Chicken And Cucumber Salad In Sesame Dressing Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning simple ingredients into a flavor-packed masterpiece, and this sesame chicken and cucumber salad does just that—it’s like a refreshing culinary hug that you didn’t know you needed! 🌿🍗🥒

I enjoy creating light and revitalizing meals, and this Chicken and Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing is an ideal combination of flavors and textures. With shredded chicken and firm cucumber, the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds, and a tangy soy sauce dressing balanced with honey, this salad is both light and satisfying.

Chicken And Cucumber Salad In Sesame Dressing Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: High in protein, low in fat, aids muscle growth.
• Cucumber: Hydrating, low-calorie, provides vitamins and fiber.
• Sesame Seeds: Rich in healthy fats, calcium, adds a nutty flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami, contains sodium for flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Aromatic, contains healthy fats, enhances nutty taste.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy acidity, helps balance flavors.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, provides sweetness, balances sourness.
• Ginger: Adds zesty warmth, aids digestion and immunity.

Chicken And Cucumber Salad In Sesame Dressing Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this Chicken And Cucumber Salad In Sesame Dressing Recipe

1. In an ample bowl for mixing, combine the cubed chicken and cucumber. The breast meat was shredded by hand after poaching and allowing the chicken to cool.

2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. They are soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

3. Add the dressing to the chicken and cucumber combination, and toss very well so that all surfaces of the former are in very good contact with the latter.

4. Mix the salad gently after adding the chopped cilantro and the sliced green onions.

5. Add salt and pepper to suit your taste.

6. Move the salad to a serving dish or to individual bowls.

7. Evenly distribute the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad. This makes for a flavorful and crunchy addition.

8. Allow the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes before serving the salad.

9. To add an extra taste boost, you can drizzle a tiny bit more sesame oil over the salad just before serving.

10. You can serve this salad either cold or at room temperature, and it is delicious and light.

Chicken And Cucumber Salad In Sesame Dressing Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Serving dish or individual bowls
9. Spoon or spatula for tossing salad

FAQ

• Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?A: Yes, this salad is a great option for rotisserie chicken. Just make sure to shred it before you put it in the salad.
• Q: How long can the salad be stored in the refrigerator?A. The salad may be kept in the refrigerator for 2 days. But to preserve the crunch of the sesame seeds, they should be added just before serving.
• Q: Can I substitute another vegetable for the cucumber?Yes, you can use zucchini or thinly sliced bell peppers in place of cucumber.
• Q: Is there a vegan option for this salad?A: To create a vegan variation, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use an alternative to honey that is vegan.
• Q: Can I make the dressing in advance?A: Sure, you can make the dressing a day ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a vigorous shake or stir before using it.
• Q: What is the best way to toast sesame seeds?A: In a dry skillet, over medium heat, toast sesame seeds, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes.
• Q: Can I use a different nut oil instead of sesame oil?A: Absolutely! You can use peanut or walnut oil for a different flavor profile—either would work well in this application. But, when it comes to taste, nothing compares to the distinct flavor of sesame oil.

Chicken And Cucumber Salad In Sesame Dressing Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Cooked turkey breast, shredded: Substitute with something else that’s cooked, like, say, chicken? The flavor profiles are pretty much the same, but wouldn’t you agree that turkey has more of a denser quality when it’s shredded? So why am I saying this? Because while the ingredient list in this recipe is pretty stock standard, the Cooking Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes; serves: 4 can be tweaked.
Zucchini: Substitute with thinly sliced zucchini in place of cucumber.
Sesame seeds: Substitute with chia seeds or sunflower seeds for a different texture and for nutritional components.
Rice vinegar: Swap with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.
Honey: Choose maple syrup or agave nectar to serve as a plant-based, sweetening alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Poaching Flavor When poaching the chicken breast, add aromatics like slices of ginger, garlic, and a couple of green onion tops to the poaching liquid for extra flavor in the chicken.

2. Even Slicing Use a mandoline slicer for the cucumber to ensure even, thin slices, which will help them absorb the dressing better and provide a consistent texture in each bite.

3. Marinate for Depth Allow the chicken and cucumber mixture to sit with the dressing for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This extra time helps the flavors meld and enhances the dish’s taste.

4. Customize Heat For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing mix. This will balance the sweetness of the honey and provide a delightful contrast.

5. Crispy Garnish Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan until golden brown to maximize their nutty flavor. You can also add crispy fried onions or crushed peanuts as an extra crunchy garnish.