Introduction
Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing and Crispy Noodles is a refreshing, colorful, and flavor-packed dish that beautifully blends crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and the irresistible crunch of crispy noodles. Tossed in a nutty, tangy sesame dressing, every bite offers a balance of texture and taste—savory, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of zest.
This salad isn’t just a light meal—it’s a vibrant fusion of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors that make it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing dish at picnics and gatherings. With its bright vegetables, protein-rich chicken, and the addictive crunch of noodles, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms a simple chicken salad into something exciting, colorful, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers with juicy chicken creates a fresh and hearty base, while the sesame dressing ties everything together with a nutty, tangy kick. But what makes this dish extra special is the crispy noodles—they add a fun texture and an irresistible crunch that keeps you going back for another bite.
It’s also a recipe I love for its versatility. You can enjoy it as a light lunch, a dinner main, or even as a potluck favorite since it looks beautiful and feeds a crowd. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing and Crispy Noodles is a must-try because it transforms everyday ingredients into a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home. It’s a salad that doesn’t feel like “just a salad”—it’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying enough to be a complete meal.
- Burst of flavor: The sesame dressing delivers the perfect mix of nutty, tangy, and savory notes that coat every bite.
- Exciting textures: Crisp cabbage, juicy chicken, and crunchy noodles keep the dish lively and fun to eat.
- Wholesome and balanced: With lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a light yet bold dressing, it’s both nourishing and delicious.
- Crowd-pleaser: It looks beautiful on the table and is always a hit at gatherings, potlucks, or as a weeknight family favorite.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~380–420 per serving (depending on amount of crispy noodles and dressing used)
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
- Course: Main Course / Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced (grilled or rotisserie works well)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, napa cabbage, or iceberg)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cucumber, julienned
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
For the Sesame Dressing
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil (toasted for more flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Prepare chicken (grill, bake, or shred rotisserie).
- Chop and prep all vegetables.
- Whisk together sesame dressing ingredients until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, veggies, and herbs.
- Toss with dressing, then sprinkle crispy noodles and sesame seeds on top.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, or poach chicken breasts. Let cool slightly, then shred or slice thinly.
- Prep Vegetables: Shred cabbage and carrots, slice bell pepper and cucumber, and chop cilantro and green onions.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and optional sriracha. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the greens, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, and green onions. Top with chicken.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the sesame dressing over and toss well to coat evenly.
- Add Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle crispy noodles and toasted sesame seeds on top for texture.
How to Serve
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the crunchiness of the noodles.
- Pair with a light soup (like miso soup) or steamed dumplings for a full meal.
- Garnish with lime wedges for extra freshness.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling for enhanced flavor.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess.
- Don’t mix in crispy noodles until ready to serve—they can get soggy.
- Double the dressing to keep extra in the fridge (it stores well for 5–6 days).
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with baked tofu or edamame.
- Spicy: Add more chili paste or sliced jalapeños.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Low-Carb: Skip crispy noodles and increase greens.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store undressed salad (without noodles) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store dressing separately.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the fresh vegetables and noodles losing texture.
Special Equipment Needed
- Sharp chef’s knife (for slicing vegetables thinly)
- Large salad bowl (for tossing everything together)
- Small whisk or jar with lid (for mixing dressing)
Conclusion
Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing and Crispy Noodles is a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful dish that feels both light and satisfying. The fresh veggies bring nutrition, the chicken provides protein, and the sesame dressing ties everything together with an irresistible nutty tang. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner, a packed work lunch, or a show-stopping side at gatherings, this salad is guaranteed to impress.
