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.

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.
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Whole recipe seems hard. I just want somthing easy to make. Also, where’s the avocado???
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.
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! 😄
Chicken was super dry. Didn’t enjoy it. Guess I should’ve marinated longer???
I thought it was alright, but too much soy sauce for my taste.
I totally agree! Too much soy can really overpower the other flavors. Maybe next time try reducing it a bit!
I like soy sauce but less is better! This recipe sounds good tho, might try it with less soy!
I dunno, I didn’t really like the sauce. It was too salty for me.
My version included some avocado and it was bomb! Definitely will make it again.
Avocado sounds great! I never thought to add it to a salad like this. I’ll have to try it next time!
Umm, avocado? Isn’t that too creamy for a salad with ginger? I don’t know about that.
LOVED IT! Even my husband who hates salads liked it. Thank you!
Sounds fancy, but I don’t trust chicken recipes. They always come out dry for me.
I totally get it! Chicken can be tricky, but this marinade sounds like it could help keep it juicy. Give it a shot! 🤞
I used chicken thighs instead and it was juicy. Very filling! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy to make and the flavors blend really well! Will definitely make again.
YUMMY!!! Best salad I’ve had in a while. Perfect for summer barbecues. Thanks!
So glad you liked it! It really is a hit for summer gatherings!
Sounds fancy! Will be impressing my friends with this dish. 😁
Chicken was a bit dry for my taste. Maybe next time I should reduce grilling time.
Sesame oil? Isn’t that for like, Asian stir fry? Not chicken salad! 🤔
This is too complicated for me. Who has time to grill? Just put everything in a bowl and mix it.
sooo good 🌱😍
So easy to make! I wasn’t even sure about the ginger, but it was really good. Thx for sharing!
Too much sesame oil in my opinion. It overpowered everything. Didn’t like it much.
Messed up on the marinade and it burned, now it’s like charcoal 🙁 ⭐
This salad was amazing! The chicken was so flavorful. Can’t believe how easy it was to make.
Ehh, just ok. I prefer a different type of salad dressing. Maybe I did something wrong.
I was skeptical about the combo of ginger and sesame, but this recipe really worked. I’ll be making it again!
I know, right? Ginger and sesame are like best friends! Glad you liked it!
I don’t know, it just seemed kinda bland to me. I thought it would be better…
I was skeptical about the ginger, but it actually complemented the chicken well. Good recipe!
Yummy! 😋 But is it healthy? I heard chicken is bad for you?!
Yum! Just Yum!! My friends asked for the recipe!
This salad is amazing! The ginger really makes it pop!
Who knew grilled chicken could taste this good! I’m a believer now!
Chicken was dry, didn’t grill well. Maybe I messed up? Not sure.
This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! So fresh and tasty, loved it!
Sounds good, but I’ve never been a fan of sesame oil. Can you use olive oil instead?
I’m so glad to hear that! This salad is one of my favorites too! The flavors are just perfect together.
Simple and healthy! Why is everyone saying it’s too hard? Just follow the steps!
I made this for my husband, he loved it. I used less honey because we’re trying to eat healthy.
I made this for a picnic and it was gone in minutes! Everyone loved it! 👍👍👍 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
That’s awesome to hear! I always love when a dish is a hit at gatherings. What else did you bring? 😊
Wow, this salad was a hit! The marinade is perfect, so flavorful! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don’t know, seems like too many ingredients for a salad. Can’t just use ranch instead?
I’m glad you loved it! The marinade is the best part. Did you make any changes?
This salad is amazing! The sesame dressing really takes it to the next level. My family loved it!
Totally agree! That dressing is bomb! 🍴
Yum! I added avocados and a bit of sriracha for some kick. Never going back!
I tried this and my kids wouldn’t eat it. Maybe too healthy?
I wasn’t sure about the ginger, but it actually worked well with the chicken. Surprised me! I’ll make it again.
