Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors with a satisfying crunch, then this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is just the thing for you! This salad has become a favorite in my home because it’s not only vibrant and colorful but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it brings everyone together around the table.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can whip it up quickly for lunch or serve it as a hearty dinner. Plus, the sesame ginger dressing ties everything together beautifully, making each bite a delicious experience. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll become a go-to in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in about an hour, making it a fantastic option for busy days.
• Loaded with Veggies: Enjoy a rainbow of fresh vegetables that add both color and nutrients to your meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy texture and tasty flavors!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• Grilled Sesame Chicken

For the Salad:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced green onion
• 3/4 cup freshly diced cilantro
• 1 cup shredded carrots (bagged or cut into matchsticks for excellent crunch!)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

For the Dressing:

• 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing

For Serving:

• 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
• Sesame seeds
• Extra cilantro
• Extra green onion
• A few jalapeno slices
• Optional: Crispy wonton strips

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using grilled chicken thighs, tofu, or chickpeas to make this salad even more filling.
• Add some fruit: Sliced mango or mandarin oranges can add a sweet twist that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
• Change up the nuts: Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds and cashews for different textures and tastes.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to elevate that flavor profile!

How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken with your favorite grilled sesame chicken recipe. Marinating adds depth of flavor and ensures your chicken is juicy when cooked. It’s worth taking this step!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While your chicken is marinating, whip up your sesame ginger dressing. This dressing is not only easy to make but packs a punch of flavor that brings all the elements of your salad together. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine all of those beautiful veggies: green and red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Pour that delicious dressing over everything and toss gently to combine. It’s important to coat all those crunchy veggies well so every bite is bursting with flavor!

Step 4: Serve It Up

Once your chicken is grilled or baked according to your recipe instructions, it’s time to serve! Place your salad on a large platter and top with toasted almonds, cashews, extra cilantro, sesame seeds, jalapeno slices, and any additional green onion you’d like. The crispy wonton strips are optional but highly recommended for added crunch! Enjoy this colorful dish as a hearty main course for four or as a side serving for six.

Now dig in and savor every bite of this delightful Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad!

Pro Tips for Making Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Creating a delicious and vibrant salad is all about the little details, so here are some tips to elevate your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add more nutrients to your salad. Opting for seasonal produce ensures you get the best taste and texture.
• Customize your crunch: Feel free to mix in other crunchy elements like sliced radishes or snap peas. This variety adds visual appeal and makes each bite exciting!
• Marinate the chicken ahead of time: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken for at least an hour before cooking. This allows the sesame and ginger flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, making it tastier.
• Dress just before serving: To keep your salad crisp and fresh, dress it right before serving. This prevents the veggies from wilting and maintains that delightful crunch.
• Experiment with proteins: If you want to switch things up, try using grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Both options provide a unique twist while keeping the dish satisfying.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Presenting your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad beautifully can make it even more enjoyable! Here are some creative ways to serve this dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts: Sprinkling chopped peanuts on top adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch that complements the sesame dressing beautifully.
• Sliced lime: A wedge of lime on the side offers a refreshing citrus burst that enhances the overall taste when squeezed over the salad.
• Fresh herbs: Adding extra sprigs of cilantro or basil provides a pop of color and freshness that will impress any guest.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa pilaf: This fluffy grain dish is nutty and light, making it a perfect companion to the robust flavors of your salad. Add some herbs for an extra zing!
• Cucumber salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar is refreshing and balances well with the hearty textures of this main dish.
• Steamed edamame: These protein-packed soybeans are not only tasty but also add a bright green color that complements your salad.
• Fruit skewers: Skewers with seasonal fruits like pineapple, watermelon, or strawberries provide a sweet contrast to your savory salad, rounding out your meal perfectly.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience with your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves time during busy weekdays but also keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• Enjoy leftovers within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• While it’s best to avoid freezing this salad due to the vegetables’ texture changes, you can freeze the grilled chicken separately.
• Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Consume within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• If you’ve frozen the chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Serve with fresh salad ingredients for a crunchy contrast.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful salad.

Can I make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all of your veggies and grilled sesame chicken ahead of time, just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sesame oil for my Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?

If you don’t have sesame oil, try using olive oil or avocado oil as a substitute. You may miss some of that nutty flavor, but it will still taste great!

How long does Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad stay fresh?

When properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure not to mix in the dressing until you’re ready to eat!

Can I add other vegetables to my Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?

Definitely! This salad is versatile. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as snap peas, cucumbers, or even edamame for added crunch and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this vibrant Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad! It’s packed with flavor and crunch, perfect for any lunch or dinner occasion. Remember, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins. Happy cooking, and let me know how it turns out!