If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, crunchy salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors and satisfying textures, the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp cabbage, colorful veggies, and a perfectly balanced sesame dressing that brings it all together. Every bite delivers a wonderful contrast of savory, sweet, tangy, and nutty notes that make this salad feel like a celebration in your mouth. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe never fails to deliver pure joy in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Good food starts with great ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. Each item here plays a key role in bringing the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe to life, from the fresh veggies that add crispness and color to the toasted nuts and seeds that provide satisfying crunch and depth.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use tender shredded or chopped chicken for protein-packed heartiness.
- 3 cups green cabbage: Thinly sliced for a fresh, crunchy base that’s slightly sweet.
- 1 cup red cabbage: Adds color contrast and a bit more bite to the crunch factor.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- 1 red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for juicy crunch and a pop of red.
- 3 green onions: Sliced to impart mild onion flavor and freshness.
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves: Chopped to add herbal brightness and a lovely fragrance.
- 1/4 cup roasted sesame seeds: For nutty flavor and tiny bursts of crunch.
- 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles (optional): Toss in for an irresistible crispy texture.
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds: Toasted to bring out their rich nuttiness and crunch.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: A tangy backbone for the salad dressing.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Infuses the dish with warm, toasted sesame aroma.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami that ties all flavors harmoniously.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances acidity with a smooth touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Provides fresh citrus zing.
- 1 clove garlic: Minced to give a gentle pungent kick.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger: Grated for a subtle spicy warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly and enhance all flavors.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Veggies and Nuts
Start by thinly slicing the green and red cabbage, shredding the carrots, and slicing the red bell pepper and green onions. Chop the cilantro and toast the almonds until lightly golden and fragrant. This prep work builds the foundation of your salad’s vibrant texture and color — crisp, fresh, and full of life.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the prepared cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, roasted sesame seeds, toasted almonds, and crunchy chow mein noodles if you’re using them. Add the cooked chicken on top and gently mix everything to combine each ingredient evenly. The balance between crunchy veggies, nuts, and tender chicken will delight your palate.
Step 3: Whisk the Flavorful Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the magic that brings a perfect harmony of tangy, nutty, and sweet notes to every bite of the salad.
Step 4: Dress and Let it Rest
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all components with that luscious sauce. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief wait allows the cabbage and other veggies to soften just enough and lets all the flavors marry beautifully.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like additional chopped cilantro, extra toasted almonds, or a sprinkle of crunchy chow mein noodles elevate both the flavor and presentation of the salad. A wedge of lime on the side offers guests a chance to add an extra burst of citrus freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a standalone meal, but if you’re looking to round it out, think steamed jasmine rice or a light miso soup for an Asian-inspired spread. Crispy spring rolls or edamame also pair wonderfully and make the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or picnic, serve the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe in individual mason jars layered beautifully or on a vibrant platter with edible flowers and sliced limes. Making it visually stunning invites everyone to dig in with enthusiasm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh and crunchy, consider storing the dressing separately and tossing it together just before serving.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the crispness of the vegetables and the dressing’s ingredients. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, no-cook salad, reheating isn’t needed or recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor of the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add protein like edamame, tofu, or chickpeas to maintain substance and nutrition while keeping the salad vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Also, ensure any crunchy noodles you add are gluten-free or skip them entirely.
Is it possible to prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and dressing a day in advance, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to keep the cabbage crisp and fresh.
Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to swap the almonds for cashews, peanuts, or even pumpkin seeds depending on your preference or allergy considerations.
What can I do if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can substitute with a mild olive oil or toasted walnut oil, but keep in mind that sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor that’s central to the salad’s character.
Final Thoughts
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite the moment you try it. The way the textures and flavors play so harmoniously together is truly special. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight meal or to brighten a gathering, it’s bound to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try and savor a fresh, crunchy bite of happiness!
Print
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines tender cooked chicken with crisp green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, bell pepper, and fresh herbs. Tossed with a tangy and slightly sweet sesame dressing and topped with crunchy roasted sesame seeds, toasted almonds, and optional chow mein noodles, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, it can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 3 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup red cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (chopped)
- 1/4 cup roasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles (optional)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro leaves, roasted sesame seeds, toasted sliced almonds, and crunchy chow mein noodles if using. Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and toss everything gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the salad ingredients are well coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Let flavors meld: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavors blend beautifully and the dressing slightly softens the vegetables.
- Serve: Serve the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing, crunchy meal or side dish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an easy and quick preparation.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add edamame or tofu instead.
- Adjust the soy sauce amount according to your preferred sodium level or use a gluten-free tamari for gluten-free needs.
- To enhance crunchiness, toast your almonds and roast sesame seeds lightly if desired.
