Name: Copycat Sweetgreen Chicken Sesame Crunch Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup sesame seeds; 4 tsp maple syrup; Pinch of kosher salt; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied and/or beaten down to ¼-½” thick); 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 tbsp umami seasoning (reduce if sensitive to salt); ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice (from about 1 juicy orange); 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 ½ tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar; 1 ½ tbsp tamari (can substitute soy sauce or coconut aminos); 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey); ½ tbsp Dijon mustard; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp ground ginger; Kosher salt (to taste); 6 cups shredded romaine; 4 cups shredded kale; 2 cups shredded red cabbage; 1 ⅓ cup chow mein noodles; 1 cup grated carrots

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 72 reviews

If you’ve been craving the perfect blend of crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and that addictive crunch from the famous salad chain, you’re in for a treat with this Copycat Sweetgreen Chicken Sesame Crunch Salad Recipe. This salad is a dazzling harmony of textures and flavors—from the nutty sesame crunch to the zesty citrus sesame vinaigrette, every bite bursts with freshness and savory goodness. It’s not just a salad, it’s a delicious experience that you can recreate right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with layers of fresh salad starts with a base of green leafy kale at the bottom, topped with five distinct sections: shredded bright orange carrots on the left front, a pile of crunchy light tan noodle sticks on the left back, slices of golden brown grilled chicken pieces on the right back, crispy white sesame seed crackers near the center left, and finely sliced purple cabbage covering the right front side. A small silver sauce cup with rich golden brown dressing rests on top near the chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and in the softly blurred background, there is another white bowl with similar ingredients and dressing, along with small white dishes holding more noodles and crackers, plus a halved orange. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this salad is carefully selected to build layers of taste, texture, and color. From the crunchy chow mein noodles to the vibrant shredded kale and cabbage, every element plays an essential role in making this dish truly special.

Sesame seeds (⅓ cup): Toasted for a nutty crunch that is the backbone of the signature sesame topping.
Maple syrup (4 tsp + 1 tbsp): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and citrus notes perfectly.
Kosher salt (pinch and to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb): Butterflied or thinned for quick, even cooking and juicy results.
Avocado oil (1 tbsp): Ideal for marinating and searing the chicken with a light, healthy fat.
Umami seasoning (1 tbsp): Brings depth and savoriness with every bite; adjust for salt sensitivity.
Fresh squeezed orange juice (⅓ cup): The bright, citrus element in the dressing making it lively and refreshing.
Olive oil (3 tbsp): A rich base for the dressing to marry all flavors.
Toasted sesame oil (1½ tbsp): Infuses the dressing with its unmistakable aroma and taste.
Rice vinegar (1½ tbsp): Adds a gentle acidic tang that balances sweetness.
Tamari (1½ tbsp): A gluten-free soy sauce alternative lending salty depth to the dressing.
Dijon mustard (½ tbsp): Helps emulsify the dressing while adding subtle sharpness.
Garlic powder (¼ tsp): A touch of savory warmth enhancing the overall flavor.
Ground ginger (¼ tsp): Offers a hint of spice and freshness in the dressing.
Shredded romaine (6 cups): Crisp and refreshing base green for balance and crunch.
Shredded kale (4 cups): Adds earthiness and a robust texture to the salad.
Shredded red cabbage (2 cups): Vibrant purple tones and a slightly peppery bite for color and flavor.
Chow mein noodles (1⅓ cup): The irresistibly crunchy element that makes this salad stand out.
Grated carrots (1 cup): Sweet and colorful, complementing the greens beautifully.

How to Make Copycat Sweetgreen Chicken Sesame Crunch Salad Recipe

On a silver tray with a white marbled texture background, there is a large clear glass bowl filled with chopped green kale leaves on the top right and another clear glass bowl with chopped light green lettuce on the top left. Below the lettuce bowl is a whole bright orange orange. To the right of the orange, there is a small clear glass bowl with white and light brown powders. Toward the center right, a white bowl holds several raw pink chicken pieces. Next to the chicken bowl on the right is a small white scalloped dish filled with light brown powder. In the lower center, a small white bowl contains light brown crunchy sticks. Surrounding the crunchy sticks, small white bowls hold dark brown sauces, bright orange shredded carrots, white sesame seeds, and shredded purple cabbage. A small white cup with light green liquid is near the bottom left. Resting on the tray among the bowls is a small spoon with a wood and metal handle, holding a yellow paste. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Make the Sesame Crunch

