If you’re in search of a dish that’s equal parts wholesome, vibrant, and irresistibly crunchy, allow me to introduce you to Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad. This colorful salad is a symphony of flavors and textures: crisp cabbage, juicy shredded chicken, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing that brings everything together with an aromatic swirl. Best of all, it’s a breeze to prepare, incredibly satisfying to eat (for both lunch and dinner!), and just as perfect for weeknight meals as it is for celebrations or meal prepping. Ready to fall in love with your new go-to Asian-inspired chicken salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is all in the clever layering of simple, fresh ingredients. Each component adds its own color, bite, or burst of flavor—every element is totally essential, and together they create a salad you’ll crave again and again.
- Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, shredded): Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a fast, protein-packed base.
- Green cabbage (3 cups, thinly sliced): Sweet and crunchy, this makes up half the hearty slaw foundation.
- Red cabbage (2 cups, thinly sliced): Adds gorgeous color and a deeper flavor to the mix.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Lends a colorful, crisp bite and subtle sweetness.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Sprinkle in a fresh, mild onion flavor to wake up the salad.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (1/4 cup): For fresh, bright herbal notes that tie in with the Asian-style flavors.
- Roasted peanuts or cashews (1/4 cup, chopped): Choose your favorite nut for that classic crunch and a rich, nutty finish.
- Toasted sesame seeds (2 tablespoons): These little seeds deliver roasted, fragrant depth in every bite.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Forms the tangy backbone of the dressing.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons, or tamari for gluten-free): Brings bold, savory umami notes.
- Toasted sesame oil (2 tablespoons): The unmistakable warm aroma makes this dressing unforgettable.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Balances the acid and salt with a subtle natural sweetener.
- Fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright zing for freshness.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): A little ginger gives everything a peppery spice.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Lends mellow heat and depth to the dressing.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a touch for a gentle kick—add more if you love heat!
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Chicken
Start by shredding your cooked chicken and thinly slicing both green and red cabbage (a mandoline is super helpful here, but a sharp knife works too). Grab your carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions—slice and shred until everything is prepped and ready to go. Having your mise en place in order will help the salad come together in mere minutes and make tossing a total breeze.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded chicken, both cabbages, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and your choice of nuts. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over everything. Stop and take a moment to admire that beautiful tangle of colors—this is what makes Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad so cheerful to serve.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari if gluten-free), toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and, if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. The aroma will transport you instantly, and you’ll see how the flavors balance one another perfectly—zesty, sweet, salty, and deeply savory.
Step 4: Toss and Coat Everything
Pour your dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Now, using two big forks or salad tongs, gently toss everything together until every shred of cabbage and piece of chicken is beautifully coated. This is when the flavors start to meld, and you catch those delicious sesame and ginger scents wafting up.
Step 5: Let It Mingle or Serve Fresh
You can absolutely serve this immediately—there’s nothing better than the crunch of freshly tossed cabbage! Or, for even more flavor, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for about 1–2 hours. This gives each ingredient a chance to soak up the dressing and marry all those layers of taste.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Garnishes
A handful of extra toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts is always welcome at serving time—these add instant curb appeal and even more awesome crunch. For extra zest, scatter a few more cilantro leaves on top or a squeeze of fresh lime for a citrusy pop right before you dig in. Crispy wonton strips also make a fantastic topping if you have them on hand.
Side Dishes
This lively salad shines as a meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, think simple and refreshing. Steamed jasmine or brown rice, a cup of miso soup, or even some crisp snap peas tossed in lime juice are all terrific partners. Need something heartier? Try pairing with homemade spring rolls or chilled soba noodles—a perfect Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual lunchboxes, pack the salad and dressing separately and shake together right before eating. Hosting a gathering? Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad in lettuce cups for a pick-up-and-eat appetizer. You could also layer it mason jar-style—dressing at the bottom, sturdy cabbage in the middle, and nuts, chicken, and herbs on top—to keep everything crisp until ready to serve.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad keeps surprisingly well in the fridge. Just transfer it to an airtight container and stash it for up to 3 days—yes, even after it’s dressed! The sturdy cabbage holds up, which means no soggy salads here. For the very best crunch, keep the peanuts or cashews separate and sprinkle them in fresh at serving time.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a candidate for the freezer, unfortunately. Both the fresh vegetables and the dressing won’t thaw out well—the textures change and lose all their signature crunch. If you want to get ahead, you can freeze cooked chicken and slice your veggies later, then throw everything together fresh for best results.
Reheating
No heating required! Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’re pulling it straight from the fridge, give it a few minutes to lose the chill, toss again to redistribute any dressing, and enjoy. If you’ve kept the nuts or toppings separate, add those just before eating for peak crunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken not only saves you time, but it’s also juicy and flavorful, making it a perfect protein for Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes—just use tamari in place of traditional soy sauce to keep it fully gluten-free, and double-check your other ingredients to be sure. Every other element of the salad is naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
No worries—just leave it out, or substitute with fresh basil or mint for a different herbal note. The salad will still be bright, flavorful, and delicious.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
Simply swap out the chicken for baked or pan-seared tofu or even chickpeas. The amazing sesame dressing will bring everything together beautifully, no matter your protein!
Can I prep the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep all the salad ingredients and the dressing up to a day ahead. To keep things crisp, store them separately and toss together just before serving for the freshest taste and crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to break free from your salad rut, Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is calling your name. Its mix of textures, bold flavors, and make-ahead ease has made it a household favorite in my kitchen—and I can’t wait for you to try it too! Dive in, get creative, and make it your own. I have a feeling this one’s going to earn a permanent spot in your salad rotation.
Print
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed / No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining tender shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and a savory dressing with a hint of sesame and ginger. It’s a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s perfect for a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Main Salad: In a large bowl, combine chicken, green and red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, nuts, and sesame seeds.
- Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add crispy wonton strips or sunflower seeds.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust sweetness and heat in the dressing to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
