Layered Sesame Salad
This vibrant Layered Sesame Salad features shredded chicken, pineapple, coleslaw, crisp vegetables, honey-roasted peanuts, and a creamy sesame peanut dressing—perfect for entertaining or make-ahead meals.
12 Servings
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 8 ounces pineapple tidbits thoroughly drained
- 4 cups coleslaw mix divided
- 1½ cups shredded carrot
- 1 cup chopped green onions divided
- 1 cup sugar snap peas halved
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped
- ½ cup honey-roasted peanuts
- ½ red bell pepper finely diced
- ½ cup crispy chow mein noodles to be added just before serving
For the Sesame Peanut Dressing
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water as needed for consistency
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth. The dressing may be thick depending on the brand of peanut butter used. Gradually add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency. Set aside.
Assemble the First Layer:
- In a 9x13-inch clear serving dish, layer the salad ingredients in the following order: shredded chicken, pineapple tidbits, half of the coleslaw mix, shredded carrot, and half of the chopped green onions. Evenly drizzle half of the prepared dressing over this layer.
Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Continue layering the remaining ingredients in the following order: the rest of the coleslaw mix, halved snap peas, the remaining green onions, and the remaining dressing. Finish by topping with chopped cilantro, honey-roasted peanuts, and diced red bell pepper.
Chill the Salad:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to blend and the dressing to slightly absorb into the layers.
Serve:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy chow mein noodles on top. Serve the salad layered, scooping out individual portions, or gently toss just before serving if desired.
Notes
To make this Layered Sesame Salad gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Additionally, replace the chow mein noodles with gluten-free crispy rice noodles or omit them altogether. Always ensure that the peanut butter, vinegar, and other condiments are certified gluten-free, as ingredients may vary by brand.