My husband has wanted me to make this protein-packed Asian Chicken Salad for awhile now and I’m finally getting around to it. He’s obsessed with the Asian slaw that our local Harmons grocery store sells, so I wanted to make him a version that would supersede the grocery store’s mass-produced recipe and boy did this one win him over (expectations were definitely exceeded)! I love how easy and quick this recipe is – it’s become one of my favorite busy weeknight dinner recipes next to my Chinese Tofu Salad! You really can’t beat a healthy (not to mention SUPER DELICIOUS!) family friendly dinner recipe that is ready in less than 20 minutes! If you love salads, you’ll enjoy my Big Mac Salad and Doritos Taco Salad recipes!
You really can’t beat a healthy (not to mention SUPER DELICIOUS!) family friendly dinner recipe that is ready in less than 20 minutes! The homemade sesame salad dressing is unmatched and super easy to make as you simply add the extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to Mason jar or bowl and shake or whisk. Most store-bought salad dressings are packed with preservatives, additives, and lots of ingredients I can’t pronounce – so I really love how healthy this dressing is.
My EASY salad contains green and red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, scallions, edamame, chicken, ramen noodles. You’ll need to cook the chicken before assembling the salad. After the chicken is cooked in your air fryer, combine all the ingredients in a large serving bowl. Pour the sesame dressing over your salad and watch your taste buds explode as you savor each flavor. My easy homemade dressing calls for extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let’s just say that not only has this become my husband’s FAVORITE dinner recipe, but our five-year-old and myself absolutely love this as a quick and healthy weeknight dinner too! Sweese sent me these beautiful salad plates and I had to show them off with this salad recipe post!
Special Diets
Are you looking for a vegetarian option? Drop the chicken and sub with tofu or beans.
For a vegan salad, opt for tofu or beans instead of chicken.
If you need a gluten free recipe, use cooked chicken breasts rather than breaded chicken. Also, omit the ramen noodles.
In need of a low carb salad? Use chicken that is not breaded and drop the ramen noodles.
The Salad Plates
Aren’t these salad plates absolutely beautiful?! Sweese was kind enough to send me a set and I had to show them off in these mouthwatering chicken salad photos!
Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. It belongs to the Brassica genus of vegetables which also includes broccoli, radishes, and Brussel sprouts. According to Healthline’s post, cabbage is packed with fiber and is rich in vitamin B6 and folate, both of which are needed for your metabolism and to help regulate your nervous system. It’s also antioxidant rich and may protect against heart disease, cancer, and vision loss. Cabbage fights inflammation, is packed with vitamin C, improves digestion, and may keep your heart healthy.
Ingredients in Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
Green cabbage. Green cabbage provides the foundation for this salad.
Red cabbage. Red cabbage offers numerous health benefits and gives the salad crunch and flavor.
Carrots. Carrots are colorful and vibrant and mix well with the rest of the salad ingredients. They contain many nutrients such as beta carotene and antioxidants which can support your overall health. Healthline’s post states that the carotene antioxidants have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer.
Cilantro. Cilantro is a versatile herb that is part of the coriander plant. It contains many anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Scallions. Scallions are also known as green onions, chives, or spring onions. Scallions are low in calories but rich in nutritional benefits.
Edamame. Edamame is a legume rich in minerals, fiber, vitamins, and protein. Edamame, also known as soybeans, provide flavor and according to Forbes Health’s article, may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation, and support gut health.
Chicken nuggets. We always use these Tyson chicken popcorn nuggets but you can use any kind of chicken nuggets or chicken strips.
Ramen noodles. Sprinkle ramen noodles over your salad and allow them to absorb the juices from the salad, or eat them on top so they’re crunchy. We love them on top for that extra crunch.
Extra virgin olive oil. Healthy extra virgin olive oil is packed with antioxidants and serves as the salad dressing base.
Rice vinegar. Made from fermented rice, rice vinegar is much less acidic and milder than white vinegar, making it perfectly suitable in salad dressings and sauces.
Sesame oil. Sesame oil provides aroma and flavor. Without sesame oil, there wouldn’t be a “sesame” dressing.
Sugar. Sugar, when accurate quantities are used, balances out other ingredients, particularly the rice vinegar and salt.
Salt. Salt provides flavor and seasoning in the salad dressing.
Pepper. Freshly cracked black pepper tastes best although regular black pepper can be used.
Garlic powder. Aromatic garlic powder provides a garlic taste and adds flavor to the dressing.
How to make the best Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
STEP 1: First, prepare the dressing by whisking the olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and garlic powder in a Mason jar or medium bowl. Set aside.
STEP 2: To make the chicken, preheat your air fryer at 400° F. We love this Ninja air fryer the best. Place the chicken in your air fryer basket or baking sheets, making sure to leave room in between each piece. Cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook for 5 minutes.
STEP 3: To prepare the salad, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, scallions, edamame, chicken nuggets, and ramen noodles in a large serving bowl.
STEP 4: Pour the salad into individual bowls or my beautiful salad plates and drizzle the dressing on top.
More Asian dinners you can’t live without!
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 oz. chicken nuggets such as Tyson popcorn chicken or Perdue
- 1 head green cabbage chopped
- 1/2 head red cabbage chopped
- 2 c carrots peeled and shredded or grated
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
- 1/2 c scallions chopped
- 1 c cooked edamame
- dry ramen noodles optional; such as from a bag of Maruchan ramen
Dressing
- 1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- First, prepare the dressing by pouring the olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and garlic powder into a Mason jar or medium bowl and shake or whisk. Set aside.
- To make the chicken, preheat your air fryer at 400° F. Place the chicken in your air fryer basket or baking sheets, making sure to leave room in between each piece. Cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook for 5 minutes.
- To prepare the salad, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, scallions, edamame, chicken nuggets, and ramen noodles in a large serving bowl.
- Pour the salad into individual bowls and serve with the dressing.
- If you make this, don't forget to leave a comment and rating!
Nutrition (per serving)
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