Name: Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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); 1/3 cup toasted sesame oil; 1/3 cup rice vinegar; 2 Tbsp. honey; 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy lunch that surprises your taste buds and fills you up with wholesome goodness, the Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad Recipe is just what you need. This colorful salad brings together tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, protein-packed chickpeas, and a lively sesame-ginger dressing that ties everything together with a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Perfect for make-ahead meal prep or a quick weekday lunch, this dish is truly a delightful way to enjoy fresh ingredients while keeping things simple yet satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small pieces of cooked white meat with golden brown grilled marks scattered on a round wooden cutting board. The meat pieces have a lightly textured surface with some black pepper seasoning visible. The cutting board has natural wood grain lines and knots, placed on a background with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from the protein-packed chicken to the crunchy cashews and zingy dressing, creating a medley of flavors and textures that make this salad extraordinary.

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken for the best taste or use rotisserie chicken to save cooking time without losing flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly and enhancing all the other ingredients.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a hint of richness to the chicken when searing and keeps it moist.
2 to 3 cups shredded or finely chopped cabbage: Provides a crisp, refreshing base with vibrant color; red or green cabbage works beautifully.
1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained: Offers hearty protein and a creamy texture that balances the crunch.
1 cup matchstick (shredded) carrots: Adds sweetness and bright orange color for visual appeal.
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion (scallions): Brings a sharp, fresh flavor that elevates the whole salad.
1/2 cup roasted, salted cashews, roughly chopped: Gives an irresistible crunch and a subtle nutty richness.
Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for an additional nutty crunch and elegant finish.

How to Make Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if you like an extra layer of flavor. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sear it in a warm skillet over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Aim for that internal temperature of 165ºF for perfect doneness. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest while you prepare the rest of the salad. This resting time helps the chicken stay juicy and tender when chopped up later.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sesame-Ginger Dressing

In a large measuring cup or glass jar, combine toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced fresh ginger, and kosher salt. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is smooth and fragrant. This simple yet flavorful blend is what makes the Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad Recipe stand out. The toasted sesame oil gives a deep, nutty character, while the honey and vinegar balance sweet and tangy notes beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Components

In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, drained chickpeas, matchstick carrots, finely chopped green onions, and chopped roasted cashews. Season lightly with a pinch of kosher salt to start building layers of flavor. Chop the rested chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Finally, pour the sesame-ginger dressing over everything and toss well to combine all those vibrant ingredients. This tossing ensures every bite is perfectly coated and bursting with taste.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad Recipe

A large wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad showing pieces of cooked chicken, bright orange carrot sticks, chopped purple cabbage, light beige chickpeas, chopped green onions, and cashew nuts scattered on top. A wooden spoon is resting inside the bowl, partially submerged in the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth with black stripes in the background and a small white bowl filled with cashews to the top right. The textures show the softness of the chicken, crunchiness of the vegetables, and nuttiness of the cashews, all mixed well together photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really take this salad over the top, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. They add an elegant touch and enhance the nutty aroma that carries through the dish. You can also add a few fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime for a bright, fresh finish.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs nicely with many light sides. Serve it alongside some steamed jasmine rice or a warm pita for a more filling meal. Alternatively, a side of miso soup or edamame beans works perfectly if you want to keep things fresh and Asian-inspired.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad inside crunchy lettuce cups for a hands-on lunch experience. You can also pack it in a mason jar for easy portable lunches, layering the dressing at the bottom and tossing it just before eating. Another idea is to use the salad as a filling for hearty wraps or sandwiches, adding extra crunch and flavor on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad Recipe holds up beautifully as leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it an excellent salad to prepare ahead of busy days.

Freezing

Because this salad contains fresh vegetables and a delicate dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the cabbage and cashews will suffer, and the dressing might separate once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy this salad warm, reheat the cooked chicken separately in a skillet or microwave and then mix it into the salad just before serving. Keeping the salad elements chilled preserves the crispness and prevents wilting, so only warm the chicken portion.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds great flavor, making the Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad Recipe even easier to prepare.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep? How long does it keep?

This salad is perfect for meal prep because the flavors meld beautifully after a few hours. Store it in the fridge for up to three days, and give it a quick toss before eating to refresh the dressing.

Can I substitute cashews with another nut?

Yes, you can replace cashews with almonds, peanuts, or walnuts depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that each nut will bring a slightly different flavor and texture.

What makes the sesame-ginger dressing special?

The combination of toasted sesame oil with fresh ginger, honey, and rice vinegar creates a dressing that is both nutty and bright, perfectly complementing the crunchy vegetables and tender chicken in the salad.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Sure! Simply omit the chicken and add extra chickpeas or tofu for protein. The salad will stay just as delicious and filling while keeping it vegetarian friendly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad Recipe enough, especially if you love meals that are flavorful, nutritious, and easy to make ahead. Each bite feels fresh and satisfying, and the balance of textures and tastes will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try and see how quickly this salad becomes one of your favorites!

Sesame Chicken and Chickpea Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need