Teriyaki Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is perfect for anyone craving a light but satisfying meal. The teriyaki chicken adds a sweet, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the freshness of romaine lettuce, carrots, and edamame. The toasted almonds and sesame seeds give the dish a satisfying crunch, while the honey mustard dressing ties everything together with its creamy sweetness. It’s a complete meal that’s both healthy and delicious!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 chicken tenders or 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup edamame
• 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken:

1. Place the chicken tenders or breasts in a shallow dish and pour the teriyaki sauce over the top. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the fridge.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

For the Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrot, shredded red cabbage, edamame, and mandarin oranges.
2. Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
3. Sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the salad for added crunch.

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, honey, mustard, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until smooth and well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more honey for sweetness or mustard for tang.

To Serve:

1. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side if you prefer.
2. Toss the salad to coat evenly with the dressing and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Total time: 40 minutes (including marinating time)

Variations

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra crunch and flavor.
• Grilled or roasted chicken: If you don’t want to grill the chicken, you can also bake or pan-fry it for a different flavor and texture.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce to make this salad suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy version: Add a bit of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: The salad ingredients can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a separate airtight container.
• Reheating: If you have leftover chicken, reheat it in the microwave or on a stovetop skillet. The salad itself is best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftover dressed salad for about a day.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works well for this recipe. Look for a sauce with a clean ingredient list or try a low-sodium option for a healthier alternative.

Can I make the honey mustard dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the honey mustard dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use frozen edamame for this salad?

Yes, you can use frozen edamame. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the salad.

What can I substitute for the mandarin oranges?

You can substitute the mandarin oranges with pineapple, apples, or any other fruit that complements the flavors of the salad.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can grill or cook the chicken a day in advance. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and slice it just before serving.

Is this recipe Whole30 compliant?

The recipe is not Whole30 compliant due to the teriyaki sauce and honey mustard dressing. To make it Whole30-friendly, use a compliant BBQ sauce or a homemade sugar-free teriyaki sauce and replace the mayo and honey with compliant ingredients.

Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! If you don’t prefer honey mustard, you can substitute with a sesame ginger dressing or even a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.

Can I use other types of lettuce?

Yes, feel free to use other types of lettuce like spinach, arugula, or mixed greens, depending on your preference.

How can I add more protein to this salad?

You can add hard-boiled eggs, grilled shrimp, or even tofu for additional protein.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

The salad itself stays fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge, but the dressing is best added just before serving to keep the lettuce from wilting.

Conclusion

This Teriyaki Chicken Salad is a satisfying and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of marinated teriyaki chicken, crunchy veggies, and the creamy honey mustard dressing makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving it as a light dinner, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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