Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with crunch from fresh cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers.

• Balanced with savory-sweet sesame ginger dressing for bold flavor.

• Protein-packed thanks to juicy sesame chicken.

• Customizable with different veggies or plant-based proteins.

• Works beautifully as a main dish or a colorful side.

• Perfect for make-ahead lunches or light weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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

For the chicken:
Grilled Sesame Chicken

For the salad:
4 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup diced green onion
3/4 cup freshly diced cilantro
1 cup shredded carrots (bagged or cut into matchsticks)
1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

For the dressing:
1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing

For serving:
1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
Sesame seeds
Extra cilantro
Extra green onion
A few jalapeno slices
Optional: crispy wonton strips

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken following the grilled sesame chicken recipe and prepare the sesame ginger dressing.

2. In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeno.

3. Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Cover and set aside while the chicken cooks.

4. Grill or bake the chicken until fully cooked, then slice it into strips.

5. Transfer the salad to a large serving platter and arrange the sliced chicken on top.

6. Garnish with toasted almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, extra cilantro, green onion, jalapeno slices, and crispy wonton strips if desired.

7. Serve immediately as a main dish or side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 as a main dish, 6 as a side
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different protein profile.

• Use napa cabbage or romaine lettuce for a milder crunch.

• Add mango or mandarin slices for a fruity twist.

• Replace cashews with peanuts or omit nuts entirely for allergy-friendly prep.

• Make it spicy by adding more jalapeno or a dash of sriracha to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salad (without garnishes) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to preserve crunch. The grilled chicken can be stored separately for up to 3 days and enjoyed cold or gently reheated in a skillet or microwave before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance, but keep them separate until just before serving to maintain the crunch.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled sesame chicken?

Absolutely, shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy substitute.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce in the dressing.

4. Can I make the dressing spicy?

Yes, add sriracha, chili flakes, or extra jalapeno to the dressing for heat.

5. What can I use instead of cabbage?

You can use shredded romaine lettuce, kale, or a coleslaw mix.

6. How long will the dressing last?

The sesame ginger dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

7. Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables will lose their crunch and become soggy when thawed.

8. Can I skip the nuts?

Yes, you can omit nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

9. What’s the best way to shred cabbage?

Use a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or the slicing blade on a food processor.

10. Can I make it vegan?

Yes, omit the chicken or replace it with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.

Conclusion

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and bold sesame ginger dressing, it’s perfect for any time you want a wholesome yet exciting meal. Whether served as a light main course or a colorful side, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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