This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad brings together crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a bright sesame-ginger dressing for a meal that feels fresh and satisfying. It’s ideal for weekday lunches, lighter dinners, or meal-prep bowls that stay crunchy for days. The mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, bell pepper, and jalapeño creates layers of flavor and texture. Add sesame-marinated chicken and a simple homemade dressing, and you have a balanced dish that is easy to prepare and full of clean, vibrant flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Crisp vegetables that stay crunchy
- Protein-rich chicken for a balanced meal
- Easy to customize with different add-ins
- Works well for meal prep
- Uses familiar and accessible ingredients
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup grilled sesame chicken
- ½ cup diced green onion
- ¾ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
Dressing
Use your preferred homemade sesame-ginger dressing or a bottled version.
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted sliced almonds
- Roasted cashews
- Sesame seeds
- Extra cilantro
- Green onion
- Crispy wonton strips
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Before You Begin:
Prepare your cookware as needed. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Chilling and storage times may vary depending on refrigerator temperature and ingredient moisture.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cook chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it cool before slicing or shredding.
2. Mix the Dressing
Whisk together the sesame-ginger dressing until smooth. A jar works well if you prefer to shake it.
3. Build the Salad
Combine cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeño in a large mixing bowl.
Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
4. Add Chicken and Garnish
Transfer the salad to a platter or bowls.
Top with sliced sesame chicken, nuts, sesame seeds, herbs, or wonton strips.
Serve immediately for the best texture.
Always store dressing separately to reduce moisture and preserve texture.
How to Serve This Salad
- As a main dish with grilled chicken
- As a fresh lunch prep for busy days
- As a side for grilled meats or barbecue
- Over rice or noodles for a heartier option
- As a colorful potluck or picnic dish
Storage and Meal Prep
Refrigerator
Store the salad and dressing separately for 3–4 days. Once dressed, it maintains its crunch for about a day. Keep refrigerated and do not leave chicken at room temperature for extended periods.
Meal Prep Tip
Add chicken and dressing right before serving to keep the cabbage crisp.
Tips for Success
- Slice cabbage thinly for the best texture
- Add dressing slowly; cabbage absorbs more than leafy greens
- Toast nuts for a richer flavor
- Adjust heat with jalapeño or chili flakes
- Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much dressing, which softens the cabbage
- Skipping fresh herbs, which add brightness
- Using unseasoned chicken, reducing overall flavor
- Storing dressed salad for too long, which softens the vegetables
FAQ
1. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes. Replace chicken with tofu, chickpeas, edamame, or roasted vegetables.
2. Does the salad stay crunchy?
When stored without dressing, it stays crisp for several days.
3. What dressing works best?
Sesame-ginger dressing pairs best, but peanut dressing or citrus vinaigrette also works.
4. Can I use coleslaw mix?
Yes. It’s convenient, but hand-shredded cabbage has better texture.
5. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Toss it with a little sesame oil and soy sauce for added flavor.
6. How can I make it spicy?
Add more jalapeño, chili crisp, or red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a fresh, flavorful recipe that fits perfectly into busy schedules and lighter mealtime routines. With crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a bright sesame-ginger dressing, the salad delivers balanced texture and clean, satisfying flavor. It works just as well for lunches as it does for simple dinners and can be adjusted with different vegetables, proteins, or toppings. When stored correctly, it stays crunchy and vibrant, making it a reliable option for weekly meal prep. It’s an easy, wholesome dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Recipe Card
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Author: Isaac Blogger
Course: Main Dish / Salad
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Method: Mixing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: (Chicken varies)
Total Time: 15–20 minutes
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup grilled sesame chicken, sliced (cooked to 165°F / 74°C)
- ½ cup diced green onion
- ¾ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
Dressing
- 1 batch sesame-ginger dressing (homemade or bottled)
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted almonds
- Sesame seeds
- Roasted cashews
- Extra cilantro
- Crispy wonton strips
- Green onion
Before You Begin
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before using. Cooking and chilling times may vary depending on your equipment and ingredient moisture.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Cook chicken following your preferred sesame chicken method, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool slightly, then slice. - Mix the Dressing
Whisk sesame-ginger dressing in a bowl or shake in a jar until smooth. - Assemble the Salad Base
Add shredded cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeño to a large mixing bowl. - Dress and Toss
Pour dressing over the vegetables gradually and toss until evenly coated. Add more dressing as needed. - Add Chicken and Garnish
Top with sliced chicken. Add optional garnishes like almonds, sesame seeds, cilantro, or wonton strips. Serve immediately.
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 350–380
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbohydrates: 26–30g
- Fat: 18–20g
- Fiber: 4–5g
(Nutrition varies based on dressing and chicken used.)
These nutrition values are estimates only and may vary based on brands, preparation, and portion size. Always follow safe food handling and storage practices.
