I love a good salad, and this Asian Sesame Chicken Salad doesn’t disappoint. I could eat this EVERY DAY! I have tried several Asian salads with all different kinds of dressings and ingredients, but this one has by far been the easiest and most flavorful.

I first tried this salad when my Aunt Judy brought it to us right after our second son came home from the NICU. We couldn’t get enough of it, so I asked her for the recipe. The lettuce part is easily adaptable, so if you like cabbage or edamame in your Asian salad feel free to add it. The dressing is really what takes this salad to the next level.

Without further ado, check out the recipe below.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (1 1/2 lbs)
3-5 Tbs soy sauce

For the dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup cilantro leaves
3 Tbs rice wine vinegar
2 Tbs Asian sesame oil
2 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs sugar
1 Tbs fresh ginger, minced
pinch of cayenne

For the caramelized almonds:

1 Tbs butter
2/3 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup brown sugar

For the salad:

3 large Romaine hearts, chopped
3 carrots, grated (or buy pre-packaged shredded)
Chow mein noodles
Toasted sesame seeds (McCormick sells them already toasted)

 

Directions

Chicken:

1. Chop chicken into bite size pieces.
2. Place chopped chicken into heated skillet with soy sauce.
3. Saute chicken until cooked through and place on plate to cool.

Dressing:

1. Combine all ingredients into blender and puree until smooth.
2. Refrigerate dressing while you prepare the salad.

Caramelized Almonds:

1. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
2. Add almonds and saute until golden, about 2 minutes.
3. Add brown sugar and stir until melted and combined.
4. Spread on foil to cool and then break apart.

Salad:

1. Toss lettuce, carrots, and chicken with dressing to coat.
2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, Chow mein noodles, and caramelized almonds.

Hope your family enjoys this Asian Sesame Chicken Salad as much as mine!

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