Chinese Sesame-Chicken Salad
A vibrant Chinese-inspired salad featuring shredded chicken, crisp iceberg lettuce, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds, all tossed in a flavorful orange and soy dressing. Perfect for light, refreshing meals.
Ingredients
- 2 c. finely shredded cooked chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. onion powder ⓘ
- 1/4 c. orange juice ⓘ
- 5 c. shredded crisp iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. low sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 c. finely shredded scallions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seed until lightly browned.
- Let cool.
- Put the shredded chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with mustard, ginger, garlic and onion powders, orange juice, soy sauce, and sesame seed.
- Toss well with the shredded lettuce, celery, scallions, and red pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nutty flavor, try adding toasted chopped nuts like almonds or cashews. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider incorporating a dash of sriracha or chili flakes. You can substitute the orange juice with pineapple juice for a different sweetness that pairs well with this Chinese recipe. Ensure the chicken is well shredded to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled and makes a great light lunch or dinner option. It pairs beautifully with rice dishes like Chicken And Vegetable Stir-Fry Over Rice or can be served alongside a bowl of soup. For added crunch, consider serving it with crispy wonton strips on top. It also goes well with steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken mixture in the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat the lettuce. Alternatively, serve it cold for a refreshing salad experience. If you anticipate leftovers, consider keeping the lettuce separate until serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Sesame-Chicken Salad contains roughly 2181 calories, with 87g protein, 334g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (208% of the Daily Value), and protein (175% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked for this salad?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this salad for safety and texture reasons. If you have raw chicken, consider poaching or grilling it first before shredding. This ensures the chicken is tender and fully cooked, making it perfect for mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for iceberg lettuce?
If you want a more nutritious option, you can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine or kale for added flavor and texture. Both provide a nice crunch and will hold up well with the dressing. You might also consider a mix of greens for added variety and color.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just keep the dressing and lettuce separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness. Store each component in separate containers, and it can last for a few days. This makes it easy to grab a healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).