Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad

Welcome to a culinary journey that brings together vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and effortless preparation. This Asian Chicken Salad is designed to be quick and easy to assemble, featuring a delightful mix of crisp, colorful vegetables and succulent, perfectly grilled chicken. Paired with a homemade, tangy, and irresistibly delicious Asian-style vinaigrette, this meal is a guaranteed hit for the entire family – yes, even the pickiest eaters!

A vibrant Asian Chicken Salad served in a white bowl, ready to be enjoyed with a fork.
A close-up of our delicious Asian Chicken Salad, highlighting its fresh ingredients.

Irresistible Asian Chicken Salad: A Family Favorite

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and NatureRaised Farms, but all opinions expressed are my own. #pmedia #SCNRF Disclosure

Let’s talk about salad. Personally, I could enjoy a fresh, crisp salad in countless variations every single day without ever growing tired of it. My family, however, isn’t always as enthusiastic. While they do eat it, I know it’s not their top choice for dinner. In fact, my youngest, Abby, often articulates her preference quite clearly: “No salad for dinner, just chicken!” Her honesty is undeniably cute, yet it presents a fun challenge for me in the kitchen.

To be completely transparent, chicken is a staple in our household. We prepare it in various forms, easily three to four nights a week. My husband, Brian, favors chicken over most other meats and proteins, and I appreciate its incredible versatility. As the Phoenix weather warms up, our grill becomes our best friend, making us crave lighter meals, especially salads. There’s nothing worse than heavy food or a hot kitchen when temperatures soar!

The beauty of this Asian Chicken Salad lies in its ability to marry the lean protein my family loves with a medley of fresh vegetables, all without heating up the entire house. It’s the perfect solution for a refreshing yet satisfying meal, embodying everything we look for in warm-weather dining: light, flavorful, and easy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a vibrant addition to a weekend gathering, this salad delivers on all fronts, proving that healthy eating can indeed be exciting and appealing to everyone.

Fresh ingredients laid out for Asian Chicken Salad preparation.
Preparing fresh vegetables for a wholesome salad.

Our Discovery: Quality Chicken for Healthier Choices

During a recent trip to Sam’s Club, where we were picking up supplies for a weekend BBQ, I stumbled upon a product in the freezer section that immediately caught my eye: NatureRaised Farms® Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Portions. I’m always keen to try new items, especially those that promise quality and align with our family’s health goals. Have you spotted it at your local Sam’s Club yet?

What truly solidified my interest in NatureRaised Farms chicken was learning about their commitment to natural, responsible farming practices. It’s 100% natural* – meaning no artificial ingredients and only minimally processed. More importantly, it’s raised with no antibiotics, and federal regulations prohibit the use of added hormones or steroids in chicken, which is a significant factor for us. The chickens are fed a 100% vegetarian diet and are bred through natural selection, emphasizing traditional methods over genetic modification. Furthermore, knowing that these chickens are raised in modern, open barns with excellent ventilation and provided a safe haven during inclement weather gives me immense peace of mind. As a parent, making better, informed choices about the food we consume is paramount. It’s comforting to know the origin and processing of what’s on our plates.

Packaged NatureRaised Farms chicken breasts, ready for cooking.
The quality chicken that makes this salad extraordinary.

Although the chicken wasn’t on our original BBQ shopping list, I decided to purchase a bag of NatureRaised Farms® Chicken with a clear mission: to “sneak in” a delicious and healthy salad for dinner that week. I had been craving a sweet and savory dish, and knowing how much my family enjoys my Asian marinated grilled chicken, an Asian-style salad seemed like the most logical and appealing choice. My goal was simple: get my family, including Abby and Brian, excited about salad night!

Crafting the Perfect Family-Friendly Asian Chicken Salad

Incorporating salads into our weekly menu is a constant effort to encourage healthier eating habits within my family. These dishes are fantastic because they’re packed with colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables and lean protein options. Using lean meats like NatureRaised Farms Chicken allows me to feel even better about our food choices, thanks to their transparent and responsible raising and processing methods. While my kids might occasionally grumble about the abundance of veggies, topping their plates with tender, flavorful grilled chicken makes the entire meal much more appealing and ensures they get a balanced, wholesome dinner.

