Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s bursting with textures and flavors. The crunch of the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper balances perfectly with the tender, juicy grilled sesame chicken. The sesame ginger dressing brings a perfect amount of sweetness and tang, while the addition of toasted almonds, roasted cashews, and crispy wonton strips adds an extra layer of crunch and depth. It’s a fresh, filling, and customizable salad that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Grilled Sesame Chicken (or use your preferred cooked chicken)

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 (or matchstick carrots for extra crunch)

1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned

1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

For the Dressing:

1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing

For Serving:

1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds

1/3 cup roasted cashew halves

Sesame seeds

Extra cilantro

Extra green onion

A few jalapeño slices

Optional: Crispy wonton strips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken with your favorite grilled sesame chicken recipe (or use pre-cooked grilled chicken).

Make the Dressing: Prepare the sesame ginger dressing and set it aside.

Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, red bell pepper, and diced jalapeño. Drizzle the sesame ginger dressing over the salad and toss everything to combine. Cover and set aside to let the flavors meld together.

Prepare the Chicken: While the salad is marinating and resting, grill or bake your sesame chicken as per the recipe instructions.

Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it and add it to the top of the salad. Garnish with toasted almonds, roasted cashews, sesame seeds, extra cilantro, green onion, and jalapeño slices. For an added crunch, sprinkle some crispy wonton strips on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 as a main dish, 6 as a side dish

Prep time: 45 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Vegan Option: Make this salad vegan by omitting the chicken and replacing it with tofu or a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas.

Different Dressing: If you’re in the mood for a twist, try substituting the sesame ginger dressing with a healthy Thai-inspired peanut dressing.

Add Fruit: For a sweet touch, add fruits like mandarin oranges, mango, or pineapple to bring an extra burst of sweetness to the salad.

Veggie Options: Swap or add other veggies like shredded brussels sprouts, finely chopped broccoli, or even kale to change up the flavors.

How to Toast Almonds

Stovetop method: Add sliced almonds to a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally for 2-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove from heat and let them cool before adding to your salad.

Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sliced almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Watch carefully to avoid burning!

Storage and Leftovers

If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! This salad works great with grilled shrimp, salmon, or even grilled chicken marinated in the same sesame dressing. For a plant-based option, tofu or tempeh are perfect alternatives.

How can I make this salad spicier?

For an extra kick, add more jalapeño or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing. You can also use spicy grilled chicken if you like heat.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients (chopping and shredding) a day or two ahead of time. Just store everything separately, and dress the salad right before serving to keep it fresh.

What can I serve with this salad?

This salad is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of warm rice, quinoa, or even crispy wonton strips for added crunch.

Conclusion

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its fresh vegetables, juicy grilled chicken, and flavorful sesame ginger dressing, it’s the ultimate feel-good, customizable salad. Whether you’re in the mood for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!

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