Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a salad that tastes as gorgeous as it looks, this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is your next obsession. Juicy grilled sesame chicken meets a rainbow-tossed blend of crisp veggies, all swirled together with a zingy sesame ginger dressing. It’s hearty enough for lunch or dinner and absolutely loaded with savory, fresh, and crunchy vibes in every single bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad comes from just a handful of essential ingredients, each one adding a special twist on taste, texture, or color. Here’s what makes this recipe truly sing—and a few tips to get the most from each!

• Grilled Sesame Chicken: Marinated and grilled for savory, juicy flavor—this is your protein-packed superstar.
• Green Cabbage (4 cups, shredded): The mild crunch forms the sturdy backbone of the salad, soaking up all that bright dressing.
• Red Cabbage (2 cups, shredded): For gorgeous color and a slightly peppery bite, plus nutrition points.
• Green Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Lively and fresh, these add a lovely sharpness throughout.
• Cilantro (3/4 cup, freshly diced): Don’t skimp! Cilantro brings a citrusy brightness that ties the salad together.
• Carrots (1 cup, shredded or matchstick): Sweetness and extra crunch—buy pre-shredded for ease, or julienne at home.
• Red Bell Pepper (1, thinly julienned): Vibrant color and a delicate sweetness—perfect with the nutty dressing.
• Jalapeno (1, seeded and diced): Adds a gentle kick; feel free to dial this up or down based on your heat preference.
• Sesame Ginger Dressing (1 batch): Zesty, nutty, and oh-so-addictive—make it fresh for the brightest flavor.
• Toasted Sliced Almonds (1/3 cup): Bring that irresistible crunch and toasty aroma.
• Roasted Cashew Halves (1/3 cup): Creamy, buttery, and just the right amount of decadence.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkling adds visual pop and nutty flavor throughout.
• Extra Cilantro, Green Onion, Jalapeno Slices: For a fresh, punchy finish on top—plus, they look stunning.
• Crispy Wonton Strips (optional): Totally optional, yet totally addictive for next-level crispiness!

Variations

What I love most about Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is just how flexible it is—swap out proteins, tame the spice, or add new colors for a salad that’s uniquely yours. Here are some ideas if you want to make it your own:

• Vegetarian or Vegan: Skip the chicken and load in crispy tofu or a can of chickpeas for plant-based protein—just as satisfying!
• Go Nut-Free: Leave out almonds and cashews and top with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for all the crunch without allergens.
• Extra Fresh Herbs: Try mint or Thai basil for a fun twist alongside (or instead of) cilantro.
• Add Fruit: Toss in a handful of julienned mango or orange segments for a sweet surprise against the savory flavors.
• More or Less Heat: Love spice? Add more jalapeno or even sriracha to the dressing. Sensitive to spice? Leave jalapenos out or use just a touch.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Step 1: Marinate & Grill the Chicken

Begin by marinating your chicken with the grilled sesame chicken marinade. Give it plenty of time (at least 30 minutes, or even overnight) to absorb all those aromatic flavors. When you’re ready, grill or bake the chicken until golden, juicy, and deeply savory—this becomes the star protein in your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad.

Step 2: Whisk the Sesame Ginger Dressing

While the chicken cooks, whip up a batch of the sesame ginger dressing. All it takes is a quick mix with a whisk or shake in a jar. Making the dressing ahead lets all the zesty, nutty flavors meld together beautifully and coat every leaf in your salad later on.

Step 3: Prep and Assemble the Veggies

In your biggest salad bowl (trust me, it fills up fast!), combine the shredded green and red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Pour the prepared dressing all over, and toss thoroughly to make sure every bite is dressed and dazzling. Let the whole mixture rest while you finish the chicken, so all the flavors have time to mingle.

Step 4: Slice Chicken & Garnish Generously

Once your chicken is cooked and slightly cooled, slice it thinly against the grain. Arrange the salad on a beautiful platter, top with plenty of sliced almonds, roasted cashews, extra cilantro, sesame seeds, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a handful of crispy wonton strips for ultimate crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Dig right in! Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad makes an amazing lunch, a sturdy potluck star, or a crunchy side at your summer gatherings. Feel free to offer it as a main dish or side—just watch it disappear in record time.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Garnishes

This is where you make the salad truly pop! Scattering extra cilantro, green onion, sliced jalapenos, toasted almonds, cashews, and a shower of sesame seeds right before serving adds layers of freshness, color, and, of course, delightful crunch. Don’t forget those crispy wonton strips for a playful finish—your guests will love the variation in every bite!

Side Dishes

While this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is plenty hearty on its own, it pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, a miso soup starter, or even alongside veggie summer rolls. If you’re hosting a crowd, offer it with grilled skewers or chilled noodles for the perfect Asian-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad in individual jars for a picnic, piled high on a rustic wooden board for a dramatic buffet, or in crisp lettuce cups as colorful appetizers. You can even let guests build their own salad bowls, buffet-style, for a fun and interactive meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cabbage holds its crunch for up to two days, and the chicken stays moist and delicious for just as long—this makes it a fantastic meal prep option!

Freezing

While the cooked chicken can be frozen, the salad and dressing are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing the veggies will unfortunately turn them soggy, so make only what you’ll eat within a couple of days for the very best texture and crunch.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If you want to warm up your chicken, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a skillet does the trick before adding to your salad plate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is the kind of dish that just makes people happy—bursting with flavor, brimming with excitement, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you fall in love with its crisp textures and big, bold, sesame-forward flavors as much as I have. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients, and let this show-stopping salad brighten up your table soon!

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