Name: Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: Grilled Sesame Chicken (prepared separately, seasoned with sesame flavors); 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 matchstick-cut for crunch); 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned; 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced; 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing (typically made with sesame oil, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and sweetener); 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 28 reviews

If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh crunch, and a lick of irresistible Asian-inspired flavor, the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together perfectly grilled sesame chicken with a lively medley of shredded green and red cabbage, crisp vegetables, and a zesty sesame ginger dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that feel both wholesome and exciting, making it a standout salad you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl filled with neatly arranged layers of fresh chopped vegetables: shredded purple cabbage at the top left, shredded white cabbage at the top right, diced green bell peppers to the middle right, thinly sliced orange carrots at the bottom right, chopped green onions at the bottom left, and thin slices of red bell pepper along the left edge. In the center, there is a generous pile of chopped green herbs, possibly cilantro. A woman's hand is pouring a thick brown dressing over the center of the salad, with the dressing flowing smoothly down. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a metal spoon is placed next to the bowl on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This salad is a delightful mix of simple, fresh ingredients that work in harmony to create an unforgettable flavor experience. Each component adds its own special touch—the crunch of cabbage, the vibrant pop from bell peppers, the subtle kick of jalapeno, and the nutty depth brought in by toasted almonds and cashews.

Grilled Sesame Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken with that classic sesame glaze that’s key to the salad’s hearty protein.
4 cups shredded green cabbage: Offers a crisp, mild base that’s perfect for soaking up the dressing.
2 cups shredded red cabbage: Adds a beautiful purple hue and extra crunch.
1/2 cup diced green onion: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor that lifts the dish.
3/4 cup freshly diced cilantro: Gives a burst of herbaceous brightness and aroma.
1 cup shredded carrots: Sweet and crunchy, these brighten the salad with their vivid orange color.
1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned: Adds a subtle sweetness and a splash of red vibrancy.
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced: Offers a gentle heat to balance the flavors, seeded to keep it approachable.
Sesame Ginger Dressing (1 batch): The magic ingredient that brings savory, tangy, and nutty notes together perfectly.
1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds: Adds crunch and a toasty nutty flavor.
1/3 cup roasted cashew halves: Creamy and crunchy nuts that make every bite more indulgent.
Sesame seeds: Small but mighty, sprinkled over for texture and visual appeal.
Extra cilantro and green onion: For garnish, enhancing freshness and color.
A few jalapeno slices: Optional, for those who love a little extra kick.
Optional crispy wonton strips: Provides an irresistible crunch and fun textural contrast.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Grilled Sesame Chicken

Start by grilling your sesame chicken to perfection. Marinate the chicken in a sesame sauce of your choice, then grill it until it’s nicely charred on the edges but juicy inside. Once cooked, let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces. This adds a smoky, savory base that anchors the entire salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Veggie Medley

While the chicken is grilling, shred the green and red cabbage finely to create that signature crunch. Julienne the red bell pepper, shred the carrots, dice the green onions and jalapeno, and chop the cilantro. Mixing these colorful veggies right before serving will keep their texture vibrant and fresh.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sesame Ginger Dressing

Your dressing needs to be punchy yet balanced—combining toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of honey or sugar, and a little chili for warmth if you like. Whisk these ingredients until emulsified, and taste to adjust for sweetness or tang. This dressing is what transforms simple ingredients into a sensational salad.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, veggies, grilled chicken slices, and drizzle with the sesame ginger dressing. Toss gently so every piece is well-coated but not soggy. This ensures each bite bursts with flavor and crunch.

Step 5: Add the Final Crunch and Garnish

Sprinkle the toasted almonds, roasted cashews, and sesame seeds over the salad. Add extra cilantro, green onion, and jalapeno slices on top. If you like, scatter crispy wonton strips for an exciting textural surprise. Serve immediately to enjoy the full contrast of crisp textures against tender chicken.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

A large white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with six sections of fresh chopped vegetables arranged like a color wheel. Starting from the top left and moving clockwise, there is a layer of thin purple cabbage strips, a layer of pale green cabbage strips, a layer of small diced green bell peppers, a layer of thin orange carrot sticks, a layer of chopped bright green scallions, and a layer of thin red bell pepper strips. The center of the bowl has a thick pile of chopped dark green cilantro. To the right of the bowl, there is a small white pitcher with a brown liquid, and to the bottom right, there is a metal serving spoon and fork. A gray cloth is partly visible in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like extra cilantro and green onions amp up the salad’s vivid, herbal notes, while toasted nuts and sesame seeds add irresistible crunch and nuttiness that elevate both flavor and presentation. Always offer a few jalapeno slices on the side to let your guests choose if they want a little extra heat.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a main dish but pairs wonderfully with sides like steamed jasmine rice, miso soup, or even simple vegetable stir-fry. These sides provide warmth and comfort alongside the crisp freshness of the salad, rounding out your meal in perfect harmony.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad inside crunchy lettuce cups or atop a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing variation. You can also layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a grab-and-go lunch, keeping the dressing separate until mealtime to maintain ultimate crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately where possible—keep the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge but add nuts and crispy toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy. Chicken can be stored alongside the salad safely for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and dressing lose their texture upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh whenever possible and freeze only the grilled sesame chicken separately if needed.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave just until heated through. Avoid reheating the salad itself; instead, toss fresh vegetables with the warmed chicken and dressing to revive the salad’s crispness and vibrancy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage for this salad?

Absolutely! While green and red cabbage offer a beautiful crunch and color contrast, savoy or Napa cabbage can also work well if you want a slightly different texture or flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the grilled sesame chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh and ensure your dressing is made without honey or fish sauce for a vegan-friendly version that’s just as delicious.

How spicy is the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe?

The spice level is mild by default thanks to seeded jalapeno, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more jalapeno slices or incorporating chili flakes in the dressing depending on your preference.

What can I substitute for the nuts if I have allergies?

If you’re nut-sensitive, consider using roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy chickpeas to maintain a delightful crunch without the allergy risk.

How long does the dressing keep?

The sesame ginger dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good whisk before drizzling over the salad to recombine any separated ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time and again. It’s fresh, crunchy, and packed with layers of flavor that are perfect for any season or occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe—it’s straightforward, fun to make, and guaranteed to brighten up your meals with every bite.