If you crave a zesty, ultra-satisfying meal that packs both protein and color, you’re about to fall in love! This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad combines juicy, grilled sesame chicken with a bed of crispy cabbage, sweet peppers, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. Every single bite is a harmony of texture and flavor—it’s so much more than a salad, and you won’t believe how easy it is to put together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Crunch Factor: A medley of cabbage, carrots, and nuts makes every forkful crunchy, fresh, and impossible to resist.
- Balanced and Bright: The tangy sesame ginger dressing perfectly pairs with sweet peppers and tender chicken for a truly harmonious flavor profile.
- Ridiculously Customizable: Swap in tofu, chickpeas, or different veggies to fit any dietary need or preference—this salad is as flexible as your cravings.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Lunch: Great for meal prep, it stays crisp and vibrant even after hours in the fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the beautiful simplicity that makes up this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad! Each ingredient brings its own pop of color, texture, and flavor—don’t skip any, but feel free to make it your own.
- Grilled Sesame Chicken: The star protein! Tender, juicy chicken is marinated and grilled to add a savory depth plus a hint of smoky flavor.
- Green Cabbage (4 cups, shredded): The crisp backbone of the salad, providing refreshing crunch and bulk.
- Red Cabbage (2 cups, shredded): Offers vibrant color and a slightly peppery bite that complements the salad’s sweetness.
- Green Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds sharp, punchy flavor and a lovely pop of green brightness.
- Fresh Cilantro (3/4 cup, diced): For herby, citrusy undertones that make the whole salad sing.
- Carrots (1 cup, shredded): Sweet and crunchy, either matchstick-cut or store-bought works perfectly.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, thinly julienned): Provides sweetness, juiciness, and a bold pop of color.
- Jalapeño (1, seeded and diced): Just the right amount of heat—and you can always use more or less to taste.
- Sesame Ginger Dressing: A tangy, savory, and slightly sweet dressing that ties it all together.
- Toasted Sliced Almonds (1/3 cup): Add more crunch and nutty elegance!
- Roasted Cashew Halves (1/3 cup): Rich, buttery, and a delicious contrast to the rest of the salad.
- Sesame Seeds: For nutty, toasty little pops in every bite—don’t skip them!
- Extra Cilantro, Green Onion & Jalapeño: Optional, but incredible for a fresh and finishing garnish.
- Crispy Wonton Strips (optional): The ultimate crunch booster, if you want to make your salad extra fun!
Variations
One of the best things about Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is how easy it is to tailor-make for your table! Whether you’re swapping proteins or dialing up the veggies, you can truly let your cravings or dietary needs lead the way.
- Vegetarian or Vegan: Skip the chicken and add baked tofu or a can of chickpeas for equally satisfying protein and heft.
- No Nuts: Omit almonds and cashews, and toss in crunchy sunflower or pumpkin seeds for that same textural punch.
- Low Carb: Add even more cabbage, sub out carrots and bell pepper for thin-sliced radishes and cucumber for extra snap without the sugar.
- Extra Spicy: Thinly slice Thai chilis instead of jalapeño, or add a dash of sriracha to the dressing for a fiery upgrade.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken using your favorite grilled sesame chicken recipe (let it soak up all those delicious umami flavors for at least 30 minutes). While it’s marinating, prep your veggies—it’s multitasking at its most delicious! Grill or bake the chicken until it’s perfectly juicy and just slightly charred around the edges.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Sesame Ginger Dressing
Whip together the sesame ginger dressing—this is the heart and soul of the salad. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust (some extra lime juice or a drizzle of honey can take it to the next level if you like sweet, tangy punch).
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In your biggest salad bowl, combine green and red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, shredded carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Pour the dressing all over and toss with big, happy armfuls until every veggie is coated and glistening.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Arrange the dressed salad onto a nice platter, then slice your grilled sesame chicken and lay it on top. Scatter with toasted almonds, cashew halves, sesame seeds, and all your favorite garnishes—extra cilantro, green onions, a few jalapeño slices, and maybe those irresistible crispy wonton strips. Serve fresh and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
- Ultra-Crisp Veggies: Chop your cabbage and carrots as close to serving time as possible for maximum crunch (or keep them refrigerated in icy water and drain before mixing!).
- Flavor-Forward Chicken: Give your chicken time to marinate—30 minutes is great, but a few hours (or even overnight) means next-level sesame depth in every bite.
- Dress Before Serving: Toss the veggies in dressing just before laying on the garnishes so everything stays bright and perfectly crisp.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on toppings—a handful of nuts, seeds, extra herbs, and wonton strips turn every serving of your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad into a feast!
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Garnishes
This salad is a visual treat, and garnishes are your chance to add pizazz and extra flavor. Think a flurry of toasted sesame seeds, extra cilantro and green onion, sliced jalapeños for bright heat, and crushed crispy wonton strips for a playful, restaurant-worthy finish. Go ahead—layer it all on with abandon!
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad as a main course, it’s lovely alongside steamed jasmine rice, miso soup, or spring rolls. For lighter meals, pair with an Asian-style cucumber salad or grilled pineapple for a sweet-savory twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your salad into vibrant lettuce wraps by serving on sturdy leaves of butter lettuce, top crostini for crunchy appetizers, or portion into mason jars for adorable, portable picnic fare. The colors and textures of Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad make it a showstopper at potlucks and parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad keeps shining for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, keep the dressing and garnishes separate until you’re ready to serve so everything stays crisp and lively.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing, as cabbage and fresh veggies lose their signature crunch. If you have extra grilled chicken, that can be frozen tightly wrapped for up to 2 months, ready for your next salad fix!
Reheating
Since Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is best served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve stored chicken separately, you can warm it gently before tossing with the salad, or just slice it cold for an equally tasty bite.
FAQs
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Can I make this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add in grilled tofu or drained chickpeas for plenty of plant-powered protein. The flavors and crunch will be just as delicious!
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How far in advance can I prep the vegetables and chicken?
You can prep all veggies—cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, etc.—up to a day ahead; just keep them refrigerated in a sealed container. The chicken can be marinated overnight and grilled ahead, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready to serve.
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What should I do if I don’t have sesame ginger dressing?
No problem! Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, a little honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, and garlic. Adjust to taste—this makes a quick, delicious stand-in for the classic dressing.
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Is this salad good for meal prep?
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is fantastic for meal prep! Just keep the dressing and garnishes on the side to maintain maximum crunch, and assemble it all together right before eating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a meal that’s vibrant, filling, and downright addictive, whip up this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad! Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or as the star of your next backyard gathering, you’ll be dreaming of that irresistible crunch and sesame-kissed flavor for days to come. Give it a try—and don’t forget the garnishes!
Print
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Stovetop
Description
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines grilled sesame chicken with a colorful mix of shredded cabbages, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty sesame ginger dressing.
Ingredients
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
- 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 cashews halves
- Sesame seeds
- Extra cilantro
- Extra green onion
- A few jalapeno slices
- Optional: Crispy wonton strips
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Prepare the Grilled Sesame Chicken as per the recipe.
- Make the dressing: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Dressing and set it aside.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the green and red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to combine, and ensure all veggies are coated. Set aside while you cook the chicken.
- Serve the salad: Transfer the salad to a platter. Top with toasted almonds, cashews, cilantro, sesame seeds, jalapeno slices, and green onion. Add crispy wonton strips if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian/vegan option: This salad can be enjoyed without chicken, or tofu or chickpeas can be used as substitutes.
- Refer to the full post for additional customization ideas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
