There’s something fresh and uplifting about a Sesame Orange Chicken Salad — crisp veggies, juicy chicken, and a nutty sesame dressing that ties everything together.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, ideal for lunch, light dinners, or meal prep.
This colorful salad tastes just as good as it looks and comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad offers restaurant-quality flavor with very little effort.
It combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and juicy citrus for a refreshing bite.
The sesame-ginger dressing adds depth and creaminess with a hint of zing from lime and ginger.
It’s healthy, vibrant, and can easily be customized to your taste.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts (or thighs) provide lean protein and stay juicy when marinated.
Soy sauce and lime juice form a flavorful base for the marinade and dressing.
Tahini adds a nutty, creamy texture to the sesame-ginger dressing.
Fresh ginger, garlic, and sesame oil create an aromatic, Asian-inspired balance.
Cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, and mandarin oranges make the salad crisp and colorful.
Toasted almonds or sesame seeds add satisfying crunch.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use thin-sliced chicken breasts for quick, even cooking.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep the juices locked in.
Taste your dressing before serving—adjust with more salt, lime, or honey as needed.
Toss the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
If prepping ahead, store dressing separately and drizzle before eating.
How to Make Sesame Orange Chicken Salad
Step 1 – Marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and olive oil.
Add the chicken and let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while preparing the dressing and vegetables.
Step 2 – Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from marinade, cook for about 7–9 minutes total, flipping once.
Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside to rest, then slice.
Step 3 – Make the sesame-ginger dressing
Whisk together tahini, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, ginger, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Taste and adjust to your liking. For a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes.
Step 4 – Prepare the salad base
In a large bowl, combine Napa cabbage, red cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, mandarin oranges, green onions, almonds, and cilantro. Toss lightly to mix.
Step 5 – Assemble the salad
Add the sliced chicken on top of the vegetables.
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until coated.
Step 6 – Serve and garnish
Sprinkle extra sesame seeds, nuts, or herbs before serving.
Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
What to Serve Them With
Serve as a main course on warm days or alongside soup for a complete meal.
It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, quinoa, or a simple bowl of noodles.
Chilled sparkling water or iced green tea complements the fresh, citrusy flavors.
Variations / Substitutions
Substitute tofu or shrimp for the chicken for a vegetarian or pescatarian option.
Use peanut butter instead of tahini for a peanut-sesame flavor twist.
Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
Use coleslaw mix instead of hand-slicing the cabbage for convenience.
Storage & Leftovers
Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep dressing in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Toss only the portion you’ll eat to maintain crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all components separately and combine just before serving.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, it’s a great shortcut and saves time.
What can I substitute for tahini?
Peanut butter or almond butter work well as alternatives.
Can I use bottled dressing instead?
Yes, a store-bought sesame-ginger or Asian vinaigrette can be used.
How do I toast the nuts?
Add nuts to a dry skillet and toast over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, skip the chicken and use tofu or chickpeas, and replace honey with maple syrup.
How long does the dressing last?
Stored airtight in the fridge, it keeps fresh for about one week.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Add a splash of lime juice or sesame oil to refresh the flavor before serving again.
Can I use canned mandarin oranges?
Yes, just drain them well before adding to the salad.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Definitely—store ingredients separately and combine when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Sesame Orange Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of light and satisfying.
The blend of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and zesty sesame dressing makes every bite pop with flavor.
Whether served for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, it’s sure to impress with both taste and color.
