Rating: 3.75
(104)

Sesame Ginger Grilled Chicken Salad

August 9, 2023

When you’re craving something healthy but far from boring, a Sesame Ginger Grilled Chicken Salad delivers. This vibrant dish combines juicy grilled chicken marinated in a savory sesame ginger sauce with crisp vegetables and a light, tangy dressing. It’s the kind of salad that feels satisfying and refreshing at the same time, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

The magic begins with the marinade. A blend of sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of honey gives the chicken a deep, savory flavor with just the right hint of sweetness. After soaking in this flavorful mixture, the chicken is grilled to perfection, charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. Once cooked, it’s sliced thin and added warm or chilled over a bed of greens.

The salad base is equally important. A mix of crisp romaine, shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumber provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant color. These ingredients are not only refreshing but also hold up well against the warm chicken and dressing, keeping the texture balanced and enjoyable.

What ties it all together is the sesame ginger dressing. A light version of the marinade, this dressing includes rice vinegar for tang, a little extra sesame oil for richness, and fresh ginger for that signature zing. It’s drizzled generously over the salad, soaking into the greens and coating every bite with flavor.

To finish, a handful of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions add texture and brightness. For extra crunch, you can toss in a few wonton strips or roasted peanuts. These little details elevate the salad and make it feel like more than just a healthy meal—they make it memorable.

The Sesame Ginger Grilled Chicken Salad is more than just a simple salad. It’s a flavorful, nourishing dish that balances protein, fresh vegetables, and bold Asian-inspired flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving guests, this salad brings freshness and satisfaction to the table without ever feeling heavy.

Sesame Ginger Grilled Chicken Salad
Sesame Ginger Grilled Chicken Salad
3.75 from 104 votes
A refreshing and healthy salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber thinly sliced
  • 2 Green onions sliced
  • 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens, red bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions.
  • Top the salad with the grilled chicken slices and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
  • Serve with the sesame ginger dressing on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 40gFat: 12gFiber: 4g
Calories: 320kcal
Meal Type: Salad
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: chinese cuisine, Grilled Chicken, salad recipes
Cooking Method: Grilled
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar Wellington Yueh says:

    3 stars
    Whole recipe seems hard. I just want somthing easy to make. Also, where’s the avocado???

    1. 4 stars
      I get it, the recipe does look kind of complicated. But it’s actually not that hard once you get the hang of it! As for the avocado, maybe you could add some? It would taste great with this salad.

    2. User avatar walker.williamson76 says:

      3 stars
      This recipe is easy peasy! Just follow the steps. And avocado ain’t in the recipe because it’s sesame chicken salad, not guacamole salad! 😄

  2. User avatar romeo.harvey44 says:

    1 star
    Chicken was super dry. Didn’t enjoy it. Guess I should’ve marinated longer???

  3. User avatar dorthy.sanford says:

    3 stars
    I thought it was alright, but too much soy sauce for my taste.

    1. User avatar janeen.kovacek31 says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree! Too much soy can really overpower the other flavors. Maybe next time try reducing it a bit!

    2. 3 stars
      I like soy sauce but less is better! This recipe sounds good tho, might try it with less soy!

  4. User avatar Darron Nitzsche says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, I didn’t really like the sauce. It was too salty for me.

  5. 5 stars
    My version included some avocado and it was bomb! Definitely will make it again.

    1. 5 stars
      Avocado sounds great! I never thought to add it to a salad like this. I’ll have to try it next time!

    2. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

      2 stars
      Umm, avocado? Isn’t that too creamy for a salad with ginger? I don’t know about that.

  6. User avatar lyman.bogisich54 says:

    5 stars
    LOVED IT! Even my husband who hates salads liked it. Thank you!

  7. User avatar Vladimir Harkonnen says:

    2 stars
    Sounds fancy, but I don’t trust chicken recipes. They always come out dry for me.

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get it! Chicken can be tricky, but this marinade sounds like it could help keep it juicy. Give it a shot! 🤞

  8. User avatar mandi.rolfson63 says:

    5 stars
    I used chicken thighs instead and it was juicy. Very filling! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  9. User avatar horace.kshlerin1951 says:

    5 stars
    Easy to make and the flavors blend really well! Will definitely make again.

  10. User avatar justin.schamberger says:

    5 stars
    YUMMY!!! Best salad I’ve had in a while. Perfect for summer barbecues. Thanks!

    1. User avatar Mayor Dotour says:

      5 stars
      So glad you liked it! It really is a hit for summer gatherings!

  11. 5 stars
    Sounds fancy! Will be impressing my friends with this dish. 😁

  12. 3 stars
    Chicken was a bit dry for my taste. Maybe next time I should reduce grilling time.

  13. User avatar earlene.nolan18 says:

    3 stars
    Sesame oil? Isn’t that for like, Asian stir fry? Not chicken salad! 🤔

  14. User avatar laure.kessler says:

    1 star
    This is too complicated for me. Who has time to grill? Just put everything in a bowl and mix it.

  15. User avatar Questular Rontok says:

    5 stars
    sooo good 🌱😍

  16. User avatar randall.skiles1976 says:

    5 stars
    So easy to make! I wasn’t even sure about the ginger, but it was really good. Thx for sharing!

  17. User avatar stacee.luettgen84 says:

    2 stars
    Too much sesame oil in my opinion. It overpowered everything. Didn’t like it much.

  18. User avatar garret.ankunding87 says:

    1 star
    Messed up on the marinade and it burned, now it’s like charcoal 🙁 ⭐

  19. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    This salad was amazing! The chicken was so flavorful. Can’t believe how easy it was to make.

  20. 2 stars
    Ehh, just ok. I prefer a different type of salad dressing. Maybe I did something wrong.

  21. 4 stars
    I was skeptical about the combo of ginger and sesame, but this recipe really worked. I’ll be making it again!

    1. User avatar The Allitnils says:

      5 stars
      I know, right? Ginger and sesame are like best friends! Glad you liked it!

  22. User avatar laverne.wilkinson46 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know, it just seemed kinda bland to me. I thought it would be better…

  23. User avatar genesis.swift5 says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about the ginger, but it actually complemented the chicken well. Good recipe!

  24. 3 stars
    Yummy! 😋 But is it healthy? I heard chicken is bad for you?!

  25. User avatar sergio.veum2024 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Just Yum!! My friends asked for the recipe!

  26. User avatar deb.stamm says:

    5 stars
    This salad is amazing! The ginger really makes it pop!

  27. User avatar vance.schuster13 says:

    4 stars
    Who knew grilled chicken could taste this good! I’m a believer now!

  28. User avatar marla.ledner51 says:

    2 stars
    Chicken was dry, didn’t grill well. Maybe I messed up? Not sure.

  29. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! So fresh and tasty, loved it!

    1. User avatar tomas.krajcik76 says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but I’ve never been a fan of sesame oil. Can you use olive oil instead?

    2. User avatar brice.lockman61 says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear that! This salad is one of my favorites too! The flavors are just perfect together.

  30. User avatar Dro'marash says:

    4 stars
    Simple and healthy! Why is everyone saying it’s too hard? Just follow the steps!

  31. User avatar joe_banana says:

    4 stars
    I made this for my husband, he loved it. I used less honey because we’re trying to eat healthy.

  32. User avatar Hillman Hunter says:

    5 stars
    I made this for a picnic and it was gone in minutes! Everyone loved it! 👍👍👍 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    1. User avatar mathWizard says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome to hear! I always love when a dish is a hit at gatherings. What else did you bring? 😊

  33. User avatar jann.dooley18 says:

    5 stars
    Wow, this salad was a hit! The marinade is perfect, so flavorful! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    1. 2 stars
      I don’t know, seems like too many ingredients for a salad. Can’t just use ranch instead?

    2. User avatar Kenney C. Strait says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you loved it! The marinade is the best part. Did you make any changes?

  34. User avatar glenn.ward2007 says:

    5 stars
    This salad is amazing! The sesame dressing really takes it to the next level. My family loved it!

    1. 5 stars
      Totally agree! That dressing is bomb! 🍴

  35. 4 stars
    Yum! I added avocados and a bit of sriracha for some kick. Never going back!

  36. User avatar glady.kozey44 says:

    2 stars
    I tried this and my kids wouldn’t eat it. Maybe too healthy?

  37. User avatar jayson.kuhlman51 says:

    4 stars
    I wasn’t sure about the ginger, but it actually worked well with the chicken. Surprised me! I’ll make it again.

    1. User avatar clint.dickinson27 says:

      5 stars
      I always thought ginger was for sweets, but this sounds tasty! I gotta try it with chicken now.

  38. 1 star
    Where’s the chicken in the salad? I thought it was a soup. Disappointed.

  39. User avatar elliot.crist32 says:

    4 stars
    Yummy, but I forgot the sesame seeds! Still tasted good.

  40. User avatar elinor.block says:

    3 stars
    Pretty good! But a little too much soy sauce for my taste. Will try less next time. ⭐⭐⭐

  41. User avatar lonny.macejkovic1976 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! But, I substituted grilled shrimp instead. Amazing too!!

    1. User avatar lyle.shields8 says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I’ve never tried shrimp in a salad before. I’ll give it a shot next time.

    2. User avatar Chas Goyette says:

      2 stars
      Grilled shrimp? Huh, that’s kinda different. Not sure it would taste as good, chicken is the main part after all.

  42. User avatar ludivina.runte76 says:

    5 stars
    This salad was amazing! The flavors are so vibrant and fresh!

  43. User avatar gail.batz2016 says:

    5 stars
    Yummy dish. My kids loved it! I added more veggies because we like crunch!

  44. User avatar dorsey.brakus3 says:

    3 stars
    Yummy but the dressing was too strong for my taste. Next time, less soy sauce!

  45. 2 stars
    I don’t think this is healthy. Chicken is good, but too much oil. Not sure I’ll make it again.

  46. 3 stars
    Not bad, but I feel like it needed something more. Maybe add some avocado?

