Name: Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: Grilled Sesame Chicken (prepared according to the grilled sesame chicken recipe); 4 cups shredded green cabbage; 2 cups shredded red cabbage; ½ cup diced green onion; ¾ cup freshly diced cilantro; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned; 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced; 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing (prepare separately); ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds; ⅓ cup roasted cashew halves; Sesame seeds, for sprinkling; Extra cilantro, for garnish; Extra green onion, chopped for garnish; A few jalapeño slices; Optional: Crispy wonton strips

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

I absolutely love sharing this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe with anyone looking for a fresh, vibrant meal that bursts with flavor and texture in every bite. This salad combines tender, juicy grilled sesame chicken with a colorful mix of shredded green and red cabbage, crisp veggies, and a bright sesame ginger dressing that keeps me coming back for more. It’s one of those dishes that feels light yet satisfying, and it’s perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week when you want something healthy and seriously delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

What sets this recipe apart for me is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The crunch from the fresh cabbage and shredded carrots pairs beautifully with the tender grilled sesame chicken, while the sesame ginger dressing adds just the right amount of tanginess and warmth without overpowering the salad. Every mouthful feels lively and fresh, making it an irresistible dish that’s anything but boring.

One of the best parts is how easy it is to prepare. I love that most of the ingredients are simple and readily available, yet when combined, they create something so special. Plus, since everything can be prepped ahead of time and tossed together quickly, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The recipe also shines as a fun dish to serve at parties because the vibrant colors and textures naturally draw people in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with six colorful layers of fresh vegetables arranged in sections: finely shredded purple cabbage on the top left, finely shredded light green cabbage on the top right, thin red bell pepper slices on the middle left, chopped green bell peppers on the middle right, thin bright orange carrot sticks on the bottom right, and chopped green onions at the bottom left. In the center sits a pile of finely chopped dark green cilantro. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth partially visible on the bottom left, a white container with light brown sauce on the top right, and two dark metal spoons to the right side. Small bits of chopped herbs are scattered around the bowl. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe requires a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the fresh crunch of cabbage and carrots to the fragrant hit of cilantro and green onion, each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and tasty salad.

4 cups shredded green cabbage: Adds a crisp, juicy base that’s both refreshing and hearty.
2 cups shredded red cabbage: Brings vibrant color and a slightly peppery flavor.
½ cup diced green onion: Offers a mild, zesty bite that brightens the salad.
¾ cup freshly diced cilantro: Infuses the dish with a fresh, earthy aroma.
1 cup shredded carrots: Provides subtle sweetness and extra crunch.
1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned: Contributes juicy sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
Grilled Sesame Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that makes this salad hearty.
Sesame Ginger Dressing: A zesty, nutty dressing that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds: Brings a toasty crunch and nuttiness.
⅓ cup roasted cashew halves: Adds buttery texture and flavor depth.
Sesame seeds: For an extra toasted, nutty accent.
Extra cilantro and green onion: Ideal for garnish and fresh flavor pops.
A few jalapeno slices: Garnish with a touch of heat for those who like it spicy.
Optional crispy wonton strips: Perfect for an added layer of crunch and an extra special touch.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by marinating the chicken using your favorite grilled sesame chicken recipe. This step is key because it infuses the chicken with those signature sesame flavors that bring the whole salad to life.

Step 2: Next, prepare the sesame ginger dressing and set it aside. I recommend making this dressing ahead of time so the flavors can meld beautifully.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, diced green onion, chopped cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. Toss these vibrant veggies together to evenly distribute the colors and textures.

Step 4: Pour the sesame ginger dressing all over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until every bit is coated with that luscious, tangy dressing. Cover the bowl and set it aside while you finish cooking the chicken, whether baking or grilling according to your marinade instructions.

Step 5: Once the chicken is cooked and rested, slice it up and arrange the salad on a large serving platter. Garnish with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashews, extra cilantro, a sprinkling of sesame seeds, a few jalapeno slices, and some extra chopped green onion. If you want to elevate it even more, sprinkle on crispy wonton strips right before serving for that addicting crunch.

