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Fresh Asian Sesame Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges

fresh asian sesame chicken salad - featured image
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A vibrant and healthy salad featuring grilled chicken, fresh greens, mandarin oranges, and a tangy homemade sesame dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix with baby spinach and arugula preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage (70 g)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots (110 g)
  • 1 cup mandarin orange segments (150 g), canned or fresh
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil.
  3. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (12-14 minutes total) until fully cooked and juices run clear; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  4. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  5. Rinse and dry mixed greens thoroughly.
  6. Shred red cabbage and carrots finely.
  7. Thinly slice green onions and chop fresh herbs if using.
  8. Drain mandarin orange segments if using canned.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently.
  11. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and mandarin oranges.
  12. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
  13. Add sliced chicken on top.
  14. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped herbs over the salad.
  15. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Notes

Keep dressing and mandarin oranges separate until serving to prevent soggy greens. Let chicken rest after cooking for juicy, tender slices. Toast sesame seeds to enhance nuttiness. Adjust dressing sweetness and tanginess to taste. For vegan option, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian chicken salad, sesame chicken salad, mandarin orange salad, healthy lunch, quick salad recipe, gluten-free salad, sesame dressing

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/fresh-asian-sesame-chicken-salad-with-mandarin-oranges-easy-recipe-for-healthy-lunch/