If you’re craving something vibrant, crunchy, and packed with flavor, the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is about to become your go-to recipe. Picture tender shredded chicken mingling with crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, and a confetti of crunchy toppings, all tied together with a zesty, nutty sesame dressing. This salad is equal parts satisfying and refreshing, making it perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or light dinners when you want something that feels both wholesome and exciting. Every bite is a celebration of color, texture, and taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one brings its own burst of flavor, crunch, or color, and together they create a dish that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love every single component:
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): This provides hearty protein and soaks up the dressing beautifully. Rotisserie chicken makes it a breeze.
- Green cabbage (4 cups, shredded): The mild, sweet crunch forms the base of our salad.
- Purple cabbage (2 cups, shredded): Adds gorgeous color and a peppery kick to every bite.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): For natural sweetness and vibrant orange flair.
- Green onions (3, sliced): These freshen up the mix and offer a gentle oniony bite.
- Sliced almonds (1/2 cup, toasted): Toasting brings out their nutty aroma and extra crunch.
- Crunchy chow mein noodles (1/2 cup): The secret to that irresistible crispy texture.
- Sesame seeds (2 tablespoons, toasted): Intensifies the salad’s signature sesame flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped, optional): A sprinkle for brightness and herby freshness.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle tang to balance the richness of the dressing.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Infuses savory depth and a touch of umami.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and a signature nutty aroma.
- Olive oil or avocado oil (2 tablespoons): For a silky, luscious finish.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Just enough sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): For a punch of savory intensity.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Lends a zingy brightness that wakes up the palate.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): The finishing touch for perfect seasoning.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients
Start by shredding or chopping the cooked chicken, slicing your green onions, and prepping both green and purple cabbage. The more finely you shred your veggies, the more evenly they’ll mix and soak up the delicious dressing. Toast your almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant, and if you’re using fresh carrots, give them a quick shred. Laying everything out before you start makes assembly a total breeze!
Step 2: Make the Sesame Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive or avocado oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and emulsified, and taste it—this is where you can adjust the sweetness, acidity, or saltiness to your liking. The dressing should be bold but balanced, with the sesame oil shining through.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, and your cooked chicken. Add the toasted almonds, crunchy chow mein noodles, and the toasted sesame seeds. Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the top, and gently toss everything together. Use tongs or clean hands to really get the dressing into every nook and cranny—trust me, you want every bite of your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad to be packed with flavor!
Step 4: Let It Rest (Optional, but Recommended)
If you have a bit of patience, let the salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This quick rest allows the veggies to soak up the dressing and the flavors to meld beautifully. The cabbage softens just a touch while still keeping that signature crunch, and the overall taste becomes even more harmonious.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Right before serving, toss in the fresh cilantro if you’re using it. Give the salad one final toss, then pile it high onto plates or a large serving platter. Serve immediately to enjoy the best of that crunch, and watch as the bowl magically empties faster than you’d expect!
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Garnishes
The right garnishes make your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad pop both visually and flavor-wise. Try an extra sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a few more crunchy chow mein noodles, or a handful of fresh cilantro. If you’re feeling fancy, thinly sliced radishes or a few extra green onion curls add a chef’s touch and a little intrigue.
Side Dishes
This salad is a star on its own, but it also loves company. Pair it alongside steamed jasmine rice, a bowl of miso soup, or some veggie spring rolls for a fuller meal. For a light summer dinner, serve it with fresh fruit or a tangy cucumber salad. The versatile flavors play well with both Asian-inspired and classic picnic sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad into individual lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer, or serve it in mason jars for a picnic-ready lunch. For a potluck, pile it onto a large platter and garnish with extra nuts and herbs. You can even fill rice paper rolls with the salad for a crunchy, colorful twist on summer rolls!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad, you’re in luck—it holds up surprisingly well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The veggies will soften a bit as they absorb the dressing, but you’ll still get plenty of crunch from the almonds and chow mein noodles.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the fresh veggies and delicate dressing can lose their crispness and separate after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, chop and store the veggies and chicken separately, then toss everything together with fresh dressing just before serving.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, just give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up before serving. For extra crunch, add a fresh sprinkle of chow mein noodles right before eating.
FAQs
Can I make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken or swap it for crispy tofu, edamame, or even chickpeas. The salad is still deliciously satisfying and keeps all its wonderful crunch.
What’s the best type Salad
A mix of green and purple cabbage creates the best blend of flavor, crunch, and color. If you only have one on hand, go for it—your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad will still be fantastic.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes! The sesame dressing can be whisked up and refrigerated in a jar for up to 5 days. Just give it a good shake before pouring over your salad to blend the flavors again.
How do I keep the salad extra crunchy?
For maximum crunch, toss in the almonds and chow mein noodles just before serving. If making ahead, store them separately and add at the last minute so they stay crisp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
With a few tweaks, it can be! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and swap the chow mein noodles for a gluten-free crunchy topping or skip them altogether.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a potluck, this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad always delivers color, crunch, and irresistible flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new favorite, too—let me know how you make it your own!
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Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Asian-inspired Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad featuring shredded chicken, colorful cabbages, toasted almonds, and a flavorful sesame dressing that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 4 cups green cabbage (shredded)
- 2 cups purple cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
Sesame Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and cooked chicken. Add the toasted sliced almonds, crunchy chow mein noodles, and toasted sesame seeds, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive or avocado oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until smooth and well emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Rest and Serve: Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly while maintaining crunch. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top if desired, and serve immediately for optimal crunchiness.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience and time-saving.
- Feel free to add sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or edamame to enhance color and texture.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken or replace it with crispy tofu.
- For gluten-free, ensure soy sauce is tamari or gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
