Quick & Zesty Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

Sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad offers a vibrant twist on traditional meal experiences.

Crisp vegetables dance with tender protein in this delightful culinary creation.

Layers of textures promise a refreshing and satisfying dining adventure that breaks away from ordinary salad expectations.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of zesty and nutty undertones that awaken the palate.

The combination of crunchy greens and succulent chicken creates a perfectly balanced dish that feels both light and deeply fulfilling.

Nutritious ingredients come together in a playful medley that crafts simple components into something extraordinary.

Your taste buds will thank you for this delectable journey of flavor and freshness.

Store This Salad Without Losing the Crunch Factor

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad and chicken separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of preparation. Keep chilled at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preserve Crunch: Keep crispy toppings like toasted almonds and wonton strips in a separate sealed container to prevent sogginess. Add these just before serving to maintain their satisfying crunch.
• Consume Quickly: Enjoy refrigerated salad within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Discard if vegetables appear wilted or dressing separates, indicating spoilage.

Meals That Work Beautifully with Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that complements the salad's spicy and tangy flavors, balancing the heat from jalapeños and cutting through the sesame's richness.
• Match with Refreshing Green Tea: Brew a cold or hot green tea to enhance the Asian-inspired profile of the sesame chicken salad, providing a clean and light backdrop to the vibrant vegetables and grilled chicken.
• Serve alongside Citrus-Infused Water: Create a light, zesty water with lemon, lime, and cucumber slices to refresh the palate and mirror the bright, crunchy elements of the cabbage salad.
• Complement with Ginger Beer: A spicy, non-alcoholic ginger beer adds a zingy kick that echoes the sesame ginger dressing, creating a harmonious flavor connection with the dish's overall taste profile.

Flavor Adjustments for Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Bowl

• Spicy Thai Fusion: Replace jalapeno with Thai bird chili, add fresh mint leaves, and swap sesame dressing for a zesty lime-chili vinaigrette for an explosive flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Version: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas, incorporate cucumber and feta cheese, drizzle with Greek-style herb dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired crunch salad.
• Vegan Power Bowl: Use crispy tofu instead of chicken, add edamame and quinoa, enhance with nutritional yeast and plant-based sesame dressing for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Asian Pear Protein Salad: Include thinly sliced Asian pears, swap almonds for crispy wonton strips, add grilled shrimp, and incorporate a honey-soy glaze for a sweet and savory transformation.

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad That’s Packed with Texture and Taste

• Burst with Flavor Explosion: This sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad delivers a mouthwatering mix of tangy sesame ginger dressing, fresh crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned grilled chicken that dances on your taste buds.
• Master Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this vibrant salad in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Texture Wonderland: Enjoy a delightful contrast of crunchy cabbage, tender grilled chicken, and crispy toasted nuts that create an exciting textural experience in every single bite.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this versatile salad uniquely yours while keeping the delicious core recipe intact.

Savory and Crunchy Ingredients in Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the salad, preferably boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crisp and nutritious base that provides fantastic texture and vibrant color to the salad.
• Carrots: Adds sweet crunch and bright orange color, best when freshly grated or julienned.
• Bell Pepper: Provides additional crunch and sweet pepper flavor, choose bright red or yellow for visual appeal.
• Green Onion: Delivers mild onion flavor and fresh green color, both white and green parts usable.
• Jalapeno: Introduces optional spicy kick, remove seeds for milder heat.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, zesty flavor to the salad.
• Toasted Sliced Almonds, Cashews: Provide nutty crunch and additional protein.
• Sesame Seeds: Authentic Asian-inspired garnish with subtle nutty taste.
• Crispy Wonton Strips: Optional crunchy topping for extra texture.

• Sesame Oil: Authentic Asian flavor base for the dressing.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy undertone to the dressing.

Steps to Toss Together Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Sesame Chicken Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Honey
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rice vinegar

Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a bowl. Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in refrigerator.

Step 2: Create Zesty Sesame Ginger Dressing

• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Fresh ginger
• Minced garlic

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well blended. Set aside at room temperature.

Step 3: Chop Vibrant Salad Vegetables

• Green cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Green onions
• Cilantro
• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Jalapeno peppers

Toss all chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Grill or Bake Marinated Chicken

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat
• Or preheat oven to 375°F

Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Assemble Spectacular Salad

Pour prepared dressing over chopped vegetables. Toss until completely coated. Add sliced grilled chicken on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Toasted sliced almonds
• Cashews
• Extra cilantro
• Sesame seeds
• Additional jalapeno slices
• Crispy wonton strips (optional)

Tips for Dressing and Crunch Balance in Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad

• Slice Smartly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create thin, uniform vegetable cuts for the perfect crunch and even dressing distribution.
• Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Dress with Precision: Add dressing just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain the salad's crisp texture.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: Lightly toast almonds and cashews in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Prep Ahead Wisely: Chop vegetables and make dressing in advance, storing separately to keep ingredients fresh and crisp until serving time.

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad delivers Asian-inspired flavors with crisp vegetables and tender chicken. Quick, refreshing, and packed with protein, this salad combines zesty dressing and toasted sesame seeds for a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• ⅓ cup roasted cashews halves

Crunchy Toppings:

• ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
• Crispy wonton strips (optional)

Garnishes and Seasonings:

• Sesame seeds
• Extra cilantro
• Extra green onion
• A few jalapeno slices

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Immerse the chicken in a vibrant sesame marinade, ensuring each piece absorbs the rich, aromatic flavors thoroughly.
2. Craft a zesty sesame ginger dressing by whisking together the ingredients until smooth and well-combined.
3. Prepare a colorful cabbage base by finely slicing green and red cabbage into delicate ribbons, creating a crisp foundation for the salad.
4. Chop the supporting vegetables – green onions, cilantro, carrots, bell peppers, and jalapenos – into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced texture and flavor in every forkful.
5. Cook the marinated chicken using your preferred method, whether grilling or baking, until perfectly golden and cooked through.
6. Drizzle the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the chopped vegetables, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is luxuriously coated and infused with the tangy dressing.
7. Slice the cooked chicken into elegant strips, arranging them atop the dressed vegetable medley.
8. Elevate the salad’s presentation by sprinkling toasted sliced almonds, cashews, extra cilantro, sesame seeds, and additional green onions for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
9. Optional: Scatter crispy wonton strips for an extra layer of texture and excitement.
10. Serve immediately, allowing the fresh, vibrant flavors to shine and tantalize the taste buds.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in advance for maximum flavor infusion and tender meat texture.
• Prepare dressing separately to allow ingredients to meld and develop rich, complex taste.
• Chop vegetables right before assembling to maintain crisp, fresh crunch and vibrant colors.
• Toast nuts just before serving to enhance their nutty aroma and provide delightful textural contrast.
• Customize heat level by adjusting jalapeno quantity, making this salad adaptable to personal spice preferences.
• Leftovers stay fresh in refrigerator for 1-2 days, perfect for quick next-day lunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg