Unlock the vibrant flavors of Japan with this remarkably easy and healthy chicken salad, elevated by a rich sesame-miso dressing. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing together fresh ingredients and an unforgettable umami-packed dressing that will transform your perception of simple salads. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, satisfying lunch, this recipe is a testament to wholesome, delicious eating.
My journey into the authentic world of Japanese farm food began unexpectedly in Mexico at our inaugural Food Blogger Camp back in 2010. It was there I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Nancy Hachisu, a remarkable individual whose dedication to traditional Japanese cuisine has since become a profound inspiration. Her commitment was evident from the start; she flew all the way from Japan to join our gathering, a gesture that truly emphasized the significance of our event and the shared passion for food that united us all. Her return the following year was a clear indicator of the successful and enriching community we had fostered.
Since that initial meeting, fate has been kind enough to allow our paths to cross at various food conferences, sometimes even twice a year. These gatherings have evolved into cherished reunions for us food bloggers – moments filled with joyful hugs, the gentle clinking of wine glasses, and invaluable opportunities to catch up on each other’s exciting ventures and culinary explorations. These connections not only enrich our personal lives but also fuel our collective creative spirit.
Nancy’s passion for authentic Japanese living culminated in a monumental project over several years: her very first cookbook. I vividly recall a lunch in Seattle where I first saw the stunning preliminary photos for the book, captured by a celebrated Japanese photographer. It fills me with immense pride to announce that her magnificent work, Japanese Farm Food, has now been published, offering a captivating glimpse into her world.
Originally from California, Nancy’s unique journey led her to Japan, where she serendipitously found love with an organic farmer. Their beautiful union blossomed, and together they now manage an English immersion school nestled within their picturesque rural farmhouse. This brief, two-sentence synopsis barely scratches the surface of their enchanting love story. I purposely keep the details sparse, as Nancy has woven an incredibly rich and heartwarming narrative within the pages of her book, a story that truly deserves to be savored firsthand by every reader.
As someone who has owned (and subsequently given away the majority of) well over a thousand cookbooks, I can attest with absolute sincerity that Nancy’s “Japanese Farm Food” stands out as one of the most exquisitely crafted culinary treasures I have ever encountered. From its elegant fabric binding to the breathtaking photography and Nancy’s engaging personal anecdotes, every element of the book exudes charm and authenticity. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the heart of the book lies in its recipes: simple, honest Japanese farm food that celebrates the bounty of nature. These dishes feature produce harvested directly from their garden, fresh eggs laid by their own chickens, and the freshest ingredients sourced from vibrant local markets. It’s a true celebration of seasonal, wholesome cooking that resonates deeply with the soul.
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Discover the Flavor: Chicken Salad with Sesame-Miso Dressing Recipe Video
Witness the simplicity and elegance of preparing this delightful Japanese Chicken Salad with Sesame-Miso Dressing. This video guides you through each step, ensuring you master the art of creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful dish that is both healthy and satisfying. Watch and learn how to bring these authentic tastes into your kitchen with ease.
Chicken Salad with Sesame-Miso Dressing: An Authentic Japanese Delight
For optimal results, we recommend using thin-sliced chicken tenderloin. If unavailable, simply purchase skinless, boneless chicken breasts. To achieve the desired thinness, place the breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it with the smooth side of a meat tenderizer until it is approximately 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture, perfectly complementing the rich sesame-miso dressing.
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken tenderloin (or boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded thin)
- 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine, adds tenderizing and flavor)
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium miso paste (or 2 tablespoons Miso & Easy for convenience)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 small heads of butter lettuce, leaves gently torn
FOR THE SESAME-MISO DRESSING:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium miso paste (or 2 tablespoons Miso & Easy)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 tablespoons rapeseed, grapeseed, rice, or light olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your chicken. Preheat your oven broiler to high and position an oven rack approximately 8 inches below the heating element. Take your thinly sliced chicken breast and cut it into generous strips. In a medium bowl, combine the sake, grated ginger, miso paste, and sea salt. Add the chicken strips to this mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Arrange the marinated chicken evenly on a baking pan. Broil for about 8 minutes, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and slightly golden.
