If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, tantalizing textures, and a perfect balance of savory flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe. It’s a fresh and wholesome dish where tender grilled sesame chicken meets a crisp cabbage medley tossed in a zesty sesame ginger dressing. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the cabbage, a hint of heat from jalapeno, and nutty richness from toasted almonds and cashews. This salad is not just healthy; it’s a meal that excites your taste buds and keeps you coming back for more.

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredients straightforward yet fresh is key to bringing out the best flavors and textures in this salad. Each component plays a vital role, from the crunch of the cabbages and the subtle spiciness of the jalapeno to the aromatic punch of cilantro and the wholesome protein of the grilled sesame chicken.

Grilled Sesame Chicken: The star protein, marinated to infuse that irresistibly nutty sesame flavor.
Green Cabbage (4 cups, shredded): Provides a crisp, fresh base with mild sweetness and crunch.
Red Cabbage (2 cups, shredded): Adds vibrant color and a slightly earthy bite to balance the greens.
Green Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Offers a mild oniony zest to brighten each forkful.
Fresh Cilantro (3/4 cup, diced): Brings a refreshing, herbal flavor that livens up the salad.
Carrots (1 cup, shredded): Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of orange color.
Red Bell Pepper (1, julienned): Contributes crunch and a subtle sweetness that complements the cabbage perfectly.
Jalapeno (1, seeded & diced): Provides just the right amount of heat that excites without overpowering.
Sesame Ginger Dressing: The luscious, tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together with a zingy, nutty finish.
Toasted Sliced Almonds (1/3 cup): Adds toasty crunch and a mild nuttiness.
Roasted Cashew Halves (1/3 cup): Imparts buttery richness and a satisfying snap.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled for extra nutty notes and a lovely garnish.
Extra Cilantro & Green Onion: For garnish and a fresh burst of flavor.
Optional Crispy Wonton Strips: Perfect for adding a light, crispy contrast if you want a bit of indulgence.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

Begin by marinating your chicken with the grilled sesame chicken marinade to ensure it soaks up those wonderful nutty, savory flavors. Once marinated, grill the chicken until it’s perfectly cooked, tender, and slightly charred on the edges—that caramelized crust adds so much flavor and texture to the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Dressing

While the chicken marinates or cooks, whip up your sesame ginger dressing. This dressing is the magic sauce that brings together the crisp veggies and the grilled chicken with its lively ginger bite and toasted sesame aroma. Set it aside so the flavors can marry beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Crunchy Veggies

In a large bowl, toss together the shredded green and red cabbage, diced green onion, fresh cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. This medley creates that signature crunchy, colorful base for the salad that’s both hearty and refreshing.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

Pour the sesame ginger dressing generously over the vegetable mix and toss everything until each crisp piece is lightly coated. Letting it sit covered for a short while allows the flavors to mingle and the cabbage to soften just the right amount without losing its crunch.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Slice or chop your grilled sesame chicken and arrange it atop the dressed cabbage mix on a large platter. Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, sesame seeds, extra cilantro and green onion, and a few jalapeno slices over the top. If you want, add those crispy wonton strips for that wow factor.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to add texture and visual appeal. Toasted almonds and roasted cashews bring a delightful crunch and nutty depth, while extra cilantro and green onions lift the freshness. A few fiery jalapeno slices add an inviting pop of color and heat that makes every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This salad is a versatile dish that can shine on its own as a filling meal for four, but pairing it with steamed jasmine rice, light miso soup, or even some grilled shrimp can turn it into a feast perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors complement a wide range of side dishes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for a grab-and-go lunch. Alternatively, use crisp lettuce cups as edible bowls for a playful finger-food version that’s perfect for gatherings or potlucks. Serving on a colorful platter with the garnishes artistically scattered lets the vibrant colors do all the talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers. The dressing tossed in with the cabbage can soften it after a day or two, so keeping ingredients apart preserves the best texture. The chicken holds up well refrigerated for up to three days.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended because the fresh veggies would lose their delightful crunch and the dressing could separate. However, you can freeze extra grilled sesame chicken before combining it with the salad for convenience.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the grilled sesame chicken gently in a skillet or microwave. Toss fresh cabbage and other veggies with dressing just before serving for that crisp, fresh bite every time.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken other than grilled sesame chicken?

Absolutely! While grilled sesame chicken is ideal for that authentic nutty flavor, you can substitute with rotisserie chicken or even seared chicken breast. Just add a drizzle of sesame oil or sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds to maintain that signature taste.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is meal prep-friendly if you keep the dressing and chicken separate from the veggies until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy throughout the week.

Can I make the salad vegan or vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the grilled chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh marinated in sesame sauce, and ensure your dressing is made without fish sauce or other animal derivatives. The crunchy veggies and dressing still deliver plenty of flavor.

What other nuts can I use if I am allergic to almonds or cashews?

If you have nut allergies, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds make excellent crunchy alternatives to almonds and cashews without compromising texture or flavor.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat level is gentle and customizable. The jalapeno adds a mild kick, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer less spice. Adding a few jalapeno slices as garnish lets each person adjust the heat to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is a vibrant celebration of crunchy textures, fresh herbs, and nutty, savory flavors that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s refreshing enough for a light lunch, yet satisfying as a hearty dinner. I can’t wait for you to enjoy making it as much as I love eating it—go ahead and give it a try today!