Dinner

Orange Sesame Chicken Salad: Fresh & Bright Recipe

Bylina Carter November 9, 2025November 9, 2025

Introduction

This Orange Sesame Chicken Salad is a fresh and bright dish packed with vibrant flavors and crunchy textures. It combines tender, seasoned chicken with crisp cabbage, juicy oranges, creamy avocado, and a zesty sesame dressing for a satisfying and healthy meal.

A white bowl filled with a noodle salad that has three main layers: at the bottom, thin light brown noodles form the base; the middle layer is made of small green avocado pieces and bright orange chunks of mandarin; the top layer is a mix of thin green strips, crunchy almond slices, and some small brown pieces, likely nuts or tofu, scattered around, all sitting on a white marbled surface with a fork next to the bowl and a grated utensil nearby, with a partly cut orange in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, cubed
5 cups green cabbage, shredded

2 oranges, segmented
1 avocado, diced

1 cup green onions, sliced thin
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

2 tbsp olive oil

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup sesame oil

1/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp rice wine vinegar

3 tbsp grated ginger
1 orange, zested
1 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: To make the dressing, whisk together sesame oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, orange zest, and orange juice in a mixing bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cooked chicken, orange segments, diced avocado, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, toasted slivered almonds, and toasted sesame seeds.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Garnish with extra toasted almonds and sesame seeds if desired.
Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful Orange Sesame Chicken Salad.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch, substitute or add chopped water chestnuts or snap peas to the salad.
Use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried for a smoky flavor.
Replace maple syrup with honey if preferred.

Toast the almonds and sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden.

Storage

Store any leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and stir in just before serving to maintain freshness. If needed, gently reheat the chicken before adding to the salad.