Fresh and delicious, the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a delightful blend of bright, crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing. This salad is perfect for various occasions, from quick weeknight dinners to potlucks and meal prep. Its standout feature lies in its versatility; you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just an hour, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sesame ginger dressing and fresh veggies packs a flavor punch that will leave you craving more.
- Customizable: Switch up the vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from the veggies and protein from the chicken, this salad is a guilt-free meal choice.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare it in advance for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your salad preparation smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Grill or oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space for combining all ingredients without spilling.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for veggies, making prep faster and easier.
- Whisk: Essential for blending your dressing smoothly.
Ingredients
Fresh and delicious sesame chicken salad packed with bright, crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing. This flavorful sesame chicken salad is easy to customize with your fav veggies and proteins for the perfect healthy lunch or dinner during the week!
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
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Marinate the chicken using your favorite grilled sesame chicken recipe until fully flavored.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Make the sesame ginger dressing as per your preferred recipe. Set aside once ready.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the shredded green cabbage.
2. Add the shredded red cabbage.
3. Include diced green onion, freshly diced cilantro, shredded carrots, thinly julienned bell pepper, and diced jalapeno.
4. Pour your prepared dressing over all ingredients.
5. Toss gently to combine until everything is well-coated.
Step 4: Cook Your Chicken
While your salad sits covered to allow flavors to meld, grill or bake your marinated chicken according to your chosen method.
Step 5: Serve Your Salad
Once cooked:
1. Transfer the salad mixture onto a large platter.
2. Garnish generously with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, extra cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, jalapeno slices, and chopped green onion if desired.
3. For added texture, top with crispy wonton strips if you like.
Enjoy this hearty main dish serving four or use it as a side dish for six!
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Serving your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad can elevate the dining experience. With a few simple additions, you can customize it to fit any occasion or preference.
Garnishing Options
- Toasted Nuts: Adding toasted sliced almonds and roasted cashews gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Extra cilantro and green onions not only enhance the dish’s appearance but also add fresh notes.
- Spicy Kick: A few slices of jalapeno can spice things up for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Serving Style
- Platter Presentation: Serve the salad on a large platter for family-style dining, encouraging everyone to help themselves.
- Individual Bowls: For a more formal setting, portion the salad into individual bowls for each guest.
Accompaniments
- Crispy Wonton Strips: These can be added on top just before serving for an extra crunch that complements the salad beautifully.
- Dipping Sauce: Consider serving additional sesame ginger dressing on the side for those who like extra flavor.
How to Perfect Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
To ensure your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is as delicious as possible, follow these tips for perfection.
- Bold Flavors: Use fresh ingredients to enhance overall taste; ripe vegetables and fresh herbs make a significant difference.
- Chop Uniformly: Cut your veggies evenly to ensure they mix well and provide a pleasant texture in every bite.
- Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate long enough for deep flavor absorption; ideally, several hours or overnight is best.
- Dress at the Right Time: Dress the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crunchy and fresh.
- Experiment with Veggies: Don’t hesitate to swap or add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas based on your preferences.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the dressing separately from the salad to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad can create a complete meal. Here are some fantastic options to complement your main dish.
- Steamed Rice: A simple bowl of steamed white or brown rice works great, soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls can add another layer of texture and flavor that pairs well with the salad.
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers protein and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your meal.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and pairs nicely with Asian-inspired salads like this one.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add smokiness that contrasts beautifully with the fresh crunch of your salad.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette adds an earthy element while keeping things healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious result.
- Skipping the marination: Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor. Don’t rush this step; let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the sesame and ginger flavors.
- Overdressing the salad: It’s easy to add too much dressing. Start with a small amount and toss well, adding more as needed to avoid soggy vegetables.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Always choose crisp veggies and high-quality chicken for the best taste.
- Neglecting texture: The crunch of this salad is key. Make sure to julienne and shred your vegetables properly to enhance that delightful crunch.
- Forgetting the garnishes: Garnishes like toasted almonds and crispy wonton strips add flavor and texture. Don’t skip them for maximum enjoyment!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in fresh vegetables.
- If necessary, freeze only the grilled chicken, sealing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead but dress it just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for grilled chicken?
You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option in your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad.
How do I make this salad gluten-free?
Ensure that your sesame ginger dressing is gluten-free and use certified gluten-free soy sauce if applicable.
What else can I add to my Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?
Feel free to customize with other crunchy veggies like radishes or snap peas for added flavor and texture.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days if stored properly.
Final Thoughts
The Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is not only vibrant and flavorful but also highly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies, making it perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week. Give it a try and enjoy its delightful crunch!
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad, a delightful combination of crunchy vegetables, tender grilled chicken, and a zesty sesame ginger dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, planning a potluck, or prepping healthy lunches for the week ahead. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins, ensuring a wholesome and satisfying dish every time. With its bold flavors and colorful presentation, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- Grilled sesame chicken
- Shredded green cabbage
- Shredded red cabbage
- Diced green onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded carrots
- Julienne red bell pepper
- Diced jalapeno
- Sesame ginger dressing
- Toasted sliced almonds
- Roasted cashews
Instructions
- Marinate chicken using your favorite grilled sesame recipe.
- Prepare the sesame ginger dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeno.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until well-coated.
- Grill or bake the marinated chicken until cooked through.
- Serve the salad garnished with almonds, cashews, extra cilantro, sesame seeds, jalapeno slices, and optional crispy wonton strips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added crunch and flavor variations, consider swapping in seasonal veggies like snap peas or radishes. Dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
