Description
A vibrant and healthy Sesame Chicken Salad featuring tender poached chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and an aromatic dressing with lime, fish sauce, and sesame oil, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Beans
- 2 skinless chicken breasts
- 85g frozen soya beans
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large carrot, finely cut into thin matchsticks
- 4 spring onions, finely sliced
- 140g cherry tomatoes, halved
- small bunch coriander, chopped
- small handful Thai or ordinary basil leaves, chopped if large
- 85g herb or baby salad leaves
Dressing and Garnish
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- grated zest and juice of 1 small lime
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sweet chilli sauce
Instructions
- Poach Chicken and Cook Beans: Place the chicken breasts in a pan and cover with cold water. Place the frozen soya beans in a steamer set above the pan. Bring the water to a gentle simmer and cook the chicken for 8 minutes while steaming the beans.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the lime zest and juice, fish sauce, sesame oil, and sweet chilli sauce. Whisk to mix thoroughly, creating a tangy and flavorful dressing.
- Slice Chicken and Assemble Salad: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and slice into thin pieces. Toss the sliced chicken and steamed soya beans into the dressing along with the finely cut carrot, sliced spring onions, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped coriander, and chopped basil. Mix well to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve on Salad Leaves and Garnish: Arrange the herb or baby salad leaves on a serving plate or bowl. Pile the dressed chicken and vegetable mixture onto the salad leaves and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Poaching the chicken ensures it stays tender and juicy without added fat.
- Using a steamer for the soya beans keeps them crisp and vibrant.
- The dressing is well balanced with acidity from lime, umami from fish sauce, nuttiness from sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness from sweet chilli sauce.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sweet chilli sauce or add fresh chopped chili to the dressing.
- This salad can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for different seasons.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: sesame chicken salad, poached chicken salad, Asian chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, fresh vegetable salad