To win over my kiddos, and even Brian, to the idea of a salad for dinner, I focused on incorporating that irresistible “sweet” element I knew they would adore, all while maintaining the dish’s healthy profile. The star of the show is undeniably the tender, marinated grilled chicken, infused with a rich, savory Asian marinade. Complementing this is a homemade, sweet Asian vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together, alongside the delightful addition of juicy mandarin oranges. These elements transform a simple salad into a truly “rocking dish” – bursting with flavor and texture. And did I mention how incredibly quick and easy it is to prepare? It’s a win-win for busy weeknights and discerning palates.

I’m thrilled to report that my Asian Chicken Salad was a resounding success! Both the kids and Brian gave it their seal of approval. Though, I must confess, Brian did discreetly skip the mandarin oranges. It seems getting the husband to embrace fruit will be our next culinary conquest! 😉

Close-up of grilled chicken strips for the salad.
Perfectly grilled chicken, ready to be added to the salad.
Fresh mandarin orange segments, a sweet addition.
Sweet mandarin oranges add a burst of flavor.
A variety of fresh, chopped vegetables for the salad.
Crisp and colorful vegetables make up the base of this healthy meal.

For your next family meal, be sure to head to the freezer section of your local Sam’s Club and pick up NatureRaised Farms® Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Portions. Experience the difference that high-quality, naturally raised chicken can make in your dishes. For more delicious recipes, special offers, and the latest news, connect with NatureRaised Farms on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.

Looking for more healthy and delicious salad ideas? Check out these other posts you may enjoy:

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Steak and Blue Cheese Salad

Fiesta Lime Shrimp Salad
A zesty and fresh shrimp salad.

Fiesta Lime Shrimp Salad

Peach & Raspberry Chicken Salad
A delightful fruity chicken salad.

Peach & Raspberry Chicken Salad

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Asian Chicken Salad in a white bowl with a fork.
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Servings:

4
servings

Asian Chicken Salad

By
Jamie Sherman
This Asian Chicken Salad is quick and easy to put together using fresh, crunchy veggies and tender grilled chicken! Serve it with a tangy and delicious Asian-style vinaigrette for a meal the entire family will love – yes, even the kiddos!
Prep:

8 hours

Cook:

20 minutes

Total:

8 hours

20 minutes

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Ingredients

For the chicken

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 4 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 NatureRaised Farms® Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Portions

For the salad

  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup snow peas, chopped
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds
  • 3 – 4 fresh Mandarin oranges, peeled and divided into segments (or substitute 1 can (15 oz.) Mandarin oranges in water, drained)

For the vinaigrette

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic. Place chicken in a shallow dish and pour the soy sauce mixture over the top. Cover and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Drain and discard the marinade. Lightly oil grill grate. Cook chicken on the prepared grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from grill and allow to rest while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  3. Arrange and divide the salad ingredients (romaine, cabbage, carrot, snow peas, slivered almonds, mandarin oranges) on individual plates.
  4. Prepare the vinaigrette by combining all of the ingredients (olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ground ginger, minced garlic) in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
  5. Cut the rested chicken into strips or cubes and place on top of the arranged salad greens and vegetables.
  6. To serve, generously drizzle each salad with the prepared Asian vinaigrette. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • Using fresh or canned mandarins will slightly change the taste and texture of the salad, so feel free to experiment to see which you prefer for your ideal flavor profile.
  • For an extra crunch, consider toasting the slivered almonds lightly before adding them to the salad.
  • This salad is excellent for meal prep! Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.

Nutrition

Per serving (approximately):

  • Calories: 558kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01g
  • Cholesterol: 72mg
  • Sodium: 1489mg
  • Potassium: 1297mg
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Vitamin A: 18831IU
  • Vitamin C: 86mg
  • Calcium: 137mg
  • Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.


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We’d love to hear how this Asian Chicken Salad became a hit in your home! Your comments and ratings help other home cooks discover delicious new meals.

*No artificial ingredients, minimally processed
**Federal regulations prohibit the use of added hormones or steroids in chicken