Delicious Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Oh, hey there! Come on in, grab a cup of coffee – it’s brewing. Today, I want to share one of my absolute go-to recipes: sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite! I remember the first time I made it. I was trying to recreate a restaurant salad that I loved, but it always felt a bit too heavy. I wanted something lighter, brighter, and packed with nutrients. After a few (okay, maybe more than a few!) attempts, I landed on this version of sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad, and it’s been a family favorite ever since.

There was this one time where I thought I could skip toasting the sesame seeds… big mistake! The flavor just wasn’t the same. That “aha” moment taught me that sometimes those extra little steps make all the difference. This sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying, or for potlucks when you want to bring something everyone will rave about.

Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer, and it fits perfectly into our chaotic family life. It’s healthy, delicious, and customizable, so it’s a win-win for everyone. I originally perfected the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad for a summer picnic, but it’s become a year-round staple. Are you ready to make some sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad magic? Let’s do it!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced
• 1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 4 cups)
• 1/2 head of purple cabbage, thinly shredded (about 4 cups)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (I always use low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Save

I always use low-sodium soy sauce for my sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad because it allows me to control the saltiness of the dressing. When making sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad, you can find pre-shredded cabbage mixes at most grocery stores to save time, but I find that freshly shredded cabbage tastes so much better. Here’s a sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad trick I learned from my mom: add a pinch of sugar to the dressing to balance the flavors. Balancing these flavors is key to the perfect salad. A little sweetness can offset the savory and tangy elements, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds.

For ingredient prep shortcuts, I often cook the chicken ahead of time on Sunday and then shred or dice it for use during the week. This makes throwing together the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad super quick on busy weeknights. To save money, I buy whole cabbages instead of pre-shredded bags. They last longer and are generally cheaper. For leftover ingredients, store the dressing separately from the salad so the cabbage doesn’t get soggy. The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Storing the dressing separately is crucial to maintaining the salad’s texture and preventing it from becoming a soggy mess. No one wants a wilted salad!

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP:

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts. You can grill them, bake them, or even poach them – whatever works best for you. Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly and then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. Don’t worry if your sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad chicken isn’t perfectly shredded, it’ll still taste amazing!
2. Make the Sesame Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until everything is well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Sometimes I add a little extra honey if I want it a bit sweeter. I learned the hard way with sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad that good dressing makes or breaks it, so don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients! The quality of the dressing truly elevates the entire salad experience. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference.
3. Toast the Sesame Seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until they are golden brown and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Remove from heat and let cool. In my kitchen, making sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, and toasting the sesame seeds is a crucial step. Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. It’s a small step that makes a big impact.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, slivered almonds, crispy chow mein noodles (if using), and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients. Your sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad should smell fresh and vibrant at this point.
5. Add the Chicken: Add the shredded or diced chicken to the salad bowl.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and toss well. Add more dressing as needed, until the salad is coated to your liking. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy. While the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad is cooking, I often chop up the cilantro and green onions, getting everything ready to go.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad immediately for the best crunch. If you’re not serving right away, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. The best part of the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad is how fresh the cabbage tastes with the sesame ginger dressing, its amazing!

Save

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures and flavors when assembling the salad. Adding a variety of ingredients not only enhances the nutritional value but also makes each bite a delightful experience.

SERVING:

The kids love our sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad when I serve it with steamed edamame and a side of fruit. It’s a complete meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. My go-to side dishes that pair with sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad are either a simple cucumber salad or some rice paper rolls. The coolness of the cucumber salad complements the richness of the sesame ginger dressing, while the rice paper rolls add a fun, interactive element to the meal.

This sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even just a light lunch. I also love making it for meal prep because it stays relatively fresh for a few days (as long as you keep the dressing separate).

For sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad presentation tips, I like to garnish it with extra sesame seeds and a few sprigs of cilantro. It makes it look so much more appealing! If you have extra sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad, you can use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or even add it to a stir-fry.

I’ve tried a few seasonal sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad variations, like adding mandarin oranges in the winter or grilled pineapple in the summer. My friends always ask for this sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad recipe whenever I bring it to a party. It’s always a hit! It’s the perfect dish to share at cookouts with friends because the crunchy chicken salad, combined with fresh cabbage, is a crowd-pleaser.

Save

Consider adding a personal touch when serving the salad, such as a unique garnish or a creative plating arrangement. These small details can elevate the dining experience and make your dish stand out.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad ahead of time?A: Yes, you can! But here’s the secret: keep the dressing separate. I usually prep all the ingredients – shred the cabbage, cook the chicken, make the dressing – and then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just toss everything together. You know what I do when my sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad needs a last minute fix to make it pop? I squeeze a little lime over the top!

Q: What if I don’t like sesame oil? Can I substitute it?A: Sesame oil is pretty crucial for that authentic flavor, but if you really can’t stand it, you could try using a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Just remember that it won’t have the same nutty taste. But for the real sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad flavor, I really suggest using sesame oil!

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?A: Absolutely! That’s one of my favorite shortcuts. Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store, shred it up, and you’re good to go. It saves a ton of time, and it’s just as delicious. Just be sure it is cooled down before adding to the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad

Q: How long does the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad last in the fridge?A: If you keep the dressing separate, the salad will last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Once the dressing is added, it’s best to eat it right away, as the cabbage will start to get soggy. When my sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad has been in the fridge a day or two I just squeeze a little lime juice on it!

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad?A: Of course! Feel free to get creative. I’ve added bell peppers, cucumbers, edamame, and even snow peas before. It’s all about using what you have on hand and what you enjoy. Adding more veggies into the sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad makes it an even healthier and well-rounded meal!

Q: My sesame ginger dressing is too tangy. What can I do?A: Add a little more honey to balance out the tanginess. You can also add a tiny bit of sugar if you prefer. Taste and adjust until it’s just right for you. I once made the mistake of adding too much rice vinegar, and it was way too sour! But a little extra honey saved the day. The sesame chicken salad dressing is all about balance.

Q: Can I make this sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad vegetarian?A: Definitely! Just skip the chicken and add some tofu or tempeh instead. You could also add some chickpeas or black beans for extra protein. For my vegetarian friends, I often make this salad with grilled tofu, and they love it! This sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad can really be for anyone!

My Final Thoughts:

This sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my whole family enjoys. It’s a reminder that healthy food can be delicious and that even the busiest weeknights can include a flavorful, homemade meal. Plus, the sesame ginger dressing is just irresistible! I have tons of sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad pro tips to share.

• Pro Tip 1: Toast those sesame seeds! It makes a huge difference.
• Pro Tip 2: Don’t overdress the salad – start with a little and add more as needed.
• Pro Tip 3: If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded cabbage and rotisserie chicken.

Here are a few sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad variations I’ve tried with my family: adding avocado for extra creaminess, using a peanut dressing instead of sesame ginger, and adding spicy sriracha for a kick. My oldest loves the spicy version, while my youngest prefers it with avocado.

I also sometimes make an Asian chicken salad version with wonton strips for some extra crunch! No matter how you choose to customize it, I encourage you to make this sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad your own. Experiment with different vegetables, dressings, and toppings until you find the perfect combination for your family. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! I’m sure you’ll love it! You’ve got this, and I know this sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad will be a delicious success!

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a flavorful and healthy meal packed with crunchy textures and savory flavors. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a satisfying and nutritious lunch or dinner.

• Author: Zoubida
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Lunch
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles

For the Sesame Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, sesame seeds, and slivered almonds to the salad. Toss gently.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle with crispy chow mein noodles to maintain their crunch.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with baked tofu or tempeh. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or edamame.