Quick Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: High-Protein Meal (Print Version)
Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a quick, high-protein meal packed with fresh veggies and tender chicken. Enjoy a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful lunch or dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Seared Chicken Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Vibrant Garden Crunch
04 -
6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, spring mix)
05 -
1 cup shredded carrots
06 -
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 -
1 large cucumber, julienned
08 -
1/2 cup sliced green onions
→ Zesty Sesame Vinaigrette
09 -
1/4 cup rice vinegar
10 -
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
11 -
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
12 -
1 tbsp honey
13 -
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
14 -
1 clove garlic, minced
→ Flavorful Toppings
15 -
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
16 -
1/4 cup slivered almonds
17 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat dry 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; season generously with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove for the dressing.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. This seared chicken is key for your Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: Quick, High-Protein & Fresh.
03 -
Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices. Once rested, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or shred them. Set aside while you prepare the rest of your Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: Quick, High-Protein & Fresh.
04 -
Whisk the dressing ingredients (1/4 cup rice vinegar, 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp fresh ginger, 1 clove garlic) thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. This zesty sesame vinaigrette will bring all the flavors together.
05 -
In a large serving bowl, combine 6 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 large julienned cucumber, and 1/2 cup sliced green onions. Toss gently to distribute the vibrant vegetables evenly.
06 -
Add the sliced or shredded chicken to the bowl with the salad greens. Pour the prepared Zesty Sesame Vinaigrette over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing, ensuring a flavorful bite.
07 -
Divide the Asian Sesame Chicken Salad: Quick, High-Protein & Fresh among four plates. Garnish each serving with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1/4 cup slivered almonds, and 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, high-protein meal!
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes before searing.
02 -
Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
03 -
Feel free to customize your salad with other crunchy vegetables like snap peas, edamame, or purple cabbage. Cashews or peanuts can substitute for almonds.
04 -
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a spicy kick, or serve with a side of sriracha for those who like extra heat.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
Whisk
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Sharp knife
05 -
Skillet
06 -
Measuring cups
07 -
Measuring spoons
08 -
Grater
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 19 g
Protein: 58 g