Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining tender grilled chicken with a crisp, colorful mix of fresh veggies. The sesame ginger dressing adds a tangy, savory punch that ties everything together beautifully. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner.

Ingredients

• Grilled Sesame Chicken (prepared separately)
• 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
• 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing (prepared separately)
• 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Extra cilantro, for garnish
• Extra green onion, for garnish
• A few jalapeno slices, for garnish
• Optional: Crispy wonton strips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate and prepare the grilled sesame chicken according to your favorite recipe.
2. Step 2: Make the sesame ginger dressing and set it aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss well to coat everything evenly. Cover the salad and set it aside while you cook the chicken.
4. Step 4: Cook the chicken by baking or grilling according to your recipe instructions.
5. Step 5: To serve, spread the salad on a large platter. Garnish with toasted almonds, cashews, extra cilantro, sesame seeds, jalapeno slices, and additional chopped green onion. Add crispy wonton strips if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use freshly julienned carrots instead of pre-shredded bagged carrots.
• Add thinly sliced radishes or water chestnuts for more texture variety.
• Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeno or leave out the seeds.

Storage

Store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Dress the salad just before serving to keep the veggies crisp. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately a few hours in advance. Toss everything together right before serving to maintain the salad’s crunch.

What can I use if I don’t have toasted almonds or cashews?

Pecans or sunflower seeds make excellent alternatives and add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad.

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 113 reviews

A vibrant and crunchy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad featuring grilled sesame chicken atop a colorful mix of shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, jalapeno, and fresh herbs. Tossed in a zesty sesame ginger dressing and topped with toasted almonds, roasted cashews, and sesame seeds, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal as a hearty main or a refreshing side.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 as a main dish or 6 as a side dish 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• Grilled Sesame Chicken (use your preferred recipe)

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 (combine soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, honey, and a splash of oil)

For Serving:

• 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
• Sesame seeds, to taste
• Extra cilantro, for garnish
• Extra green onion, chopped, for garnish
• A few jalapeno slices
• Optional: Crispy wonton strips

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Prepare the grilled sesame chicken according to your preferred recipe, allowing the chicken to absorb the marinade flavors fully before grilling until cooked through and juicy.
2. Prepare the Dressing: Make the sesame ginger dressing by blending ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, honey, and a splash of neutral oil. Set dressing aside.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, diced green onion, freshly chopped cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Cover and set aside as you finish grilling or baking the chicken.
4. Serve: Arrange the dressed salad on a large platter. Slice or chop the grilled sesame chicken and place it atop the salad. Garnish generously with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, extra cilantro, chopped green onion, and a few jalapeno slices. Add crispy wonton strips if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• For best flavor, grill the chicken rather than baking to add a smoky char.
• Adjust the jalapeno quantity to control the spice level in the salad.
• Crispy wonton strips add an extra crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free version.
• To toast nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.

Keywords: Sesame Chicken Salad, Cabbage Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, Asian Salad, Crunchy Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad