Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, crunchy salad that packs a punch of flavor while staying light and refreshing, look no further than the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, crisp green and red cabbage, and a medley of fresh veggies, all tossed in a tangy sesame dressing that’s bursting with Asian-inspired goodness. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite a satisfying experience, perfect for lunches, quick dinners, or even as a crowd-pleasing side. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe. The list might look simple, but each item plays a vital role — from adding crunch and color to bringing bursts of tangy and nutty flavors that tie everything together perfectly.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups shredded or chopped): Provides a hearty protein base that’s juicy and flavorful.
- Shredded green cabbage (3 cups): Adds crispness and a mild, peppery freshness.
- Shredded red cabbage (1 cup): Brings vibrant color and a slightly sweeter crunch.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Offers a natural sweetness plus visual appeal with bright orange strands.
- Red bell pepper (1/2 thinly sliced): Gives a juicy crunch and a pop of red warmth.
- Green onions (3 sliced): Adds a gentle sharpness that brightens every forkful.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup chopped): Infuses the salad with aromatic, citrusy notes.
- Roasted cashews or sliced almonds (1/3 cup): Offers a satisfying nutty crunch for contrast.
- Sesame seeds (2 tablespoons): Sprinkle extra nutty flavor and a bit of texture on top.
- For the dressing: Rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice combined to create that signature tangy and slightly sweet sesame flavor.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large bowl, start by mixing the shredded chicken with the green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, fresh cilantro, and your choice of roasted cashews or sliced almonds. This layered combination is the heart of the salad, with every ingredient contributing unique texture and flavor.
Step 2: Whisk the Sesame Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice. This dressing is where all the magic happens — tangy, sweet, nutty, and just a little zing from the ginger and lime.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Pour the sesame dressing over the salad bowl and toss thoroughly until every shred and slice is coated in that luscious sauce. The flavors marry quickly, giving the cabbage a light, appealing sheen and infusing the chicken and veggies with that classic sesame kick.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the top with sesame seeds for added texture and a beautiful finishing touch. You can serve this salad immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours — chilling slightly enhances the flavors and mellows the dressing beautifully.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad recipe, consider garnishing with a handful of extra fresh cilantro leaves or a few thin lime wedges on the side. A drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil just before serving can add another layer of fragrant flavor that will make your guests smile.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a light miso soup if you want to turn it into a fuller Asian-inspired meal. Because it’s such a fresh, vibrant dish, it also complements grilled fish or tofu beautifully, offering balance and crunch alongside more delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the salad in hollowed-out bell pepper halves or atop a bed of butter lettuce cups for a fun and elegant twist. You could also pack it in mason jars for a portable lunch option that stays crisp and delicious — just keep the dressing stored separately until ready to toss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. To maintain the perfect crunch, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Mixed together, the cabbage can start to soften after a few hours.
Freezing
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the raw vegetables and dressing. Freezing would compromise the texture and flavor, so it’s better to make a fresh batch or store leftovers briefly in the fridge.
Reheating
Since this salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a warm meal, try serving the chicken hot on the side or warmed, then toss with the crisp veggies and dressing right before eating.
FAQs
Can I make this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with protein-rich ingredients like cooked edamame or crispy tofu cubes. This keeps the dish hearty and maintains its wonderful crunch and flavor profile.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I’m gluten-free?
Tamari is a fantastic gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. It provides a similar savory umami flavor without the gluten, making the dressing just as delicious and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes! Using pre-shredded coleslaw mix can save a lot of prep time without compromising the overall taste or texture. Just be sure to add extra fresh vegetables, like green onions and bell peppers, to keep the salad vibrant.
How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?
For the best crunch and flavor, the salad is ideal when eaten within 1-2 days. Keep the dressing separate from the salad if possible, and combine right before serving to maintain freshness.
Can I make this salad ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare all the ingredients and the dressing ahead of time, but wait to toss them together until just before serving. This way, your salad stays crisp and fresh, impressing all your guests with its lively flavors.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to put together—perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at your next get-together. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors that truly make this salad a winner in every way.
Print
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish featuring tender cooked chicken breast tossed with shredded green and red cabbage, crisp carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and crunchy nuts. It’s dressed with a zesty homemade sesame dressing combining rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and lime juice. Perfect as a light meal or a nutritious lunch, this Asian-inspired gluten-free salad is quick to prepare with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup roasted cashews or sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
For the Sesame Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and roasted cashews or sliced almonds until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the sesame dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice until the dressing is well combined and smooth.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the prepared salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every component with the dressing evenly.
- Add finishing touch: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the tossed salad for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for fresh crunch, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of shredding the cabbage and carrots yourself.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute with edamame or crispy tofu for protein.
- This salad is ideal for meal prep: keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
