Orange Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that packs a punch of flavor and texture, you’re going to love this Orange Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s bright, healthy, and downright addictive — a perfect combo of juicy orange segments, toasted nuts, tender chicken, and a zingy dressing that ties it all together beautifully. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Orange Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe balances bold and subtle tastes—fresh citrus plays with nutty sesame and savory chicken, all lifted up by the vibrant ginger-maple dressing. When you shop, seek out firm, ripe oranges and fresh ginger for best results.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
• Green Cabbage: Adds a satisfying crunch and holds the dressing well without getting soggy.
• Oranges: Segment them right before mixing so they stay juicy and fresh.
• Avocado: Brings creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the crisp cabbage.
• Green Onions: A mild onion flavor that lifts the salad with a bit of bite.
• Cilantro: Adds fresh herbal notes that brighten every forkful.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic & Onion Powder: Build layers of savory flavor on the chicken.
• Slivered Almonds & Sesame Seeds: Toasted to amplify their nutty crunch — don’t skip this step!
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken, adds richness without overpowering.
• Sesame Oil: Essential for that authentic toasted sesame aroma in the dressing.
• Maple Syrup: Gives a gentle sweetness to balance the tang and saltiness.
• Soy Sauce & Rice Wine Vinegar: Provide umami depth and bright acidity.
• Fresh Ginger, Orange Zest & Juice: Pack a zesty punch that ties the whole salad together.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I’ve found this Orange Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to your taste or what you have on hand. For example, I sometimes swap out almonds for cashews if I’m craving something a bit creamier.

• Variation: Try grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist that’s just as delicious.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and double up on nuts and avocado to keep the protein content balanced.
• Add Some Heat: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili if you like your salad with a kick—I’ve done that on chilly days for an extra wake-up call.
• Seasonal Tweaks: Swap oranges for grapefruit in winter or add sliced radishes for a peppery crunch in spring.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Orange Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in a bowl with garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper—make sure each piece is nicely coated. Then heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium, and add your chicken pieces. I usually cook mine for 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside. Keep the heat medium to avoid drying them out — juicy chicken is key to this salad’s texture!

Step 2: Whip Up That Flavor-Packed Dressing

While your chicken cooks, mix together the sesame oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, orange zest, and orange juice in a bowl. This dressing is where the magic happens, balancing sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes all at once. Whisk it well and set aside—you’ll want to toss everything in it right before serving.

Step 3: Toss Together the Salad

Grab a large salad bowl and layer in the shredded cabbage, cooked chicken, segmented oranges, diced avocado, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, toasted slivered almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. Pour your dressing over the top and give everything a good toss so that every bite is bursting with flavor and has a lovely mix of textures.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish it off with extra toasted almonds and sesame seeds sprinkled on top for flair and crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy that crisp freshness, or chill it briefly if you like your salad cold. But heads up—if you let it sit too long, the cabbage might soften a bit, which is fine if you prefer a more tender bite.

How to Serve Orange Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish with a few extra toasted slivered almonds and sesame seeds for crunch and a little pop of color. Sometimes I throw on a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions to brighten the plate visually and add fresh herbal notes.

Side Dishes

This salad stands up beautifully as a complete meal, but I also love pairing it with simple jasmine rice or warm miso soup when I want something heartier. It’s also a fantastic side to grilled fish or Asian-inspired noodle bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes serve this salad in individual lettuce cups or atop crispy wonton chips for a fun, crunchy appetizer. You can also present it layered in a clear glass bowl to show off all the vibrant colors—always sparks compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge but keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess. When ready to eat, just toss everything together again to refresh the textures and flavors.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze this salad because fresh citrus and avocado don’t freeze well, and cabbage loses its crunch. If you want to prep in advance, keep the cooked chicken frozen and assemble the salad fresh.

Reheating

The chicken reheats nicely in a quick sauté or microwave zap, but I recommend adding it back to the salad at room temperature or slightly warm to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Orange Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something bright, satisfying, and effortless. It’s the kind of salad you can feel good about eating but never feel like you’re sacrificing taste or excitement. Give it a try—I’m confident you’ll keep it in regular rotation, especially when you want a fresh twist on chicken salad. And hey, don’t be shy about making it your own!

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