- While the chicken is broiling, prepare your sesame seeds. Place the sesame seeds in a dry frying pan and roast them over medium-high heat. Continuously shake the pan to prevent burning and ensure even toasting. Once the seeds begin to pop and release their fragrant aroma, remove the pan from the heat immediately.
- Set aside 1 teaspoon of the freshly toasted sesame seeds; these will be used for garnishing your finished salad.
- Now, let’s create the delectable dressing. Transfer the remaining toasted sesame seeds into a Japanese grinding bowl (suribachi) or a mortar. Grind them roughly until they form a coarse powder. Add the miso paste and mash it thoroughly with the ground sesame seeds to create a thick, aromatic paste. Gradually whisk in the rice vinegar; this will help to lighten and brighten the rich miso-sesame mixture. Finally, slowly drizzle in your chosen oil (rapeseed, grapeseed, rice, or light olive oil), whisking continuously until the dressing is beautifully emulsified. Remember to give the dressing another vigorous whisk right before you’re ready to dress your salad to ensure it’s perfectly combined.
- To serve, gently toss the torn butter lettuce leaves with the prepared sesame-miso dressing until lightly coated. Arrange the cooked chicken strips on top of the dressed lettuce. Finish by sprinkling the reserved toasted sesame seeds over the chicken for an added crunch and burst of flavor. Serve this delightful Japanese chicken salad immediately to enjoy its freshness and vibrant tastes.
Notes
Embrace culinary creativity and conscious eating with our innovative Buddha Bowl initiative, designed to curb food waste and encourage a diverse, nutrient-rich diet.
Buddha Bowls hold a special place in healthy eating, offering incredible versatility whether you’re cleverly repurposing delicious leftovers from this very recipe or crafting a brand-new, wholesome creation. They are the epitome of customizable meals, designed to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
Essentially, a Buddha Bowl is a beautifully assembled, generously sized bowl brimming with whole, unprocessed foods. Typically built upon a foundation of nourishing grains, it features an abundance of colorful vegetables, making it a fantastic canvas for culinary expression. The beauty lies in its adaptability – every Buddha Bowl can be uniquely tailored for any meal of the day and perfectly suited for anyone, from vegans to meat-lovers.
Transform your Chicken Salad with Sesame-Miso Dressing into a Vibrant Buddha Bowl with these Simple Tips!
Make your bed! | Lay down a comforting and nutritious base using your favorite quick-cooking grains, rice, or noodles. This foundation absorbs flavors beautifully and adds substantial satiety. | Consider wholesome options such as Quinoa (a complete protein), protein-rich Bulgur Wheat, nutty Farro, an ancient grain like Freekeh, fluffy Rice (brown or white), delicate Rice noodles, or even low-carb Zucchini “noodles” for a lighter twist. |
Make some friends! | Thoughtfully arrange a generous serving of your sesame-miso chicken on top of your chosen base. Then, surround it with a vibrant array of fresh vegetables. | Get creative with whatever fresh produce you have on hand! This could range from classic salad greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp shredded carrots, and cool cucumber slices, to more adventurous additions like thinly sliced radishes, finely shredded cabbage, refreshing grated daikon, tangy pickled red onions, earthy stir-fried mushrooms, or even comforting roasted sweet potatoes. The more colors and textures, the better! |
Make it rain! | Elevate the flavor profile by drizzling any remaining sesame-miso dressing or complementary flavorings from the recipe generously over your assembled dish. | Finally, sprinkle a delightful crunch on top! Options are limitless: crispy tempura scraps, golden toasted panko breadcrumbs, a handful of mixed nuts (like cashews or peanuts), savory fried onions, extra sesame seeds or other seeds (chia, flax), bright pickled ginger bits, or thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, aromatic finish. Each addition contributes to a more complex and satisfying sensory experience. |
While a striking and colorful presentation is often a hallmark of a well-crafted Buddha Bowl, remember that the true beauty lies in its versatility and how it caters to your individual preferences. There are countless delicious ways to enjoy and reinvent this Chicken Salad with Miso-Sesame Dressing recipe, making it a truly adaptable staple in your healthy eating repertoire!