If you’re craving a salad that’s anything but boring, the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is about to become your new obsession. Packed with juicy shredded chicken, a tangle of colorful veggies, handfuls of crunchy toppings, and a sesame-soy dressing that hits every sweet-salty note, this dish is pure happiness in a bowl. It’s got the perfect balance of flavors and textures—cool, crisp, and deeply satisfying—and looks absolutely beautiful on the table. Whether you’re jazzing up your lunch routine or looking for a no-fuss dinner, this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad checks every box!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is refreshingly straightforward, but every ingredient has an important part to play—adding unique flavors, crunch, or lovely pops of color. Don’t skip a thing, because together they create the irresistible harmony that makes Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad shine.
- Shredded chicken breast: Adds lean, hearty protein to anchor the salad—rotisserie chicken works perfectly for effortless prep.
- Green cabbage: Brings crispness and holds up well to the dressing so your salad stays crunchy, not soggy.
- Purple cabbage: Offers a splash of vibrant color and a slightly peppery crunch for extra character.
- Shredded carrots: Add natural sweetness and an extra bit of crunch to the mix.
- Red bell pepper: Lends juicy brightness and a subtle sweetness, making every bite pop.
- Chopped green onions: Boosts zesty flavor and color, without overpowering the rest of the ingredients.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings a burst of fresh, herbal flavor that ties everything together.
- Toasted sliced almonds: The crunch you didn’t know you needed—toast them for extra depth.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle for nutty warmth and a finishing touch that feels special.
- Crispy wonton strips (optional): For those who crave maximum crunch, these are an absolute delight!
- Rice vinegar: Forms the bright, tangy base of the dressing that wakes up the whole salad.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep, savory umami flavor—use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dressing with a rich, unmistakable nuttiness you just can’t skip.
- Honey: Sweetens and balances the tangy, salty flavors in the dressing.
- Olive oil: Rounds out the dressing with mild richness, helping everything emulsify beautifully.
- Fresh lime juice: Brings zingy freshness that brightens up the whole dish.
- Grated fresh ginger: Adds a gentle spicy warmth to the dressing—fresh makes all the difference.
- Minced garlic: For subtle heat and depth of flavor you’ll notice in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to bring out all the wonderful flavors in the dressing and salad.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Savory-Sweet Dressing
Start by combining the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, olive oil, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Give it a good whisk until everything becomes silky and well combined. This dressing is where the magic really happens for your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad—don’t be afraid to taste and adjust for lime, salt, or honey to fit your preferences!
Step 2: Toss Together the Salad Base
In a big mixing bowl, pile in your shredded chicken breast, green and purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. These vibrant veggies bring bold color, crunch, and freshness—exactly what makes this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad irresistible. If you’re adding any extra veggies like snap peas or cucumber, now’s the time!
Step 3: Dress and Combine
Pour your whisked dressing over the chicken and veggies. With clean hands or big salad tongs, toss everything thoroughly so every bit gets coated in that luscious, tangy-sweet dressing. Take a moment to admire those colors—it truly looks as good as it tastes.
Step 4: Top with Crunchy Finishes
Just before serving, shower the salad generously with toasted sliced almonds, toasted sesame seeds, and (if you love extra crunch) a handful of crispy wonton strips. These toppings are the crowning glory that take your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad from delicious to downright addictive.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can serve the salad straight away for bright, fresh flavors, or cover and chill it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors truly meld. Either approach yields a satisfying bowl—crispy, juicy, and loaded with goodness.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of sliced green onion, extra toasted sesame seeds, or even a few sprigs of cilantro makes every serving feel special. If you like a little heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a few thinly sliced chilies will take this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad to the next level!
Side Dishes
This salad is honestly a meal in itself, but if you’re serving a crowd or want more, pair it with steamed jasmine or brown rice, a bowl of miso soup, or some edamame for an Asian-inspired spread. It also works great alongside grilled skewers or fresh spring rolls for fun gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad into mason jars for colorful, portable lunches, or serve it family-style on a big platter so guests can help themselves. For an appetizer, pile it onto lettuce cups for refreshing, hand-held bites everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad, pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. The salad stays fresh and crunchy for up to two days, though the toppings are crispiest when added just before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing the vegetables and greens will change their texture and make them watery when thawed. However, you can freeze the shredded chicken separately for future batches—just add the veggies and dressing freshly when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
No reheating needed! If you’ve chilled the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad, simply give it a quick toss and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature before serving. Add extra crunchy toppings to freshen it up if desired.
FAQs
Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This salad is just as tasty with cooked shrimp, tofu, or even leftover turkey. Your options are endless, so use what you love or have on hand.
How can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?
Just swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey in the dressing. The flavors work just as wonderfully, making Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad totally plant-based!
Is there a nut-free version?
Skip the sliced almonds and use roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead—they’re equally crunchy and allergy-friendly for school and work lunches.
How far ahead can I prep Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?
You can shred the veggies and chicken and also make the dressing up to two days in advance. Store ingredients separately and toss together just before serving to keep everything vibrant and crisp.
What if I don’t have both green and purple cabbage?
No problem at all! Use all green or all purple cabbage, or substitute with shredded romaine or napa cabbage. The flavor and crunch will still be fantastic.
Final Thoughts
Once you give Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad a try, you’ll see why it’s so loved—fresh, filling, and fun to make, it’s everything you could want in a meal. Don’t be surprised if it instantly becomes a staple on your weekly menu. Gather your friends, whip up a big bowl, and enjoy every crunchy, colorful bite!
Print
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender cooked chicken with crunchy cabbage and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Topped with toasted almonds and sesame seeds, this salad is perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, olive oil, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, green and purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, top with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips. Enjoy immediately or chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped snap peas or cucumber.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
