Zesty Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe for Summer

Crisp cabbage and tender chicken dance together in this sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad that promises a symphony of textures and flavors.

Every bite delivers a delightful crunch that awakens your taste buds with its vibrant mix of ingredients.

The salad combines fresh vegetables with succulent chicken, creating a light yet satisfying meal perfect for warm days.

Nutty sesame seeds sprinkled throughout add an irresistible toasted essence that elevates the entire dish.

A zesty dressing coats each ingredient, bringing harmony to the crisp vegetables and protein.

The result is a refreshing and nutritious salad that comes together quickly and easily.

Prepare to be delighted by this colorful, crunchy sensation that will become your new favorite summer meal.

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Flavor Fun

• Dive into a vibrant salad that bursts with Asian-inspired flavors, combining crisp veggies and perfectly seasoned chicken for a mouthwatering meal.
• Easily adjust spice levels, swap nuts, or add extra toppings to suit individual tastes, making it a flexible dish for family dinners or potlucks.
• Loaded with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and crunchy nuts, this salad delivers a nutritious punch that keeps you satisfied and energized.
• With simple assembly steps and make-ahead potential, this recipe offers a hassle-free cooking experience that doesn't compromise on taste or presentation.

Ingredients in Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad

• Grilled Sesame Chicken: A flavorful protein that adds a delicious sesame-infused taste to the salad.

• Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crisp and crunchy vegetables that provide a fresh and textural foundation for the salad.
• Green Onion, Cilantro: Herbs that bring a bright, fresh flavor and aromatic quality to the dish.
• Carrots, Bell Pepper, Jalapeno: Colorful vegetables that add crunch, sweetness, and a spicy kick to the salad.

• Almonds, Cashews: Nuts that contribute a rich, buttery crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds a subtle nutty taste and additional texture to the dish.
• Wonton Strips: Optional crispy element that provides extra crunch and textural contrast.

• Sesame Ginger Dressing: A flavorful sauce that ties all the ingredients together with its tangy and aromatic profile.

Must-Have Tools for Cabbage Crunch Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing and combining all salad ingredients together.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade needed for chopping cabbage, vegetables, and herbs precisely.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safely preparing all ingredients.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurate dressing and ingredient measurements.
• Grill or Skillet: Required for cooking marinated chicken to perfection.
• Tongs: Great for handling and transferring grilled chicken.
• Serving Platter: Large dish for presenting the final colorful salad.

Assembling Sesame Chicken Crunch Salad Steps

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Sesame Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized strips.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Marinate the chicken pieces in this flavorful mixture for 15-20 minutes.

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, with a slightly crispy exterior.

Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Sesame Ginger Dressing

• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Freshly grated ginger
• Minced garlic

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well-blended.

Let the dressing sit for flavors to meld while preparing the salad.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Cabbage Base

• Green cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Shredded carrots
• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced jalapenos

Toss the vegetables together to create a colorful, crunchy mix.

Step 4: Assemble Spectacular Salad

Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the vegetable mix.

Gently toss to ensure every piece is coated.

Add the cooled sesame chicken on top.

• Sliced almonds
• Chopped cashews
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Extra cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Optional: Add crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of textures and flavors!

Salad Tips for Crisp, Tasty Bites

• Let chicken sit in sesame marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Slice cabbage and vegetables thinly for optimal texture and even dressing distribution.
• Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or keep them for extra kick, adjusting to personal spice preference.
• Swap almonds and cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for different nutritional profiles and texture variations.
• Chop vegetables and store separately, mixing just before serving to maintain crisp salad freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.

Ideas for Customizing Cabbage Crunch Salad

• Vegan Protein Power: Replace chicken with crispy tofu, marinated in sesame sauce and pan-seared until golden brown.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken with grilled shrimp or seared salmon for a protein-packed ocean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Crunch: Substitute wonton strips with baked kale chips or pork rinds for a crunchy, carb-free alternative.
• Spice Lover's Edition: Increase jalapeno quantity, add sriracha to dressing, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Salad Serving Suggestions for Crunchy Delight

• Picnic Paradise Platter: Spread the colorful salad on a large wooden board for a stunning summer gathering that will wow your friends and family.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the salad in a deep bowl with grilled chicken on top, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Wrap It Up: Stuff the cabbage salad and chicken into fresh tortillas or lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld version that's great for quick meals or packed lunches.
• Asian-Inspired Appetizer: Serve small portions in individual cups or on small plates as a refreshing starter that will tantalize taste buds before the main course.

Storing Sesame Chicken Crunch Salad Well

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep dressing and crunchy toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap grilled chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken gently in microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, or in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying.
• Add fresh nuts and crispy wonton strips just before serving to maintain crunch after storing in refrigerator.

FAQs

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients. The cabbage provides fiber and vitamins, chicken offers lean protein, and nuts add healthy fats. The fresh vegetables contribute essential minerals and antioxidants.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or edamame. These plant-based proteins will maintain the salad’s nutritional balance and add similar texture.

• How spicy is this salad?

The spice level depends on the jalapeno. Remove seeds for mild heat, use full pepper for more kick, or skip entirely if you prefer no spice. The dressing also adds a gentle warmth.

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad combines crisp textures with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and nutty sesame seeds create a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Salad Base:

• 4 cups (946 ml) shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) diced green onion
• 3/4 cup (177 ml) fresh cilantro, diced
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

Protein:

• 1 recipe grilled sesame chicken

Toppings and Dressing:

• 1/3 cup (79 ml) toasted sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup (79 ml) roasted cashew halves
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Extra cilantro for garnish
• Extra green onion for garnish
• Jalapeno slices for garnish
• Crispy wonton strips (optional)
• 1 batch sesame ginger dressing

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with sesame-infused seasonings, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Grill chicken at 400°F for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, creating charred edges and juicy interior.
3. Slice grilled chicken into thin, diagonal strips for elegant presentation and easier salad integration.
4. Finely shred green and red cabbage into delicate, uniform pieces to create a crisp, textural base.
5. Chop green onions, cilantro, and bell peppers into precise, small sections for balanced distribution throughout the salad.
6. Julienne carrots and thinly slice jalapeños to add vibrant color and subtle heat to the mixture.
7. Whisk together sesame ginger dressing, blending tangy and sweet notes to complement the salad’s robust ingredients.
8. Gently toss cabbage mixture with prepared dressing, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated and seasoned.
9. Arrange dressed salad on a serving platter, creating an inviting visual display.
10. Sprinkle toasted almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds over the top for added crunch and nutty complexity.
11. Garnish with extra cilantro, green onion slices, and jalapeño for a fresh, zesty finish.
12. Optional: Scatter crispy wonton strips for an additional textural element if desired.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting jalapeño quantity, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
• Swap protein options easily by using tofu, shrimp, or pulled pork instead of chicken for diverse dietary preferences.
• Prep ingredients ahead and store separately to maintain crunch, mixing just before serving to prevent soggy salad texture.
• Use mandoline or sharp knife for uniform, thin vegetable slices ensuring consistent flavor and texture in every bite.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg