Name: Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients: Grilled Sesame Chicken (recipe as per grilled sesame chicken instructions); 4 cups shredded green cabbage; 2 cups shredded red cabbage; ½ cup diced green onion; ¾ cup freshly diced cilantro; 1 cup shredded carrots (bagged or cut into matchsticks); 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned; 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced; 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing (as per recipe); ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds; ⅓ cup roasted cashew halves; Sesame seeds, to sprinkle; Extra cilantro for garnish; Extra green onion, chopped; A few jalapeño slices; Optional: Crispy wonton strips

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If you crave a salad that bursts with crisp textures, vibrant colors, and bold flavors, the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish pairs tender grilled sesame chicken with a fresh, crunchy mix of green and red cabbage, bright veggies, and an irresistible sesame ginger dressing that ties everything together. Whether you want a light lunch or a show-stopping side, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation, offering that perfect balance between savory and refreshing in every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

A large white bowl is filled with six colorful layers of fresh vegetables arranged in sections: bright red bell pepper strips on the left, thin shredded purple cabbage on the upper left, pale green shredded cabbage on the upper right, finely chopped green bell pepper on the right, thin carrot sticks below the green pepper, and a pile of chopped green onions below the red pepper. In the center of the bowl is a mound of chopped fresh parsley, dark green in color. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with some scattered chopped parsley around. To the right is a white pitcher with brown dressing inside, and two metal serving spoons lie near the bowl. A gray textured cloth is partially visible beneath the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, bringing texture, zing, and freshness that make the salad so delightful.

Grilled Sesame Chicken: Marinated to perfection, the chicken delivers juicy, savory bites infused with nutty sesame flavor.

4 cups shredded green cabbage: Provides a crisp and mild base that is refreshing and crunchy.
2 cups shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a touch of earthiness to the mix.
½ cup diced green onion: Offers a subtle onion bite that complements the other veggies.

¾ cup freshly diced cilantro: Brings herbaceous brightness and a pop of fresh green.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and a lovely crunch to the salad texture.
1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned: Brightens up the salad with color and a slightly sweet pepper taste.

1 jalapeno, seeded and diced: Introduces a mild heat that elevates the flavor without overwhelming it.
1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing: The soul of the salad, combining nutty sesame with tangy ginger and a hint of sweetness.
⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds: Adds a toasty crunch and nutty depth.

⅓ cup roasted cashews halves: Provides rich, buttery contrast to the crisp veggies.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for extra sesame flavor and visual appeal.
Extra cilantro and green onion: Garnish for fresh herbaceous notes and a vibrant finish.

A few jalapeño slices: For those who love a little extra kick with every forkful.
Optional crispy wonton strips: For an additional layer of crunch and a fun textural contrast.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

Start by preparing your grilled sesame chicken using your preferred marinade method—ideally one packed with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Allow the chicken to soak in all those flavors for at least 30 minutes, then grill it until juicy and caramelized. This flavorful chicken will be the meaty, irresistible centerpiece of your salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Dressing

Next, whip up the sesame ginger dressing that will marry all the salad’s elements together. Using fresh ginger, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness, this dressing offers the perfect zesty, nutty coating for the crisp veggies and chicken alike.

Step 3: Assemble the Crunchy Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, diced green onion, freshly chopped cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the veggies and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every morsel gets lightly coated with the flavorful dressing.

Step 4: Combine and Garnish for Serving

When your grilled sesame chicken is ready, slice it into bite-sized pieces and layer it over the tossed salad or mix it in. Transfer the salad to a large serving platter, then lavish on toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, sesame seeds, more fresh cilantro, extra green onion, and a few jalapeño slices for that extra pop. Don’t forget optional crispy wonton strips if you want to take the crunch factor up a notch!

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

The dish shows a white oval plate filled with shredded cabbage and carrot salad mixed with sliced red bell peppers and purple cabbage as the base layer. On top are two rows of grilled sliced chicken, golden brown with visible grill marks. The chicken is garnished with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeño rings, sesame seeds, cashews, and almond slivers, creating a colorful and textured look. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with scattered herbs and nuts around. A large metal spoon rests on the right side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Use toasted nuts like almonds and cashews to add irresistible crunch and nuttiness to your salad. Fresh cilantro and green onion brighten the dish with herbaceous notes, while sprinkle of sesame seeds enhances the signature flavor. For those who love spice, jalapeno slices add just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.

Side Dishes

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe works beautifully as a hearty main dish on its own or as a vibrant side dish alongside simple steamed jasmine rice or light miso soup. It also pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes like vegetable stir-fries or homemade egg rolls when entertaining guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl that complements the vivid reds, greens, and oranges. Layer the chicken on top for clear visibility or toss everything together for a rustic look. Individual servings in small bowls with a garnish of crispy wonton strips can make for a delightful appetizer at parties too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep any crunchy garnishes like almonds, cashews, and wonton strips separate until serving to maintain their crisp texture.

Freezing

Since this salad relies heavily on fresh veggies and crunchy textures, freezing is not recommended. The cabbages and dressing will lose their crispness and become watery upon thawing.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the grilled sesame chicken warm, you can reheat just the chicken gently in the microwave or a skillet. However, toss the chicken back into the salad cold to preserve the fresh crunch and vibrant flavors of the veggies and dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled sesame chicken?

Absolutely! While grilled chicken gives you that authentic smoky sesame flavor, rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Just toss it with a little toasted sesame oil and soy sauce to mimic the marinade flavors before adding it to the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce in your sesame chicken marinade and dressing, this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How spicy is the salad?

The heat level is quite mild since the jalapeno is seeded and used sparingly. You can control the spice by adjusting or omitting the jalapeno and the slices on top to suit your preference.

Can I prep the salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the veggies and dressing a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated separately. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.

What can I substitute for wonton strips?

If you want the extra crunch but don’t have wonton strips, try toasted pita chips, crispy tortilla strips, or even crushed rice crackers as fun and tasty alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. Its bright colors, crunchy textures, and layers of flavor are guaranteed to brighten up any meal and impress your family or guests. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to salad that’s as fun to eat as it is to share.

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need