Description

This Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish perfect for meal prep or a light, flavorful lunch. Tender seared chicken pairs with crunchy cabbage, protein-rich chickpeas, and a bright, tangy homemade sesame dressing to create a balanced and satisfying salad with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Extra-virgin olive oil for cooking

Salad

2 to 3 cups shredded or finely chopped cabbage (red or green) or coleslaw mix
1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup matchstick (shredded) carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion (scallions)
1/2 cup roasted, salted cashews, roughly chopped
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Dressing

1/3 cup toasted sesame oil
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and optionally garlic powder. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest on a plate or cutting board while you prepare the salad.
Make the dressing: In a large measuring cup or glass jar, combine toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced fresh ginger, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, rinsed chickpeas, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and chopped roasted salted cashews. Add a pinch of kosher salt to season. Cut the rested chicken into small bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl as well.
Toss the salad: Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are coated evenly with the dressing.
Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for added crunch and visual appeal. This salad is best served after resting for 1 to 2 hours to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

Notes

This salad is ideal for meal prep and tastes best when made 1 to 2 hours ahead to allow flavors to meld.
Rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient shortcut instead of cooking chicken breasts.
You can substitute red cabbage, green cabbage, or a coleslaw mix based on your preference.
For a nut-free version, omit cashews and garnish with extra sesame seeds or sliced almonds.
Adjust honey in the dressing according to taste preference for sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: sesame chicken salad, chickpea salad, healthy chicken salad, meal prep salad, easy dinner salad, Asian-inspired salad, sesame dressing