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Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad

Delicious Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad for Healthy Cravings

This Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad is a delightful and healthy twist on the classic, perfect for satisfying cravings while keeping it Paleo.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • ¼ cup coconut aminos or soy sauce if not strictly Paleo
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or any neutral oil except sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil omit for lighter taste
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger fresh best, ground works in pinch
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder fresh onions can be substituted
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
Salad
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • ½ cup diced green onions or finely diced red onion
  • 2 cups green cabbage Napa or red cabbage can also be used
  • 2 cups red cabbage or additional green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded or matchstick carrots use pre-shredded for convenience
  • ½ cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for nut-free option
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges or fresh orange segments
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro or substitute with parsley
  • black and white sesame seeds optional garnish

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • large skillet
  • Sharp Knife
  • Serving Bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons avocado oil. Add 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well mixed and glossy, then set aside.
  2. Place 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag. Pour 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared dressing over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag, and massage the dressing into the chicken. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Once cooled, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of shredded green cabbage, 2 cups of shredded red cabbage, 1 cup of shredded or matchstick carrots, ½ cup of diced green onions, 1 cup of mandarin oranges, and ½ cup of sliced almonds. Toss to combine.
  6. Add the chopped chicken to the vegetable mix and drizzle with remaining dressing. Toss gently until well mixed.
  7. Transfer to a serving bowl or plate individually, garnishing with black and white sesame seeds and cilantro leaves if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1saladCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, add the dressing right before serving. Marinate the chicken longer for a deeper flavor.

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