Are you looking for a refreshing, healthy meal that packs a flavorful punch? This Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of vibrant vegetables, succulent chicken, and a delicious sesame dressing. Whether you’re aiming for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is bursting with textures and flavors, with an added bonus of being low-carb and gluten-free!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 celery sticks, sliced
- 2 gherkins, chopped
- 4 radishes, sliced
- 1/2 red pepper, sliced
- 1 small beetroot, grated
- 4 cups mixed salad leaves (rocket, spinach, watercress, etc.)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
For the Sesame Dressing:
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to cook the chicken breast. Season it with salt and pepper, and grill or pan-fry for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Once done, slice the chicken thinly and set it aside to cool.
2. Whisk Up the Sesame Dressing
The heart of this recipe is the savory sesame dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, toss together the fresh mixed salad leaves, grated carrot, sliced red cabbage, celery, gherkins, radishes, red pepper, grated beetroot, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and spring onions. Add the chopped fresh coriander to give the salad an aromatic lift.
4. Top the Salad with Chicken
Now, it’s time to add the thinly sliced chicken breast on top of the salad. This adds a protein-packed layer that’s both hearty and healthy.
5. Drizzle the Dressing
Pour the flavorful sesame dressing over the top of the salad and gently toss to ensure all the vegetables and chicken are evenly coated.
6. Garnish and Serve
For the finishing touch, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad just before serving. These add a satisfying crunch to the overall dish.
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
- Nutrient-packed: Filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, this salad provides a rainbow of vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
- Low-carb & gluten-free: Perfect for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, and with a simple swap to tamari, it’s also gluten-free.
- Bursting with flavor: The sesame dressing adds a savory depth with a hint of sweetness, perfectly complementing the crunchy vegetables and tender chicken.
- Easy and quick to make: This salad is simple to put together, making it a fantastic option for a quick, healthy meal at any time of the day.
This Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is a vibrant, nutritious meal that’s as delicious as it is healthy. Try it for your next meal and feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables or protein sources.
