Deli Container Shaker Chicken Salad (Print Version)

A fresh protein boost with tender chicken, crisp cucumbers, and savory soy-sesame dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Salad

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
02 - 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
03 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
05 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

→ Soy-Sesame Dressing

06 - 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
07 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
11 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
13 - Juice of 1/2 lime

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, chili flakes if using, and lime juice in a small bowl or jar; whisk until well blended.
02 - Layer chicken, cucumber, scallions, carrot if desired, and sesame seeds in a large deli container or mason jar.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the layered ingredients.
04 - Secure the container lid tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to ensure even coating.
05 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours; shake before serving to redistribute the dressing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything fits in one container—no bowls to wash, no complicated assembly at lunchtime.
  • The soy-sesame dressing tastes like takeout but costs a fraction of delivery.
  • High in protein and so satisfying you won't need a snack two hours later.
02 -
  • Slice the cucumber thin and pat it dry before adding it—thicker slices release too much water and dilute the dressing.
  • Make the dressing while the chicken is still warm if it's fresh off the stove; the heat helps the flavors meld faster.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes until they smell nutty—store-bought toasted seeds are fine, but homemade ones have more depth.
  • If you're eating this tomorrow, pack the sesame seeds separately and sprinkle them on right before eating so they stay crunchy instead of soaking up dressing overnight.
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