Sesame Chicken Salad with Homemade Dressing | CookOS

Sesame Chicken Salad

Name: Sesame Chicken Salad with Homemade Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 6 tbsp tahini (or ground sesame seeds); 4 tsp brown sugar; salt, to taste; white pepper, to taste; 1 head butter lettuce; 1 head gem lettuce; 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 stalks green onion, sliced; 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds; 1.5 cups roasted chicken, diced; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, hand-torn; 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds; 1 tsp black toasted sesame seeds; Fresh coconut water, for serving

This sesame chicken salad combines crisp mixed lettuces and red cabbage with a tangy homemade sesame dressing made from tahini, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Topped with toasted almonds and chicken, it delivers bright, nutty flavor in a light, protein-rich meal.

🌍Asian-inspired 🏷️Sesame chicken salad 🏷️Chicken salad 🏷️Salad 🏷️Sesame dressing Tahini

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Total

15 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$31–$51

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

4 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
6 tbsp tahini (or ground sesame seeds)
4 tsp brown sugar
salt, to taste
white pepper, to taste
1 head butter lettuce
1 head gem lettuce
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 stalks green onion, sliced
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
1.5 cups roasted chicken, diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, hand-torn
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp black toasted sesame seedsoptional
Fresh coconut water, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large salad bowl, combine the rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, tahini, brown sugar, salt, and white pepper.
2
Whisk the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
3
Add the hand-torn butter lettuce, gem lettuce, and thinly sliced red cabbage to the bowl.
4
Add the sliced green onion, toasted slivered almonds, and diced roasted chicken.
5
Top with hand-torn cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and black toasted sesame seeds.
6
Toss the salad thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
7
Serve immediately, with fresh coconut water on the side if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden—do not walk away, as they burn quickly.
Whisk the sesame dressing thoroughly to emulsify the tahini and sesame oil; if it breaks or looks grainy, add warm water 1 teaspoon at a time until smooth.
Dress the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp; alternatively, dress only the heartier red cabbage and chicken, leaving greens undressed until plating.
For best flavor, use toasted (dark) sesame oil rather than untoasted; its deeper, nuttier profile is essential to this dish.

Substitutions

tahini → natural peanut butter or ground sesame seeds (maintains creaminess and nutty flavor)
butter lettuce + gem lettuce → romaine, mixed greens, or baby spinach (choose sturdy varieties for crispness)
toasted almonds → roasted cashews, peanuts, or sunflower seeds (similar textural contrast)
rice vinegar → white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (use 3 tbsp instead of 4 tbsp for acidity balance)

Storage & make-ahead

Store dressed and undressed components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days; assemble just before serving to preserve lettuce crispness.

Common Questions

Can I make the sesame dressing ahead of time?

Yes. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving, as tahini may settle.

What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or poached chicken all work well. Shred or slice to your preference and ensure it's fully cooked.

Can I substitute tahini?

Yes. Use an equal amount of natural peanut butter or ground sesame seeds for a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the salad components separate—store greens, dressing, and toppings in separate containers for up to 2 days. Assemble just before eating to maintain crispness.