I always thought ginger was for sweets, but this sounds tasty! I gotta try it with chicken now.
Where’s the chicken in the salad? I thought it was a soup. Disappointed.
Yummy, but I forgot the sesame seeds! Still tasted good.
Pretty good! But a little too much soy sauce for my taste. Will try less next time. ⭐⭐⭐
Delicious! But, I substituted grilled shrimp instead. Amazing too!!
Sounds delicious! I’ve never tried shrimp in a salad before. I’ll give it a shot next time.
Grilled shrimp? Huh, that’s kinda different. Not sure it would taste as good, chicken is the main part after all.
This salad was amazing! The flavors are so vibrant and fresh!
Yummy dish. My kids loved it! I added more veggies because we like crunch!
Yummy but the dressing was too strong for my taste. Next time, less soy sauce!
I don’t think this is healthy. Chicken is good, but too much oil. Not sure I’ll make it again.
Not bad, but I feel like it needed something more. Maybe add some avocado?
Honestly, who even eats salad? I’d rather have pizza any day. But, my wife loved it!
Pretty good, but I think it could use a little kick. Maybe some chili flakes?
Wasn’t sure if I was doing it right but it turned out good! A bit spicy tho!
So good!! 10/10 would eat again!
I totally agree! This salad sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it myself!
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling? Don’t have a grill.
Can I use olive oil instead of sesame oil? Didn’t have any…
Yeah, you can use olive oil! It’ll change the flavor a bit, but it should still taste good.
Absolutely delicious! I loved the marinade. Will definitely make again!
Couldn’t find rice vinegar, so I used white vinegar. Oops. Still good tho!
White vinegar? Really? I guess it works, but rice vinegar has a whole different flavor! Glad you liked it anyway.
Great salad, but I accidentally used balsamic instead of rice vinegar! Still tasted good.
Yum! The ginger and sesame combo is perfect! I added some chili flakes for kick.
Grilled chicken doesn’t belong in salad. Made it, and I’m still hungry after!
I dunno about mixing chicken with salad. Isn’t that weird? I’m skeptical. ⭐⭐
I used to think that too, but it’s actually really tasty! The flavors together are awesome. You should give it a try! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nah, it sounds like a weird combo. Just can’t see chicken in a salad, just not my thing. ⭐⭐
My kids loved this salad! Even the picky eater went for seconds. Yay!
Don’t forget to squeeze some lemon on top, it makes it even better! 🍋
Totally agree! Lemon does add a nice zesty touch to any dish. 🍋 Can’t wait to try it!
Too much soy sauce for my taste, and I think it made the chicken tough. Not a fan.
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!
Nah, I like how this recipe has a lotta flavor. Chicken tough? Just grill it right!
So, do I grill the chicken breast with skin or without? I always mess that up 😅.
Uh, I don’t get how grilled chicken can be that great? It’s just chicken.
Best recipe ever! I added some avocado cause why not 🙂
Not sure if avocados fit in this dish, but hey, whatever makes you happy! Enjoy your salad!
Avocado sounds like a great addition! I bet it adds a creamy texture. Can’t wait to try it!
Quick question, can I use other meats instead of chicken? Like fish or beef?
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.
Easy to follow recipe. My kids even ate the salad!
Easy to make and my kids ate it all! Will definitely make again!
Simply delish! Will make again for my family, they loved it.
I’m glad you loved it! It’s definitely a family favorite for us too. Enjoy your next meal!
This is easy peasy! My kids even ate it! Big win for me! 🌟⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why do you need honey in a salad? Seems weird to me.
Honey adds a nice sweetness that balances the flavors! Trust me, it works!
Too much soy sauce for my liking. I had to dilute it. Next time I’ll use less.
This salad is absolutely amazing! The sesame ginger dressing is so flavorful. Will definitely make it again!
This is a healthy choice and I’m trying to eat less junk. Thanks for the recipe!