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
Scale
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.
