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This vibrant sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad transforms simple ingredients into a colorful feast that delivers both nutrition and incredible flavor in every bite. The combination of tender marinated chicken with crunchy vegetables creates a satisfying meal that works perfectly for meal prep or an impressive dinner.
I discovered this recipe during a summer when I was looking for lighter meals that still satisfied my family. Now it's requested at least once a month, especially when we need a reset from heavier dinners.
Ingredients
- Grilled sesame chicken: Marinated in savory Asian flavors that perfectly complement the vegetables
- Shredded green cabbage: Provides the perfect crunchy base and holds up well with dressing
- Shredded red cabbage: Adds beautiful color contrast and a slightly different flavor profile
- Diced green onion: Brings a mild bite that balances the other flavors
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens everything with its distinctive herbal notes
- Shredded carrots: Add natural sweetness and satisfying crunch
- Red bell pepper: Contributes vibrant color and sweet crispness
- Jalapeño: Delivers just enough heat without overwhelming the other flavors
- Sesame ginger dressing: Ties everything together with its nutty umami goodness
- Toasted almonds and cashews: Provide protein and a delightful textural contrast
- Sesame seeds: Add visual appeal and reinforce the sesame flavor profile
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Begin by preparing the grilled sesame chicken according to the recipe. The marinade infuses the chicken with savory Asian flavors that perfectly complement the fresh vegetables. Allow at least 30 minutes for marinating for the best flavor development but overnight works even better.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Make the sesame ginger dressing by combining all ingredients and whisking until smooth. The dressing can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Assemble the Base:
- In a large bowl combine green cabbage red cabbage green onion cilantro carrots bell pepper and jalapeño. The variety of textures and colors creates a visually stunning base for your salad. Chop everything relatively uniformly for the best eating experience.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over your vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is lightly coated with the flavorful dressing. The acidic components will slightly soften the vegetables as they sit making them easier to eat.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the salad sits and the flavors meld cook your marinated chicken according to the recipe instructions. Whether grilled or baked make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety while maintaining juiciness.
- Serve with Style:
- Arrange the dressed salad on a large platter and top with sliced chicken. Garnish generously with toasted almonds cashews sesame seeds additional cilantro green onion and jalapeño slices if desired. The contrast of warm chicken against the cool crunchy salad creates a delightful temperature contrast.
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The sesame ginger dressing is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered its perfect balance by accident when I ran out of honey and substituted maple syrup instead. That happy mistake created a deeper flavor profile that my family now prefers to the original version.
Make-Ahead Tips
This salad actually improves with a little time. You can prepare all components separately up to 3 days ahead except for the avocado if using. Store the dressing vegetables and cooked chicken separately then combine just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Easy Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Not a fan of cilantro? Italian parsley works beautifully. The red cabbage can be replaced with Napa cabbage for a softer texture while maintaining the crunch factor. For those with nut allergies sunflower seeds make an excellent alternative to the almonds and cashews.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a complete meal for lunch or dinner. For a more substantial offering pair it with a simple miso soup or vegetable potstickers. The salad also works beautifully alongside grilled salmon or as part of an Asian-inspired buffet. For a fun presentation serve in lettuce cups or wrapped in rice paper for a fresh take on spring rolls.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cabbage maintains its crunch remarkably well even when dressed. If you plan to have leftovers consider reserving some of the nuts and garnishes to add fresh just before serving for maximum textural contrast.
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Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this sesame chicken cabbage salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the components ahead of time and store separately. Chop vegetables and make the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Cook the chicken up to 2 days ahead. Combine everything just before serving to maintain optimal crunch and freshness.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and replace with either pan-fried tofu or a can of rinsed, drained chickpeas. The flavorful dressing and crunchy vegetables ensure the salad remains satisfying and delicious without animal protein.
- → What other vegetables work well in this cabbage salad?
This salad is highly adaptable! Try adding shredded brussels sprouts, chopped broccoli, snap peas, cucumber, edamame, or avocado. The key is maintaining a variety of colors and textures for a satisfying eating experience.
- → Is this sesame chicken cabbage crunch keto-friendly?
The base salad with chicken, cabbage and vegetables is relatively low-carb. To make it more keto-friendly, adjust the dressing by using a sugar substitute instead of honey or maple syrup, and omit any higher-carb toppings like wonton strips.
- → How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The dressed salad will keep well for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. The cabbage holds up remarkably well to dressing without becoming soggy. For maximum freshness, you can store the components separately and assemble just before eating.
- → Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix works perfectly and saves preparation time. Just add the other fresh vegetables, herbs, and protein to complete your salad.