Sesame Chicken Salad

This sesame chicken salad is one of those meals that checks every box. It is crunchy, satisfying, slightly sweet, deeply savory, and built to actually keep you full.

Serves 4-6

WHAT TO GRAB:

For the salad

  • 2 large chicken breasts

  • 4 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup shredded carrots

  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds

  • 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced

  • 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained

For the sesame dressing

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 2 frozen garlic cubes or1/2 tsp garlic powder)

  • 1 heaping tbsp freshly grated ginger (or 2 frozen ginger cubes or 1 tsp ground ginger)

  • 3.5 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons coconut aminos

  • 2 tablespoon creamy peanut butter

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water, to thin as needed

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until fully cooked through. I love using a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F. Remove from the pot and let cool slightly, then shred with two forks or cube into bite sized pieces. You can absolutely use rotisserie chicken to save time.

  2. In a mason jar or small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, coconut aminos, peanut butter, and sesame oil. Add your chosen garlic and ginger option.

  3. Slowly whisk in warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust. Add more vinegar for brightness, more coconut aminos for depth, or a little more peanut butter for creaminess. Set aside and let the flavors sit and develop while you finish the salad.

  4. While the chicken cooks, assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the napa cabbage, shredded carrots, scallions, slivered almonds, water chestnuts, and mandarin oranges.

  5. Once the chicken is ready, add it to the bowl and gently toss to combine.

  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  7. ENJOY :)

Ready to break free from diet trends and finally take charge of your health? That's where MPM Nutrition comes in. Whether you're looking to transform your relationship with food, elevate wellness in the workplace, or create nutrition content that truly connects, we’re here to help.

BOOK A FREE CALL