If you’re looking for a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, then you’ll love this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad. It’s a dish that brings together crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and a delightful sesame ginger dressing. Every bite is a burst of flavor and texture! This salad is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, making it my go-to recipe when I want something fresh and healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.

The best part? You can easily tailor it to your taste! Add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it truly yours. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this salad never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just about an hour, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.
Family-Friendly: With its colorful ingredients and delicious flavors, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the salad in advance for easy meals throughout the week—just add the dressing before serving!
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh veggies and lean protein, this dish is as good for you as it is tasty.
Customizable: Feel free to mix and match with different veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather all the simple, wholesome ingredients needed for our Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad. These are all easy to find and will give your salad that fresh crunch!

For the Chicken:

Grilled Sesame 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 (bagged or cut into matchsticks for excellent crunch!)
1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned
1 jalapeno, 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 jalapeno slices
Optional: Crispy wonton strips

Variations

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is wonderfully flexible! You can switch up ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in season.

Swap the protein: Try grilled tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for alternatives to chicken.
Add more crunch: Toss in some sliced radishes or snap peas for extra texture.
Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more jalapenos or a splash of sriracha to your dressing.
Go nut-free: Omit nuts if there’s an allergy concern; sunflower seeds make a great substitute!

How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by marinating your chicken using your favorite grilled sesame chicken recipe. Marinating adds flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy during cooking. This step is crucial because well-marinated chicken brings depth to your salad.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

While your chicken marinates, prepare the sesame ginger dressing. Whisk together all the ingredients until smooth. This flavorful dressing ties everything together, so take your time here—it makes all the difference!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Pour your prepared dressing over these vibrant veggies and toss everything gently to coat them evenly. Cover this mixture and let it sit while you cook your chicken.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Once your chicken is grilled or baked according to your recipe’s instructions, slice it up and add it on top of your colorful salad mixture. Transfer everything onto a large platter and garnish generously with toasted sliced almonds, cashews, extra cilantro, sesame seeds, jalapeno slices, and chopped green onion if desired. If you’re feeling a little fancy, sprinkle some crispy wonton strips on top! Now it’s time to dig in—enjoy every crunchy bite!

This delightful Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad serves four as a hearty main dish or six as a lovely side dish. Happy eating!

Pro Tips for Making Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Creating a delicious salad is all about the details, and I’m here to share some tips to ensure your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad turns out perfectly every time!

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance flavor but also provide the best texture. Look for vibrant, crisp cabbage and colorful bell peppers to make your salad pop!
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies! Adding ingredients like snap peas or radishes can give your salad a unique twist while keeping it fresh and crunchy.
Prep Ahead: To save time during the week, chop your vegetables and marinate your chicken in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble.
Adjust the Dressing: If you like a bit more zing, try adding a splash of lime juice or a hint of honey to your sesame ginger dressing. Tailoring it to your taste will make each bite more enjoyable!
Serve Chilled: For an extra refreshing experience, chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives you that delightful crunch.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Presenting this vibrant salad can make all the difference at your dining table. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience!

Garnishes

Toasted Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch, enhancing both taste and presentation.
Fresh Cilantro: Adding a few sprigs of cilantro on top not only looks beautiful but also brings out the fresh flavors of the salad.

Side Dishes

Steamed Edamame: These protein-packed soybeans are perfect for snacking alongside your salad. They provide a lovely green color and are easy to prepare.
Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa pilaf flavored with herbs and lemon makes for a hearty side that complements the freshness of the salad beautifully.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar offers a refreshing contrast, balancing out the savory notes of the sesame chicken.
Sweet Potato Wedges: Roasted sweet potato wedges are deliciously sweet and crispy, providing a satisfying texture that pairs well with the crunchy elements of your main dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy an amazing meal that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, and it stores well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for busy weekdays or healthy lunches.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the salad’s crunch.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

While this salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh vegetables, you can freeze the grilled sesame chicken separately.
Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

If you’ve frozen the chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious salad!

Can I make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just prepare the salad ingredients and store them in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.

What vegetables work well with Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite veggies! Options like cucumber, snap peas, or bell peppers add extra crunch and flavor.

How long does Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this salad will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Remember to keep the dressing separate until serving!

Can I substitute other proteins in Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?

Yes! Grilled tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas are great alternatives if you’re looking for something different.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad as delightful as I do! It’s a vibrant dish bursting with flavor and texture that makes healthy eating feel indulgent. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite veggies and toppings. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to dig into this refreshing salad!