sriracha to the glaze.
Peanut Vibe: Use peanut dressing and crushed peanuts instead of sesame.
Veggie-Packed: Add edamame, bell peppers, or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Fruity Twist: Swap mandarins for mango or pineapple.
Noodle Version: Replace greens with rice noodles for a sesame chicken noodle salad.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought sesame dressing?

Yes, but homemade has a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

Q2: Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free wonton strips.

Q3: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Just glaze it quickly in the pan with the sauce.

Q4: How long does the dressing last?

Up to one week in a sealed jar in the fridge.

Q5: Can I meal prep this salad?

Yes. Keep wet ingredients separate and assemble just before eating.

Q6: What other proteins work well here?

Grilled shrimp, tofu, or seared salmon are all great.

Q7: Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Definitely. It’s a great time-saver and adds crunch.

Q8: Do I need to toast the sesame seeds?

You don’t have to, but it boosts their flavor beautifully.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?

Quickly in a skillet or microwave until just warm.

Q10: Can I skip the mandarins?

Sure. Try another fruit like mango or even apple slices.

Conclusion

This Sesame Chicken Salad isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. Crunchy, juicy, sweet, and savory, it delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick lunch or showing off at your next gathering, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.