This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is fresh, colorful, crunchy, and full of bold flavor. It combines juicy sesame-marinated chicken, crisp green and red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, herbs, toasted nuts, and a homemade sesame ginger dressing that brings everything together beautifully.
It is the kind of salad that feels light but still satisfying enough for lunch or dinner. The cabbage stays crunchy, the chicken adds plenty of protein, and the sweet-savory dressing gives every bite that delicious sesame ginger flavor. This recipe is also easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, protein, or toppings.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 main-dish servings
Ingredients
For the Sesame Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup roasted cashews
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Crispy wonton strips, optional
For the Sesame Ginger Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, olive oil, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Add the chicken and coat it well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until golden on the outside and fully cooked inside.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, Dijon mustard, sesame seeds, and black pepper.
Whisk or shake until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust with more lime juice for tang, honey for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño.
Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Add Chicken and Toppings
Arrange the sliced sesame chicken over the salad. Top with toasted almonds, roasted cashews, sesame seeds, extra cilantro, green onions, and crispy wonton strips if using.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad
For extra crunch, use freshly shredded cabbage instead of pre-bagged coleslaw mix. Pre-cut cabbage works in a hurry, but fresh cabbage gives the best texture.
Let the chicken rest before slicing so the juices stay inside. This keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
Toast the almonds for a deeper, nuttier flavor. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring often.
Do not overdress the salad too early if you want it extra crisp. Add the dressing right before serving, or keep it separate for meal prep.
Variations and Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or edamame.
For a seafood version, use grilled shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
For extra sweetness, add mandarin oranges, mango chunks, or pineapple.
For a heartier meal, toss in cooked ramen noodles, rice noodles, or brown rice.
For a nut-free version, skip the almonds and cashews and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
For more heat, add extra jalapeño, chili crisp, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can chop the vegetables 1 to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The dressing can also be made 2 to 3 days in advance. Shake well before using.
The chicken can be cooked ahead of time and stored separately. For best texture, assemble the salad just before serving.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
If possible, store the dressing, chicken, and crunchy toppings separately to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
What to Serve with Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
This salad is filling enough on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Garlic noodles
- Spring rolls
- Miso soup
- Fried rice
- Lettuce wraps
- Grilled shrimp skewers
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
Calories: 520
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 31g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 14g
Nutrition may vary depending on the exact ingredients and toppings used.
FAQs
Can I make this salad without chicken?
Yes. You can leave out the chicken or replace it with tofu, chickpeas, edamame, shrimp, or salmon.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, but homemade sesame ginger dressing gives the freshest flavor. If using store-bought dressing, choose an Asian sesame, ginger sesame, or toasted sesame dressing.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes. Keep the vegetables, dressing, chicken, and crunchy toppings in separate containers. Assemble when ready to eat.
Can I use coleslaw mix?
Yes. A bagged coleslaw mix is a great shortcut. You can still add bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño for extra flavor.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and skip the wonton strips or use gluten-free crunchy toppings.
Pinterest Description
Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor, this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is packed with juicy sesame chicken, colorful vegetables, toasted nuts, and a homemade sesame ginger dressing. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch, easy dinner, or meal prep during the week! #SesameChickenSalad #CabbageSalad #HealthySaladRecipe #ChickenSalad #MealPrepRecipe #EasyDinnerIdeas #AsianInspiredRecipes #CrunchySalad