  47. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    3 stars
    Honestly, who even eats salad? I’d rather have pizza any day. But, my wife loved it!

  48. User avatar jack.sawayn28 says:

    3 stars
    Pretty good, but I think it could use a little kick. Maybe some chili flakes?

  49. User avatar coy.gislason says:

    3 stars
    Wasn’t sure if I was doing it right but it turned out good! A bit spicy tho!

  50. User avatar clair.ziemann says:

    5 stars
    So good!! 10/10 would eat again!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! This salad sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it myself!

  51. 4 stars
    Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling? Don’t have a grill.

  52. User avatar ellie.stanton says:

    3 stars
    Can I use olive oil instead of sesame oil? Didn’t have any…

    1. User avatar adah.zulauf1964 says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, you can use olive oil! It’ll change the flavor a bit, but it should still taste good.

  53. 5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I loved the marinade. Will definitely make again!

  54. User avatar mee.rolfson says:

    4 stars
    Couldn’t find rice vinegar, so I used white vinegar. Oops. Still good tho!

    1. User avatar gerry.mayert89 says:

      4 stars
      White vinegar? Really? I guess it works, but rice vinegar has a whole different flavor! Glad you liked it anyway.

  55. User avatar keila.thompson84 says:

    3 stars
    Great salad, but I accidentally used balsamic instead of rice vinegar! Still tasted good.

  56. 5 stars
    Yum! The ginger and sesame combo is perfect! I added some chili flakes for kick.

  57. User avatar Draugr Scourge says:

    1 star
    Grilled chicken doesn’t belong in salad. Made it, and I’m still hungry after!

  58. User avatar dolores.johnston1 says:

    2 stars
    I dunno about mixing chicken with salad. Isn’t that weird? I’m skeptical. ⭐⭐

    1. 4 stars
      I used to think that too, but it’s actually really tasty! The flavors together are awesome. You should give it a try! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    2. 2 stars
      Nah, it sounds like a weird combo. Just can’t see chicken in a salad, just not my thing. ⭐⭐

  59. User avatar star.deckow1974 says:

    4 stars
    My kids loved this salad! Even the picky eater went for seconds. Yay!

  60. 4 stars
    Don’t forget to squeeze some lemon on top, it makes it even better! 🍋

    1. User avatar aron.luettgen38 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! Lemon does add a nice zesty touch to any dish. 🍋 Can’t wait to try it!

  61. User avatar cortez.bernier2024 says:

    2 stars
    Too much soy sauce for my taste, and I think it made the chicken tough. Not a fan.

    1. 4 stars
      I think the soy sauce is just fine! It adds a nice flavor to the chicken. Maybe try less next time, but I love it!

    2. User avatar geoWizard says:

      3 stars
      Nah, I like how this recipe has a lotta flavor. Chicken tough? Just grill it right!

  62. User avatar iluminada.rippin2019 says:

    3 stars
    So, do I grill the chicken breast with skin or without? I always mess that up 😅.

  63. 2 stars
    Uh, I don’t get how grilled chicken can be that great? It’s just chicken.

  64. User avatar toshia.wisoky2012 says:

    5 stars
    Best recipe ever! I added some avocado cause why not 🙂

    1. User avatar sherron.stracke73 says:

      3 stars
      Not sure if avocados fit in this dish, but hey, whatever makes you happy! Enjoy your salad!

    2. User avatar toney.hane54 says:

      5 stars
      Avocado sounds like a great addition! I bet it adds a creamy texture. Can’t wait to try it!

  65. User avatar nigel.ward38 says:

    4 stars
    Quick question, can I use other meats instead of chicken? Like fish or beef?

    1. User avatar tanisha.heller1986 says:

      5 stars
      Absolutely! You can use other meats like beef or fish, though the flavor will be a bit different. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

  66. 4 stars
    Easy to follow recipe. My kids even ate the salad!

  67. User avatar len.herman44 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make and my kids ate it all! Will definitely make again!

  68. User avatar Rob McKenna says:

    5 stars
    Simply delish! Will make again for my family, they loved it.

    1. User avatar alvin.hintz51 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you loved it! It’s definitely a family favorite for us too. Enjoy your next meal!

  69. User avatar many.langworth1984 says:

    4 stars
    This is easy peasy! My kids even ate it! Big win for me! 🌟⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  70. User avatar nobuko.kozey85 says:

    2 stars
    Why do you need honey in a salad? Seems weird to me.

    1. User avatar stefany.cummings says:

      5 stars
      Honey adds a nice sweetness that balances the flavors! Trust me, it works!

  71. User avatar Fannie Gibson says:

    3 stars
    Too much soy sauce for my liking. I had to dilute it. Next time I’ll use less.

  72. User avatar lemuel.witting1996 says:

    5 stars
    This salad is absolutely amazing! The sesame ginger dressing is so flavorful. Will definitely make it again!

  73. User avatar vernell.swift12 says:

    5 stars
    This is a healthy choice and I’m trying to eat less junk. Thanks for the recipe!

3.75 from 104 votes
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