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
Scale
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
