Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe
If you crave a salad that’s bold, crisp, and bursting with vibrant flavor, Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing will quickly become your new obsession. This Asian-inspired beauty brings together juicy, tender chicken with a colorful medley of crunchy cabbages, sweet peppers, and carrots—all tossed in the most addictive, nutty-sweet sesame dressing you’ve ever tasted. It’s the salad I turn to on busy weeknights, for sunny picnics, and as a showstopper for friends (always with everyone asking for the recipe). Best of all, Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is simple to pull together, refreshingly healthy, and absolutely stunning on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients for Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing, but every single element plays a star role. Each component adds a layer of texture, color, or that unmistakable pop of flavor that makes this salad so special.
- Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, shredded or chopped): Tender, juicy protein forms the salad’s base; rotisserie chicken works wonders for convenience.
- Shredded Napa cabbage (4 cups): The delicate, frilly leaves add fresh crunch and mellow sweetness; this is what gives the salad its signature bite.
- Shredded purple cabbage (1 cup): For vibrant color and an extra snap, purple cabbage makes every forkful pop.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Bring a subtle sweetness and beautiful orange hue that draws you in.
- Red bell pepper (½ cup, thinly sliced): Sweet and slightly crisp, red pepper brightens both flavor and presentation.
- Chopped green onions (¼ cup): Their zesty, oniony bite adds lift and depth to every bite.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tbsp): Brings a burst of freshness and an unmistakable herby note (skip or sub parsley if you’re not a fan).
- Toasted sliced almonds (¼ cup): Nutty crunch that’s truly irresistible—toast lightly for extra flavor.
- Toasted sesame seeds (2 tbsp): Nutty and fragrant, these seeds amplify the salad’s sesame personality.
- Crispy chow mein noodles (½ cup, optional): For a playful, crispy finish, scatter some on top just before serving.
- Toasted sesame oil (2 tbsp): The base of your dressing; deep, toasty, and absolutely essential for flavor.
- Rice vinegar (2 tbsp): Brightens things up and balances the richer sesame notes.
- Soy sauce or tamari (1 tbsp): Adds salty, savory umami—choose tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tbsp): Softens the acidity and delivers delicate sweetness.
- Lime juice (1 tbsp): Gives the dressing a fresh, citrusy zing (lemon juice works if lime’s not on hand).
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Helps the dressing emulsify and contributes subtle tang.
- Minced garlic (1 small clove): For tiny punches of savory flavor in every toss.
- Grated fresh ginger (1 tsp): Jazzes up the whole mix with sharp, peppery warmth.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Makes the dressing silky and smooth—use extra virgin for best flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Just a pinch or two is all you need to bring everything together.
How to Make Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Chicken
First things first—grab your largest salad bowl! Shred the Napa cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots as thinly as you can for the best texture. Thinly slice that sweet red bell pepper, chop your green onions, and give the cilantro a rough mince. If you haven’t already, shred or chop your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. This colorful, crunchy medley sets the stage for your irresistible Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing, so don’t skimp on the freshness here!
Step 2: Make the Sesame Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, build your dressing by combining toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Whisk or shake enthusiastically, then stream in the olive oil until smooth and glossy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is all about that rich, nutty complexity and bright citrus lift—your Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is going to sing!
Step 3: Toss it All Together
With your veggies and chicken waiting eagerly in the bowl, pour the sesame dressing over top. Use tongs or two big spoons to toss everything together until every strand and piece is coated in that flavor-packed goodness. The chicken becomes juicy, the vegetables soak up the dressing, and everything starts to come together as the ultimate salad party.
Step 4: Add Crunchy Toppings
Scatter the toasted sliced almonds and sesame seeds generously over the salad. Just before serving, sprinkle on those crispy chow mein noodles if you’re craving that signature crunch (they truly make every bite addictive). This final step transforms your Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing into a totally irresistible, multi-textured masterpiece.
How to Serve Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
Garnishes
Amp up the beauty and flavor by finishing with a flourish: extra green onions, a sprig of cilantro, a wedge of lime, or even a few extra sesame seeds. The fresh garnishes make the colors pop and bring even more aroma to your bowl of Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice, a bowl of miso soup, or some simple vegetable spring rolls. If you’re looking for a light lunch, Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing shines all on its own, but a little extra crunch or a warm side can round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try spooning the salad into lettuce cups, or pile generously onto toasted baguette slices for a fun open-faced bite. Layering it in pretty glass jars makes a gorgeous, portable lunch. However you serve it, Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing always draws a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Store your Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing and any crunchy toppings separate until just before eating. This prevents soggy lettuce and nuts and keeps every bite fresh.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for this salad (the fresh veggies lose their wonderful crispness after thawing), you can freeze extra cooked chicken separately and use it later for your next bowl of Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing.
Reheating
No need to reheat anything here—Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is all about cool, crisp refreshment! If using pre-cooked cold chicken from the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before tossing with your veggies and dressing for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for shelled, cooked edamame or crispy baked tofu. The flavors and textures are just as delicious and satisfying, making it a perfect meatless main.
How far ahead can I prepare this salad?
The veggies and chicken can be prepped and stored in the fridge, and the dressing can be made up to three days ahead. Just wait to add the dressing, almonds, and noodles until right before serving for the freshest crunch.
What type Salad
Any simply cooked chicken will do—this is a fantastic way to use up leftover grilled breast, store-bought rotisserie, or even poached chicken. Flavorful but not heavily seasoned chicken lets the sesame dressing shine.
I don’t have Napa cabbage—what can I substitute?
You can use regular green cabbage in a pinch, or combine with romaine lettuce for extra crunch. Keep in mind, the charm of Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing really pops with the softer, sweeter leaves of Napa cabbage.
Is Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing gluten-free?
It easily can be! Just opt for tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your crispy noodles (or skip them) are gluten-free. All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is one of those treasures you’ll find yourself craving again and again—it’s simple, full of color, and packed with flavor that wakes up your taste buds. If you’re ready to fall for a new favorite, give it a try and share it with someone you love!
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Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is a refreshing and satisfying dish with a delightful Asian-inspired flavor. Crisp Napa cabbage, colorful veggies, tender chicken, and crunchy toppings all come together in a delicious sesame-infused dressing.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- ½ cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional)
Sesame Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, Napa cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, mustard, garlic, ginger, and olive oil until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Top with almonds, sesame seeds, and chow mein noodles just before serving for crunch.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use edamame or crispy tofu in place of chicken.
- This salad holds well in the fridge if you store the dressing and crunchy toppings separately until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
