Some dishes just have it all — color, crunch, protein, and flavor that explodes with every bite. I still remember when I first made this Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad. It was one of those sweltering summer days when the thought of turning on the oven felt like torture.
One bite and I was hooked — the juicy chicken, the crisp veggies, the sweet and nutty sesame dressing — it felt fresh, light, and still deeply satisfying. This salad quickly became my go-to for hot days, meal prepping, or when I just wanted something wholesome but not boring.

If you’re craving a salad that actually fills you up and tastes amazing, you’re going to love this one too.

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

There’s a lot to love about this salad — it’s not your average boring lettuce situation.

• Big flavor: Sweet, salty, tangy, nutty, and fresh in every bite.
  
• Texture heaven: Crisp veggies, tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and crispy noodles.
  
• Healthy but satisfying: High in protein, packed with veggies, and full of healthy fats.
  
• Meal prep dream: Perfect to prep ahead and assemble fresh.
  
• Customizable: Great for whatever veggies or proteins you have lying around.
  

Whether you want a quick lunch or a show-off salad for a potluck, this one’s a winner.

Ingredients for Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

this Recipe

For the Salad

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (breast or thigh meat)
  
• 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  
• 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
  
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
  
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  
• ½ cup toasted almonds, sliced or slivered
  
• 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional but so good)
  
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  

For the Asian Sesame Dressing

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
  
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  
• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
  

Pro Tip: Toast your almonds and sesame seeds yourself for extra flavor — just a few minutes in a dry pan until golden and fragrant.

How to Make the Best Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

• Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, and lime juice.
  
• Taste the dressing — you can add a touch more honey if you want sweeter, or extra vinegar for more tang.
  

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

• In a big bowl, toss together the green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions.
  

Step 3: Add Chicken and Crunchy Toppings

• Gently fold the shredded chicken into the salad base.
  
• Add in the toasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles for that essential crunch.
  

Step 4: Dress and Serve

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
  
• Toss well until everything is coated.
  
• Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and a handful of crispy noodles for garnish.
  

And that’s it — easy, fast, and crazy delicious.

Tips for the Crunchiest, Most Flavorful Salad

• Dress only when ready to serve: Otherwise, the crunch will soften.
  
• Use freshly toasted almonds: They smell and taste way better than store-bought.
  
• Keep the chicken juicy: Don’t overcook; roasted or grilled chicken tastes best.
  
• Layer textures: More veggies = more crunch.
  
• Add fresh lime juice just before eating for a little pop of brightness.
  

Easy Variations You Can Try

Want to switch things up? This salad is endlessly flexible:

• Swap the protein: Grilled shrimp, tofu, or even seared steak work great.
  
• Add extra veggies: Snap peas, edamame, shredded kale, or thin cucumber slices.
  
• Boost the spice: A squirt of sriracha in the dressing or some red pepper flakes.
  
• Make it sweet: Toss in mandarin oranges or diced mango.
  
• Go vegan: Use tofu instead of chicken and agave instead of honey.
  

It’s basically impossible to mess this up!

What to Serve with Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

This salad can totally stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
  
• Light miso soup
  
• Fresh veggie spring rolls
  
• Chilled green tea, lemonade, or crisp white wine
  

If you’re feeling fancy, add a sesame-ginger dipping sauce on the side too.

How to Store Leftovers Without Losing Crunch

Storage Tips

• Store the salad and dressing separately if you can.
  
• Keep the undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  
• Store dressing in a small jar — it lasts up to a week refrigerated.
  

Reassembling for Freshness

• Give veggies a quick toss with fresh lime juice if they seem tired.
  
• Add fresh crispy noodles before serving to bring the crunch back to life.
  

FAQs About Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Can I make crunchi asian sesame chicken salad ahead of time?

Yup! Prep all parts ahead but keep the dressing and noodles separate till you eat.

Can I use rotiserie chicken for asian chicken salad?

Totally! It makes the salad even faster to throw together.

How do I keep my sesame chicken salad crunchy?

Easy — don’t dress it until you’re ready to eat and keep noodles separate.

What other veggies can I add to crunchi asian salad?

Try snap peas, shredded kale, sliced cucumber, or even radishes!

Conclusion: Why This Salad Will Be Your New Favorite

Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is the perfect storm of color, crunch, and pure craveable flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels fresh and light while still keeping you full for hours.
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, looking for a meal-prep hero, or simply bored of the same old salad routine, this dish will change the game for you.
Bright, crunchy, juicy, nutty, and a little bit sweet — it’s everything you didn’t know you needed on your plate today.

Trust me — make a big batch. You’re gonna wish you had more!

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