Ginger-Sesame Asian Chicken Salad

Name: Ginger-Sesame Asian Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 6 cups mixed salad greens; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup sliced cucumbers; 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup sesame seeds; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you’re looking for a refreshing twist on your standard salad, this Ginger-Sesame Asian Chicken Salad is your ticket to a flavor-packed meal. It's perfect for those warm days when you crave something light yet satisfying.

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Ingredients for Ginger-Sesame Asian Chicken Salad

The star of this dish is the chicken breast, which absorbs the flavors of the marinade beautifully. The marinade itself is a blend of soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tang, and sesame oil for a touch of nuttiness. The grated ginger and minced garlic add a warm, aromatic depth. For the salad, mixed greens provide a fresh base, while shredded carrots and sliced cucumbers add crunch. Mandarin oranges introduce a sweet juiciness, and sliced almonds offer a nutty bite. Green onions and sesame seeds enhance the flavor profile, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a final burst of freshness.

Tips & Tricks

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F internally.
Make the marinade the night before for deeper flavor penetration.
Toast the almonds and sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a bowl of miso soup. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of crispy spring rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?: Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
How long can I store leftovers?: The salad stays fresh for about 2 days in the fridge, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?: You can prep the components ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

Ginger-Sesame Asian Chicken Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by making the marinade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This combination will serve as a flavorful bath for your chicken. Once mixed, place your chicken breasts in the bowl, ensuring they’re fully coated in this savory mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This marinating step is key to infusing the chicken with all those wonderful flavors.

When the chicken is ready, preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat. Carefully place the marinated chicken onto the hot surface. Allow it to cook for about 6 minutes on each side until it's no longer pink inside and has a nice, golden-brown exterior. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool slightly before slicing it into strips.

While the chicken is cooling, prep your salad. In a large bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds. This colorful combination sets the stage for your flavorful chicken.

Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, slice it into strips and add it to your salad bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure even distribution. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a final touch of brightness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Prepped and ready in under an hour.
Bursting with flavor: The marinade and fresh ingredients bring a delightful zing.
Healthy and nutritious: Loaded with lean protein and fresh veggies.
Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 clove garlic, minced

6 cups mixed salad greens

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup sliced cucumbers

1 cup mandarin oranges, drained

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the marinade.

2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Let refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let cool.

4. Slice the cooled chicken into strips.

5. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.