A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sesame dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Author:Lora Lopez
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes (chicken)
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Salad
Method:Cooking (chicken), Assembling, Mixing
Cuisine:Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
8 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or a blend)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish)
Sesame Dressing:
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook the chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice into thin strips.
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry mixed greens. Shred carrots, slice bell peppers, cucumbers, and green onions.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and optional sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, green onions, and sliced chicken.
Dress and garnish: Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the dressing ingredients to your taste preferences.
For a spicier dressing, add more sriracha or red pepper flakes.
You can use other vegetables, such as edamame, shredded cabbage, or bean sprouts.
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor.
For a nutty crunch, add chopped peanuts or almonds.
This salad can be made ahead of time. Store the dressing separately and dress just before serving.