There is something incredibly satisfying about the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe that makes it a standout in the world of quick, wholesome meals. This vibrant salad combines crisp shredded cabbages, tender chicken, and an irresistible medley of fresh vegetables and nuts, all tied together with a tangy-sweet sesame dressing. It’s perfect for those moments when you want a meal that’s bursting with texture and flavor yet feels light and fresh. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, a light dinner, or a picnic, this salad delivers a delightful crunch and a wonderful balance of savory and zesty notes that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the heart of this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe. Each component plays an important role in creating a salad that’s not only colorful but bursting with contrasting textures and layered flavors that work beautifully together.
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage: The crunchy, slightly peppery base that adds amazing texture and bulk to the salad.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness with a bit more crunch.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: For a natural sweetness and a pop of bright orange color.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: Tender protein that makes this salad hearty while keeping it light.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds crispness plus a juicy, sweet crunch that’s hard to resist.
- 3 green onions, sliced: A mild onion flavor without overpowering, plus added freshness.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Brings a fragrant, herbaceous brightness to each bite.
- 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews: Adds richness, saltiness, and a nutty crunch for an exciting texture contrast.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Intensifies the sesame flavor and introduces tiny bursts of crunch.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Provides tanginess that balances the sweetness and richness in the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds deep, savory umami notes that make the dressing addictive.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Offers a warm, nutty aroma essential to the authentic flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and softens the acidity.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings a fresh, zesty citrus punch that brightens all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds subtle spice and warmth that lifts the salad.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Delivers a fragrant depth and slight pungency to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all elements and ties the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in the green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, cooked chicken, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, roasted cashews, and toasted sesame seeds. This colorful mix already looks inviting and promises a medley of textures, from crunchy to tender.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a smaller bowl or jar, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk them vigorously until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing forms a smooth, flavorful blend that smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly. Make sure every shred of cabbage and piece of chicken is coated in that luscious dressing because that’s where the magic happens!
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marry
Allow the salad to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This rest period lets the dressing soak into the ingredients, making each bite richer and more harmonious, heightening the whole Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe experience.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, sprinkle a few more toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews on top just before serving. A little fresh cilantro leaf also elevates the presentation and enhances the fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a vibrant main dish but also pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or light miso soup if you want to elevate your meal into a full Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in crisp lettuce cups for a fun finger-food option or layer it in mason jars for an on-the-go lunch that looks as beautiful as it tastes. The textures hold up well, and the dressing won’t sog down the cabbage quickly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture and flavor, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve or toss the salad lightly again if it sits combined.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing isn’t recommended as the cabbage and fresh vegetables lose their crispness and become watery once thawed.
Reheating
Since this salad is intended to be served chilled or at room temperature, no reheating is necessary. If you prefer, simply let refrigerated leftovers sit out for a few minutes before eating to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe, simply omit the chicken and add protein-rich edamame or crispy tofu cubes for a delicious alternative.
What can I substitute if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes, but rice vinegar’s mild sweetness is ideal to balance the dressing. Start with less and adjust according to taste.
Is there an easy shortcut to prepare this salad?
Yes! Using pre-shredded coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken can save prep time without compromising flavor or texture, making the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe even quicker to enjoy.
Can I add spice to this salad?
Definitely! Mix chili flakes into the dressing or add sriracha for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tangy elements of the salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari to ensure the dressing is gluten-free, making the entire Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe perfect for gluten-sensitive diners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, I can’t recommend the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that’s quick to make but impressively satisfying, perfect for busy days or anytime you want a taste of something bright and nourishing. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite salad buddy!
Print
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and crunchy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad combining shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, and tender cooked chicken breast, all tossed with a tangy sesame-soy dressing. This Asian-inspired salad is bursting with flavors and textures, perfect as a healthy main course served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, shredded cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, roasted salted cashews, and toasted sesame seeds until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well blended and smooth.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld beautifully. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature based on your preference.
Notes
- For quick prep, substitute cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken.
- To make a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add edamame or crispy tofu.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha to the dressing if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the salad gluten-free.
