After a long week of takeout, I found myself yearning for something fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. That’s when I decided to create this Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad, a dish that effortlessly combines my love for crunchy greens with the aromatic tones of ginger and sesame. Picture the crispness of fried wontons mingling with the juicy bursts of fresh oranges and creamy avocado – each bite is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes.
This salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Thanks to the tangy sesame dressing that ties everything together, it’s a recipe that can transform even the dullest of weeknights into something special. Perfectly versatile, it can serve as a wholesome lunch or a crowd-pleasing side at your next gathering. If you’re tired of the same old fast food routine and looking to treat yourself (and your palate) to something homemade and exciting, keep reading!
Why is Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad a must-try?
Freshness and Flavor: The vibrant layers of flavor in this salad will awaken your taste buds, making every bite a joyful experience.
Crunchy Wontons: The crispy fried wontons add an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and creamy avocado.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies, juicy oranges, and healthy fats, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence that won’t compromise your health goals.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have this meal ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to impress your family or guests and leave them wanting more.
Embrace a colorful and satisfying meal that can breathe new life into your home cooking. If you’re interested in more delightful ways to make salads shine, don’t forget to check out my guide on creating perfectly balanced salads!
Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad Ingredients
For the Dressing
- Sesame oil – adds a rich, nutty flavor that forms the base of your delicious dressing.
- Toasted sesame oil – boosts the depth of flavor, giving it a warm, roasted aroma.
- Honey – balances the salty and tangy elements with a touch of sweetness.
- Tamari or soy sauce – use tamari for a gluten-free option that enhances the overall umami.
- Rice vinegar – provides acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- Fresh grated ginger – infuses a zesty kick and invigorating taste to the dressing.
- Garlic, grated – lends aromatic warmth that complements the ginger perfectly.
- Orange zest – enhances the citrusy notes, tying in with the fresh orange slices.
For the Salad
- Wonton wrappers – transformed into crispy strips that add delightful crunch.
- Shredded cabbage – provides a fresh, crisp base that’s packed with nutrients.
- Shredded lettuce – offers a light texture, complementing the heartiness of the chicken.
- Cooked shredded chicken – a protein-packed addition that makes this salad satisfying.
- Slivered almonds or peanuts – add a nutty flavor and an extra crunch in every bite.
- Fresh orange slices – juicy bursts of sweetness that elevate the freshness of the salad.
- Avocados, sliced – introduce creamy richness that balances out the salad’s textures.
- Chopped green onions – impart a mild onion flavor that brightens every mouthful.
- Chili oil – optional, but a drizzle can elevate the heat for those who enjoy a kick!
Transform your meals with this Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad, a vibrant, healthier alternative to fast food!
How to Make Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad
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Mix the Dressing: In a glass jar or bowl, combine sesame oil, toasted sesame oil, honey, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh grated ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Shake or whisk until nice and smooth.
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Fry the Wontons: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced wonton wrappers and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they are deeply golden and crisp. Remove them and drain on paper towels; sprinkle with flaky salt for a delightful finish.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, lettuce, shredded chicken, slivered almonds, and fresh orange slices. Drizzle with half of your prepared dressing and gently toss until well-coated.
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Garnish and Serve: Carefully fold in the avocado slices, crispy wontons, and chopped green onions. If you like a bit of heat, add a drizzle of chili oil on top before serving.
Optional: Serve with extra dressing on the side for those who love a little extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crunch.
Freezer: While it’s not recommended to freeze the entire salad, you can freeze the cooked shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding to a fresh salad.
Reheating: If you have frozen chicken, reheat it gently in a skillet before adding to the salad to preserve its tenderness and flavor.
Avocados and Wontons: Avoid storing avocados and wontons in the fridge, as they may lose their freshness and crispness. Add them fresh just before serving.
Expert Tips for Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad
Balance the Flavors: Aim for a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and zesty in your dressing by adjusting honey and tamari quantities to taste.
Crispy Wontons: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding wontons; otherwise, they’ll absorb oil instead of crisping up.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but add avocados and wontons just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger and high-quality oils for the dressing to amplify the flavors in this Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad.
Serving Size: Don’t be shy to double this recipe; it makes for fantastic leftovers and is a hit during gatherings!
What to Serve with Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad?
Dive into a vibrant dining experience that complements every bite of this delightful salad.
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Crunchy Cucumber Salad: This light and refreshing side adds a crisp texture that balances the rich flavors of the salad.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa brings a wholesome, protein-packed element that enhances the meal without overshadowing the salad’s bright flavors.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Perfectly charred shrimp can provide a succulent, seafood contrast that elevates your dining experience.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup would harmonize with the ginger notes of the dressing, creating a comforting culinary trio.
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Toasted Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread provides the perfect vehicle for sopping up any leftover dressing. It’s a warm, comforting option alongside your meal.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Riesling complements the citrusy notes, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
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Chia Seed Pudding: For a light dessert, serve a creamy chia seed pudding topped with fresh fruits—sweet and satisfying without being heavy.
Each option offers a unique twist, enhancing the delightful experience of your Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad. Enjoy this bright meal with companions or make it a special treat for yourself!
Make Ahead Options
These Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad components are fantastic for meal prep, saving precious time during your busy week! You can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, chop and prep the veggies (shredded cabbage, lettuce, and green onions) a day ahead and store them in sealed bags to keep them crisp. When you’re ready to serve, just combine the salad ingredients and drizzle on the dressing. To maintain the freshness of the avocados, slice them just before serving to prevent browning. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious, homemade salad with minimal effort on busy nights!
Sesame Ginger Variations
Feeling creative in the kitchen? Let’s explore how to customize this delightful salad to your heart’s content!
- Vegan: Swap the honey for maple syrup and replace chicken with marinated tofu for a plant-based delight.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos in place of regular tamari for added flavor without the gluten.
- Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle red pepper flakes in the dressing to elevate the heat level.
- Mediterranean Twist: Replace oranges with diced tomatoes and add feta cheese for a refreshing Mediterranean take.
- Nuts Swap: If you’re a fan of different textures, try walnuts or cashews instead of almonds for a unique crunch.
- Fruit Flavor Boost: Mix in sliced strawberries or mango for a sweet and tangy flavor explosion.
- Texture Variety: Incorporate crunchy bell peppers or shredded carrots for an extra layer of color and crispness.
- Creamy Dressing: Blend in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter or tahini for a rich, nutty dressing alternative.
With these variations, your Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad can shine in endless ways, ensuring every bite is a new discovery!
Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe avocados for this salad?
Selecting ripe avocados is crucial for a delightful salad experience! Look for avocados that yield slightly when pressed gently; this indicates they’re ripe and ready to eat. Avoid those with dark spots all over, as they may be overripe. If they’re firm, you can leave them at room temperature for a few days to ripen.
How do I store leftovers of the Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Store any leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To keep everything fresh, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again. This helps maintain the crunchiness of ingredients like the wontons and avocados!
Can I freeze any part of the Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad?
Yes! While I don’t recommend freezing the entire salad due to freshness concerns, you can freeze cooked shredded chicken for up to 3 months. To do this, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag, removing all air before sealing. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and gently reheat it in a skillet before assembling your salad.
What if my dressing is too salty or too sweet?
Very! If you find your dressing is too salty, try adding a little more honey or rice vinegar to balance the flavors. Start with a teaspoon of either and taste as you go. If it’s too sweet, a splash of tamari or soy sauce can help counter that. Mixing is key here—just whisk until you achieve the perfect balance!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you or your guests have a soy allergy, choose a gluten-free tamari for the dressing. For nut allergies, you can skip the almonds or peanuts and use sunflower seeds instead for that delightful crunch. Additionally, if you’re considering serving this salad to your pets, it’s best to avoid giving them ingredients like garlic and onions, as they can be harmful to them.
How can I ensure my wontons are perfectly crispy?
To achieve those perfectly crispy wonton strips, make sure your avocado oil is hot before adding the strips. Heat the oil over medium heat, and carefully place the wontons in without overcrowding them. Fry until they’re golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes, then drain on paper towels and sprinkle with flaky salt. Avoiding too many at once keeps them from absorbing oil and helps maintain that coveted crunch!
Zesty Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a glass jar or bowl, combine sesame oil, toasted sesame oil, honey, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh grated ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Shake or whisk until nice and smooth.
- Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced wonton wrappers and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they are deeply golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels; sprinkle with flaky salt.
- In a large salad bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, lettuce, shredded chicken, slivered almonds, and fresh orange slices. Drizzle with half of your dressing and gently toss.
- Carefully fold in the avocado slices, crispy wontons, and chopped green onions. Drizzle with chili oil, if desired, before serving.