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homemade salad dressing

Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Sesame Chicken Salad is a vibrant, crunchy and flavour-packed meal made with juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, colourful cabbage, carrots, sweet mandarin oranges, toasted almonds and fresh coriander. Tossed in a delicious homemade sesame dressing and finished with crispy wonton strips, this satisfying Salad Recipes favourite is perfect for a healthy lunch or quick dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish, Starter
Cuisine Asian-Inspired
Servings 6 People
Calories 516 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Small Saucepan –
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Lidded Jar
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Box Grater:
  • 1 Small frying pan
  • 1 Salad Tongs –

Ingredients
  

For The Sesame Dressing

  • 120 ml rice vinegar
  • 60 g granulated sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 60 ml neutral oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

For The Salad

  • 8 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 large carrot - shredded
  • 425 g tin mandarin orange segments - drained
  • 340 g cooked grilled chicken - diced
  • ½ cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 80 g sliced almonds
  • 1 cup wonton strips
  • 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

  • If using raw chicken breasts, season them lightly with soy sauce, a little sesame oil, and your preferred seasoning.
  • Heat a grill pan or frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the chicken for approximately 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until completely cooked through.
  • Check that the thickest part reaches a safe internal temperature of 75°C.
  • Transfer the chicken to a clean chopping board and allow it to rest for several minutes.
  • Slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make The Sesame Dressing

  • Pour the rice vinegar into a small saucepan.
  • Warm it over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
  • Add the sugar and lightly crushed garlic.
  • Stir for approximately 1 minute, allowing the sugar to dissolve.
  • Remove the garlic cloves from the vinegar.
  • Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 10–15 minutes.
  • Pour the infused vinegar into a clean lidded jar.
  • Add the toasted sesame oil, neutral oil, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds.
  • Secure the lid firmly and shake vigorously until the dressing is evenly combined.

Step 3: Prepare The Vegetables

  • Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce.
  • Slice or shred the lettuce into manageable pieces.
  • Peel and grate the carrot.
  • Finely shred the cabbage.
  • Rinse and dry the coriander leaves.
  • Drain the mandarin orange segments thoroughly.
  • If using untoasted almonds, lightly toast them in a dry frying pan until fragrant.

Step 4: Build The Salad

  • Place the shredded lettuce and cabbage into a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the shredded carrot.
  • Fold in the cooked chicken.
  • Scatter the mandarin orange segments over the top.
  • Add the fresh coriander.
  • Sprinkle over the toasted almonds.

Step 5: Add The Dressing

  • Shake the dressing again before using.
  • Pour approximately half of the dressing over the salad.
  • Use salad tongs to gently toss everything together.
  • Taste and add more dressing if required.
  • Add the wonton strips immediately before serving so they remain crisp.

Step 6: Serve The Sesame Chicken Salad

  • Divide the Sesame Chicken Salad between six bowls or plates.
  • Finish with additional sesame seeds and almonds if desired.
  • Add a few fresh coriander leaves for an attractive final touch.
  • Serve immediately while the vegetables and wonton strips remain crisp.

Notes

  • 🥬 Use Fresh Greens: Choose crisp romaine lettuce and fresh cabbage for the best texture and vibrant colour.
  • 🍗 Keep the Chicken Juicy: Avoid overcooking the chicken and allow it to rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
  • 🍊 Drain the Mandarins: Drain the mandarin oranges well to prevent excess liquid from making the salad soggy.
  • 🌰 Toast The Almonds: Lightly toast the almonds to enhance their nutty flavour and satisfying crunch.
  • 🥢 Shake the Dressing: Shake the sesame dressing thoroughly before serving to recombine the oil and vinegar.
  • 🥟 Add Crispy Toppings Last: Add the wonton strips just before serving so they stay wonderfully crisp.
  • 🫙 Store Separately: Keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate if preparing the salad ahead of time.
  • 🌿 Serve Fresh: Toss the Sesame Chicken Salad just before serving for the best flavour, colour and texture.
Keyword Sesame Chicken Salad