Step 6: Dig in and enjoy this deliciously fresh, crunchy, and satisfying Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe that’s sure to brighten up any meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes a perfect main dish for 4 hearty servings or can be stretched to serve 6 as a side salad alongside other dishes. The prep time clocks in at around 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to chop and prepare your fresh veggies and marinade the chicken. Cooking the chicken itself takes roughly 15 minutes, whether you’re grilling or baking it. Altogether, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour total time, including tossing and resting steps, which is ideal for a nourishing weeknight dinner or relaxed weekend meal.

How to Serve This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

A white oval plate filled with a colorful salad base made of shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, thin carrot strips, sliced red bell peppers, and fresh green herbs lightly mixed with sliced jalapeños and chopped scallions, creating a vibrant mix of purple, orange, red, and green colors covering the entire plate. On top of this salad, there are two rows of sliced grilled chicken arranged in the center, with a golden-brown caramelized surface showing grill marks, each slice folded slightly to show the juicy white inside. The chicken slices are drizzled with a thick brown sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Chopped fresh herbs are scattered across the chicken and salad layers. Two silver serving spoons rest on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a few scattered nuts around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I always recommend serving this salad slightly chilled or at room temperature to keep the crispness of the cabbage and veggies intact. The cool, fresh elements combined with the warm, lightly charred chicken make for a delicious contrast in every bite. For a little extra flair, I love plating it on a large shallow dish, giving each portion plenty of space to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.

When it comes to accompaniments, this salad pairs beautifully with light Asian-inspired sides like steamed jasmine rice, miso soup, or even a simple cold noodle salad. For an elegant dinner party, try serving it alongside fresh spring rolls or edamame for a well-rounded meal. Garnishing with extra cilantro sprigs and a squeeze of lime can brighten the flavors even more while adding visual appeal.

For beverage pairings, I find a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity rosé works wonderfully to complement the sesame and ginger notes. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, try a sparkling green tea or a ginger-infused lemonade to echo those lively flavors. This salad shines at casual family dinners, summer cookouts, and potlucks where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences, simply swap the grilled sesame chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas to make it vegan and just as satisfying. For the dressing, using tamari instead of soy sauce keeps it gluten-free while still packing in that savory umami flavor.

Feel free to experiment with veggies too! I sometimes add thinly sliced snow peas or water chestnuts for extra crunch, or swap the jalapeno for a milder pepper if you prefer less heat. If you’re in a hurry, cooked rotisserie chicken works well as a shortcut, saving time while maintaining great flavor.

For a warm twist, you could gently toss the salad under the broiler with the chicken just before serving to slightly wilt the cabbage and warm the nuts — it adds a cozy, comforting element on chillier days. However you customize it, this salad stays vibrant, fresh, and packed with bold taste that never disappoints.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh veggies and dressing, the textures are best enjoyed within that timeframe before the cabbage starts to soften. Keeping garnishes like nuts and crispy wonton strips separate until serving helps preserve their crunch.

Freezing

While the grilled sesame chicken freezes beautifully on its own, I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled salad because the raw vegetables and dressing can become soggy after thawing. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the chicken and dressing separately, then combine with fresh cabbage and veggies when ready to eat for optimal texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you have leftover chicken, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Avoid microwaving the full salad to help preserve the crispness of the cabbage and freshness of the other ingredients. Adding the chicken warm on top of chilled salad creates the perfect balance.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! I recommend preparing the dressing and chopping the vegetables in advance, and storing them separately. Toss everything together and add freshly grilled chicken just before serving to keep the salad vibrant and crisp.

What can I use instead of grilled chicken?

If you’re looking for alternatives, crispy baked tofu or even roasted chickpeas work wonderfully and accommodate vegetarians and vegans. You can also swap in rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut.

Is the dressing gluten-free?

The sesame ginger dressing can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. This keeps the authentic flavor without any gluten concerns.

Can this salad be served as a side dish?

Definitely! While it’s hearty enough as a main, it also makes a fantastic side dish for gatherings or as a refreshing complement to grilled meats, seafood, or Asian-inspired meals.

How spicy is the salad?

The level of heat depends on the amount of jalapeno you include. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less jalapeno or skipping it altogether, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe enough if you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and fun to eat. It’s one of those salads that feels both nourishing and exciting, loaded with crunch, vibrant veggies, and perfectly seasoned chicken. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or looking for a show-stopping salad to bring to a party, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!