Crispy Chicken and Broccoli Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing
This crispy chicken and broccoli salad with creamy sesame dressing is a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer meal. The broccoli is roasted until tender-crisp, and the chicken is cooked until browned and cooked through. The salad is then tossed with a creamy sesame dressing, which adds a rich and flavorful touch. Serve this salad immediately, or chill it for later.
The inspiration for this salad came to me one day when I was craving something light and refreshing, but also filling and satisfying. I had some leftover roasted broccoli in the fridge, and I thought it would be a great addition to a salad. I also had some leftover chicken that I had cooked earlier in the week, so I decided to add that as well. To give the salad a bit of crunch, I added some sliced bell pepper, red onion, and celery. And for a bit of freshness, I added some chopped fresh cilantro and mint. The final touch was a creamy sesame dressing, which I made with mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The dressing added a rich and flavorful touch to the salad, and it all came together perfectly.
Crispy Chicken and Broccoli Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing Crispy Chicken and Broccoli Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing Crispy Chicken and Broccoli Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing Crispy Chicken and Broccoli Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/3 cup creamy sesame dressing (see recipe below)
  • 1/4 cup roasted cashew nuts (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
  3. While the broccoli is roasting, season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
  6. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the roasted broccoli, chicken, bell pepper, red onion, celery, cilantro, mint, and creamy sesame dressing.
  8. Stir to coat the salad with the dressing.
  9. Sprinkle with roasted cashew nuts, if desired.
  10. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • Roasting the broccoli until tender-crisp gives it a slightly caramelized flavor and a bit of a crunch.
  • Browning the chicken on all sides before reducing heat and cooking through helps to develop flavor and prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • The creamy sesame dressing is a perfect complement to the salad, adding a rich and flavorful touch without being too heavy.