If you love vibrant flavors and irresistible textures, you are going to be absolutely smitten with this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad. It is a perfect harmony of tender grilled sesame chicken paired with a lively medley of crisp green and red cabbage, crunchy nuts, and a zingy sesame ginger dressing. Each bite is packed with freshness and a delightful crunch that feels both satisfying and refreshing. This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is the kind of dish you’ll reach for when you want something wholesome, colorful, and bursting with flavor all at once.

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the purposeful choice of each component. Every ingredient brings something vital to the table—whether it’s crunch, color, or that punchy bite—that works harmoniously in your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad.

Grilled sesame chicken: Juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, forming the protein-packed star.
Green cabbage (4 cups, shredded): Gives a fresh, crunchy base that keeps the salad vibrant and hearty.
Red cabbage (2 cups, shredded): Adds beautiful color and a slightly sweeter crunch for balance.
Green onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds a sharp, mild onion flavor and pops of green.
Fresh cilantro (3/4 cup, diced): Brings bright herbaceous notes that tie the salad together.
Carrots (1 cup, shredded or matchsticks): Provides color and an irresistible crunch with natural sweetness.
Red bell pepper (1, thinly julienned): Adds vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
Jalapeno (1, seeded and diced): A little heat that livens up each forkful without overpowering.
Sesame ginger dressing: A zesty, nutty dressing that coats every ingredient with flavor.
Toasted sliced almonds (1/3 cup): Adds a delicate crunch and nutty richness.
Roasted cashew halves (1/3 cup): Creamy texture and nutty depth to complement the other crunches.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle generously for an authentic finish and subtle crunch.
Extra cilantro and green onion: For garnish and added freshness.
Optional crispy wonton strips: To add a fun and crispy topping, if you want to take it up a notch.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Sesame Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken using your favorite sesame chicken marinade or a trusted grilled sesame chicken recipe. Letting the chicken soak up those deep, nutty flavors is key to infusing the salad with its distinctive taste. Then grill the chicken until it’s juicy and beautifully charred, giving a smoky dimension that balances the crisp freshness of the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Dressing

Next up, whip together the sesame ginger dressing. This magical blend of sesame oil, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness is what elevates this dish. Set the dressing aside—it will be the glue that brings every element together with a perfect tangy, nutty kiss.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, diced green onion, freshly chopped cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. This colorful mix sets the stage with layers of crunch and freshness that really pop.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the sesame ginger dressing generously over the mixed veggies. Toss everything gently but thoroughly. Every leaf and julienne should be coated in that vibrant flavor. Cover the bowl and let it rest while you finish grilling the chicken, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 5: Serve with Toppings

Slice your grilled sesame chicken into strips or chunks. Spread the dressed salad onto a large serving platter, then distribute the chicken on top or alongside. Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashews, sesame seeds, extra cilantro, green onion, and a few jalapeno slices over the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, add crispy wonton strips for an extra crunchy surprise.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Garnishes

Presentation matters, and garnishes take this salad from great to stunning. Toasted sliced almonds and cashews add crunch and richness, while sesame seeds offer that classic nutty note. Fresh cilantro and green onions brighten the plate visually and flavor-wise. Don’t shy away from a few extra jalapeno slices – they give a pop of vibrant color and subtle heat to finish.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a satisfying main, but for a fuller meal, pair it with light and simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, miso soup, or even a delicate cucumber salad to keep the meal refreshing and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make a memorable impression, serve the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad in mini individual bowls or crisp wonton cups for bite-sized portions. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear jar for a colorful lunch-on-the-go, making sure all the crunchy elements stay crisp until mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers to keep the texture fresh. The salad will stay crisp for up to 2 days, but if mixed too early, the cabbage may soften from the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the fresh veggies and dressing. The crunch and texture of the cabbage and nuts would be lost upon thawing. Instead, try freezing just the grilled sesame chicken if you want to save time later.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the grilled chicken in a skillet or microwave. Avoid reheating the salad itself; instead, add freshly dressed salad alongside the warmed chicken for the perfect balance of warm and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saver. Just toss it with a little of the sesame ginger dressing to keep things moist and flavorful before adding it to the salad.

Is there a vegetarian option for the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?

Yes! Swap out the grilled chicken for pan-fried tofu or crispy tempeh marinated in the same sesame marinade to keep the dish hearty and satisfying while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

How spicy is the salad with jalapeno?

The jalapeno adds just a gentle warmth and brightness. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount or omit the jalapeno entirely. The salad remains delicious with that fresh, crunchy profile.

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time for a party?

To keep the salad crisp, prepare and dress the veggies separately, then toss just before serving. This helps maintain the satisfying crunch while still saving you prep time on the day of your gathering.

What sauces or dips pair well with this salad?

The sesame ginger dressing is perfect on its own, but you could also offer a light soy dipping sauce or a chili-lime vinaigrette for guests who want to customize their flavor experience.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is truly one of those recipes that delights every sense and makes me want to share it again and again. The perfect balance of textures, bold yet fresh flavors, and colorful presentation make it a standout on any table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become such a favorite in my kitchen. I hope it brings you as much joy as it does me—go on, give it a whirl and enjoy every crunchy, sesame-scented bite!