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F and lining a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix together the sesame seeds, maple syrup, and a pinch of kosher salt in a bowl, then spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and crunchy. Let the sesame crunch cool completely—this hardens it, and then you’ll break it into chunks that provide that addictive texture in every bite.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

While the crunch is baking, toss the chicken breasts with avocado oil and umami seasoning in a medium bowl. This simple marinade infuses the chicken with deep savory flavor that’s key to capturing the essence of the original Sweetgreen salad. Set aside to let it soak in the delicious seasoning while you prepare the dressing and chop your vegetables.

Step 3: Prepare the Citrus Sesame Vinaigrette

Combine fresh orange juice, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, tamari, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ground ginger, and kosher salt in a jar or bowl. Whisk or shake vigorously until everything emulsifies into a smooth dressing. This vinaigrette is light and bright, tying together the salad’s fresh greens and savory chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the pan without overlapping. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Rest the chicken for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized cubes to keep it juicy and tender.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, layer shredded romaine, kale, red cabbage, carrots, chow mein noodles, chunks of the sesame crunch, and the cubed chicken. Drizzle the salad generously with the citrus sesame vinaigrette and toss everything together to combine perfectly. Each forkful will deliver the perfect balance of crisp, sweet, savory, and crunchy sensations.

How to Serve Copycat Sweetgreen Chicken Sesame Crunch Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your salad even further, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or extra chow mein noodles on top right before serving. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or scallions add a bright pop that complements the citrus dressing wonderfully. Feel free to add a wedge of lime for those who want an extra zest kick on the side.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a stand-alone meal but pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed edamame, miso soup, or a simple bowl of jasmine rice. If you want to turn it into a heartier dinner spread, steamed dumplings or spring rolls bring a fun Asian-inspired touch that complements the sesame and citrus flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this copycat salad in individual glass jars layered for an eye-catching presentation perfect for picnics or packed lunches. If you’re entertaining, arrange the ingredients buffet-style on a platter so guests can build their own customized salad bowls. Wrapping the chicken and some of the salad in butter lettuce leaves makes for a tasty, handheld version that’s perfect for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover salad components separate whenever possible to preserve freshness. Store the greens, dressing, chicken, and crunchy topping in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, toss everything together for that perfect texture and flavor combo—salad greens stay crisp and the crunch remains satisfyingly crispy.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen after cooking, the fresh greens and crunchy elements do not freeze well. Freeze chicken breast portions separately before cooking for convenience, then thaw and cook fresh when you want to make the salad. This approach keeps your salad fresh and delicious every time you make it.

Reheating

Reheat cooked chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to maintain its juiciness. Avoid microwaving the full salad as the greens will wilt and the crunch loses its texture. Prepare the salad fresh and add warm chicken on top for the best dining experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Grilled tofu, shrimp, or even seared tempeh make fantastic alternatives that hold up well with the citrus sesame dressing and crunchy textures. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The main potential gluten source is chow mein noodles; you can find gluten-free crunchy noodles or substitute with crispy rice noodles to keep the salad gluten-free. Also, make sure your tamari or soy sauce is certified gluten-free.

How long does the homemade vinaigrette keep?

Store the citrus sesame vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a quick shake before using, as some separation naturally occurs.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Just shred or cube the chicken and toss it with the salad, but keep in mind that marinating and searing adds extra flavor that you might miss.

What makes this salad different from regular chicken salads?

The combination of crunchy sesame clusters, chow mein noodles, the vibrant citrus sesame vinaigrette, and the mix of shredded greens create a unique textural and flavor experience that sets the Copycat Sweetgreen Chicken Sesame Crunch Salad Recipe apart from typical chicken salads.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a salad that feels indulgent yet fresh and healthy, this Copycat Sweetgreen Chicken Sesame Crunch Salad Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s got that crave-worthy crunch, balanced flavors, and vibrant colors that make you want to dig in immediately—and trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious magic of this incredible homemade salad.