If you are searching for a vibrant and satisfying meal that bursts with texture and flavor, look no further than the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe. This salad is a delightful mix of crunchy green and red cabbage, crisp fresh veggies, tender grilled chicken, and a luscious sesame ginger dressing that ties it all together perfectly. Every bite offers a wonderful contrast of textures and a balance of savory, tangy, and subtly spicy notes, making it an irresistible dish for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite add-ins, making the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe a versatile staple in any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl on a white marbled surface holds six layers of fresh vegetables arranged in sections. Starting from the top left going clockwise, there are thin strips of purple cabbage, light green cabbage, chopped green bell peppers, thin orange carrot sticks, chopped green onions, and red bell pepper slices. In the center of the bowl is a pile of chopped green herbs. To the right of the bowl is a small white jug filled with brown dressing, and below the bowl are two silver spoons crossed on the white marbled surface. A gray cloth is partially visible on the bottom left side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe plays an important role in delivering an unforgettable taste and mouthfeel. From the crunchy cabbages to the fragrant cilantro, every component is simple yet essential.

Green cabbage (4 cups shredded): Adds a crisp, refreshing base with a mild flavor that complements the dressing.
Red cabbage (2 cups shredded): Brings vibrant color and extra crunch to the salad.
Green onion (1/2 cup diced): Offers a subtle onion kick and freshness.
Fresh cilantro (3/4 cup chopped): Infuses a burst of herbaceous brightness.
Carrots (1 cup shredded): Adds natural sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
Red bell pepper (1, thinly julienned): Provides a juicy crunch and a pop of red color.
Jalapeno (1, seeded and diced): Adds gentle heat and spice without overwhelming the other flavors.
Grilled sesame chicken: The star protein with smoky, nutty notes that harmonize beautifully with the salad.
Sesame ginger dressing (1 batch): A flavorful and zesty dressing that ties every ingredient together.
Toasted sliced almonds (1/3 cup): Adds extra crunch and nutty sweetness.
Roasted cashew halves (1/3 cup): Complement the sesame flavor while providing richness.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): Sprinkle for extra texture and visual appeal.
Optional crispy wonton strips: For those who want an additional layer of crunch and fun.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Grilled Sesame Chicken

Begin by marinating your chicken with the sesame marinade, infusing it with a nutty, savory flavor that will shine when grilled. Cooking the chicken to juicy perfection adds a hearty protein base that balances the crisp veggies beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Sesame Ginger Dressing

Whisk together your sesame ginger dressing ingredients to create a tangy, slightly sweet, and aromatic dressing that elevates every bite of the salad. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld while you prep the other components.

Step 3: Toss Together the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, diced green onion, fresh cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the top and toss everything gently to ensure every crunchy bite is coated in delicious flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once your chicken is grilled and ready, slice it thinly and layer it on top of or alongside the tossed salad. Garnish with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, extra cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and any additional jalapeno slices for a fresh, spicy kick. If you’re a fan of extra crunch, sprinkle crispy wonton strips on top just before serving.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

A large white bowl filled with a colorful mixed salad, showing thin layers of bright green cabbage, purple cabbage, orange carrot sticks, and red bell pepper slices all mixed together with some dark green herbs and light green sliced scallions scattered on top. Two silver spoons rest inside the bowl, partially submerged in the salad. Around the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there are small white bowls containing cashew nuts and sliced almonds, a small bowl of sliced green scallions, and some sesame seeds in a dark dish. A white ceramic pourer with light brown sauce sits to the left, near the edge of a textured gray cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like toasted almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs isn’t just for looks—they introduce an incredible range of textures and aromas that make each forkful a little celebration. Feel free to add a few jalapeno slices to let that subtle heat peek through.

Side Dishes

This salad holds its own as a wholesome main course, but pairing it with light sides such as steamed jasmine rice, edamame, or even a miso soup can make your meal feel complete and well rounded. For a casual gathering, offer fresh spring rolls or fresh fruit to complement the vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the salad in individual clear glass jars for a charming picnic vibe, or arrange the salad over a bed of mixed greens with the sesame chicken elegantly fanned on top. You can even stuff the salad into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option that’s perfect for parties or quick lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the salad’s crispness, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended, especially due to the fresh vegetables and crunchy nuts. The texture and flavors may become compromised upon thawing.

Reheating

If you have leftover grilled chicken, feel free to gently reheat it in a pan or microwave before adding it to a freshly tossed salad. Avoid heating the salad itself to maintain that lovely crunch and freshness that makes this dish so appealing.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the grilled chicken or swap it for grilled tofu or a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas. The bold flavors and crunchy textures remain just as satisfying without meat.

What kind of sesame ginger dressing works best?

The best dressing for this salad balances savory, tangy, and mildly sweet notes, ideally made fresh with toasted sesame oil, soy sauce or tamari, ginger, garlic, and a bit of honey or maple syrup to bring it all together.

How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?

For the crunchiest salad, toss the vegetables with the dressing just before serving, or dress the salad and let it sit only briefly while you cook the chicken. Storing components separately until ready to eat helps maintain crispness.

Can I prepare parts of this salad ahead of time?

Yes, shred your cabbages and carrots and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Keep everything refrigerated separately and assemble the salad right before mealtime for the best texture and flavor.

Is this salad gluten free and paleo friendly?

Yes! With gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and no grains involved, the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe fits well into gluten free and paleo lifestyle choices.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is a true joy to make and eat, combining freshness, crunch, and bold flavors in a way that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy dinner, or an easy dish to share, this salad delivers every time. I encourage you to give it a try and experiment with your favorite add-ins—it just might become your new go-to salad!