Tantalizing Teriyaki Chicken Salad Recipe

Tantalizing Teriyaki Chicken Salad Recipe with Crunchy Veggies and Rice

Summers call for light, refreshing meals that burst with flavor and zest.

This tantalizing teriyaki chicken salad recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

Tender chicken marinated in rich teriyaki sauce creates a delightful centerpiece for a crisp, colorful salad.

Crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing complement the succulent meat, making each bite a delectable experience.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Vibrant greens and juicy chicken combine for a meal that satisfies and delights.

You’ll want to savor every mouthwatering forkful of this irresistible salad.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Teriyaki Chicken Salad

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base that absorbs teriyaki marinade beautifully, creating juicy and flavorful meat.
  • Sesame Seeds: Nutty garnish that adds delightful crunch and authentic Asian-inspired texture.
  • Nuts: Provides rich, crunchy element with healthy fats and additional protein boost.
For Fresh Vegetables:
  • Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, sturdy base with mild flavor perfect for holding salad ingredients.
  • Green Cabbage: Adds refreshing crunch and subtle peppery undertone.
  • Carrots: Bright orange vegetable bringing sweet earthiness and vibrant color.
  • Bell Pepper: Introduces sweet, crisp texture with mild pepper flavor.
  • Cucumber: Provides cool, hydrating element with delicate freshness.
  • Green Onions: Delivers mild onion bite and elegant garnish.
  • Cilantro: Offers bright, herbal note with zesty undertone.
For Dressing & Flavor Enhancers:
  • Teriyaki Sauce: Sweet-savory foundation creating authentic Japanese-inspired flavor profile.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and balances overall dressing complexity.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces rich, nutty essence characteristic of Asian cuisine.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps bind dressing ingredients.
  • Ginger: Contributes warm, spicy undertone with classic Asian culinary signature.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor depth.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity.
  • Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking base with heart-healthy properties.

Tools To Toss Teriyaki Chicken Salad

  • Large skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken evenly and achieving golden brown color.
  • Cutting board: Essential for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables with ease.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for thinly slicing cooked chicken and preparing crisp vegetables.
  • Large mixing bowl: Great for assembling salad ingredients and tossing components together.
  • Small bowl: Ideal for whisking and mixing dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients into a uniform, well-combined sauce.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent flavor.

Instructions For Teriyaki Chicken Salad

  • Marinate Chicken

Bathe chicken in zesty teriyaki sauce, letting flavors mingle and dance for at least half an hour. The longer it hangs out, the tastier it gets.

  • Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Cook chicken until it’s golden and perfectly done, then let it rest before slicing into delicate strips.

  • Build Your Colorful Canvas

Spread a vibrant mix of crisp romaine, crunchy cabbage, and rainbow-like veggies across your plate. Sprinkle with nutty crunch and fragrant seeds.

  • Whip Up the Magic Sauce

Blend teriyaki, tangy vinegar, rich sesame oil, and sweet honey into a silky dressing that’ll make taste buds sing.

  • Bring It All Together

Crown your veggie masterpiece with tender chicken strips and drizzle with the liquid gold dressing. Toss gently or serve sauce on the side for personalized flavor adventure.

Tips & Extras For Chicken Salad Flavor

  • Perfect Chicken Prep: Let chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor absorption, ensuring maximum taste in every bite.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Slice chicken and chop vegetables in advance for quick weeknight assembly, saving time during busy days.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use grilled shrimp for a seafood twist; replace nuts with seeds for nut-free diets.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to dressing for extra heat, creating a zesty kick that transforms the basic salad into a more exciting dish.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional teriyaki sauce with a sugar-free version and skip honey to make this salad keto-friendly, maintaining delicious Asian-inspired flavors while reducing carbohydrate content.

Teriyaki Chicken Salad Serving Ideas

  • Fresh Summer Lunch Companion: Pair this teriyaki chicken salad with a chilled glass of green tea or light white wine for a refreshing midday meal that cools and satisfies.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for quick assembly during busy weekdays, keeping ingredients crisp and flavors vibrant.
  • Perfect Picnic Plate: Pack components separately in a cooler for outdoor dining, allowing guests to assemble their salad with freshly sliced chicken and crisp vegetables just before eating.
  • Rice Bowl Transformation: Serve the teriyaki chicken salad over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a heartier meal that adds extra texture and absorbs the delicious dressing.

How To Store Teriyaki Chicken Salad

  • Fresh Flavor Keeper: Store salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness and prevent soggy textures for up to 3 days.
  • Chicken Cooldown Strategy: Slice and refrigerate cooked chicken in sealed containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days, ready for quick meal assembly.
  • Smart Dressing Storage: Keep homemade dressing in a glass jar with tight lid, refrigerated for maximum 5 days, shaking well before each use to remix ingredients.
  • Prep-Ahead Magic: Chop vegetables and prepare chicken a day in advance, storing separately to streamline mealtime and reduce cooking stress.
Print
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Tantalizing Teriyaki Chicken Salad Recipe

Tantalizing Teriyaki Chicken Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Japanese-inspired teriyaki chicken salad combines zesty flavors with crisp vegetables and tender grilled meat. Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings create a light, refreshing meal perfect for summer gatherings. You’ll savor balanced textures and delightful tastes in each bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
  • ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • ¼ cup chopped cashews
  • 2 tbsps rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate: Submerge chicken in teriyaki sauce, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for enhanced taste profile.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium flame, sear marinated chicken until exterior develops golden-brown caramelization and interior reaches complete doneness, ensuring meat is thoroughly cooked.
  3. Prepare Vegetables: Assemble salad foundation by arranging crisp romaine, shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, vibrant bell peppers, cucumber slices, and green onion rings into a harmonious, colorful composition.
  4. Enhance Texture: Scatter fresh cilantro, crunchy nuts, and toasted sesame seeds across vegetable landscape to introduce multi-dimensional crunch and aromatic complexity.
  5. Create Dressing: Whisk teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced ginger, salt, and pepper into a balanced, flavor-packed emulsion that complements the salad’s components.
  6. Finalize Dish: Slice rested chicken into elegant strips, artfully position atop vegetable medley, and either drizzle dressing directly or serve alongside, allowing personalized flavor integration.

Notes

  • Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to soak in teriyaki sauce for minimum 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to ensure deep flavor penetration and tender meat texture.
  • Control Cooking Heat: Use medium-high heat when searing chicken to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, maintaining juicy interior and preventing dryness.
  • Customize Vegetable Mix: Swap or add vegetables based on seasonal availability or dietary preferences, keeping salad’s vibrant color and nutritional balance intact.
  • Dress Intelligently: Serve dressing separately to prevent salad from becoming soggy, allowing each person to control sauce quantity and maintain crisp vegetable crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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