Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Fresh and delicious, this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that combines crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and proteins, making it suitable for various occasions. The standout qualities of this salad are its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, ensuring every bite is refreshing and enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just about an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins to create your perfect version.
• Flavorful Dressing: The sesame ginger dressing elevates the salad with a burst of taste that complements the ingredients beautifully.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this salad is both filling and nutritious.
• Great for Meal Prep: Prepare it in advance for quick lunches throughout the week without losing freshness.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Grater or food processor (for shredding carrots)
• Grill or baking sheet (for chicken)
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Ensures even mixing of the sesame ginger dressing for maximum flavor.
• Grater or food processor: Makes shredding carrots quick and easy, contributing to that desired crunch.

Ingredients

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. This adds depth of flavor before grilling or baking.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Prepare your sesame ginger dressing according to your recipe. Once ready, set it aside so that the flavors can meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine:
* 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
* 1 red bell pepper (julienned)
* 1 jalapeno (diced)

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together until all components are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit while you cook your chicken.

Step 4: Serve the Salad

Transfer the salad onto a large serving platter. Garnish with:
* Toasted sliced almonds
* Roasted cashew halves
* Extra cilantro
* Sesame seeds
* Jalapeno slices
Optional: Add crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.

Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad! It serves as a hearty main dish for four or can be enjoyed as a side dish for six.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, you can elevate the experience with these serving suggestions.

Platter Presentation

• Serve the salad on a large platter to create an inviting centerpiece.
• Garnish with extra cilantro and green onion for color and freshness.

Individual Bowls

• Portion the salad into individual bowls for easy serving.
• Top each bowl with crispy wonton strips for added crunch.

Family Style

• Allow guests to serve themselves from a large bowl.
• Provide extra dressing on the side for those who like more flavor.

As a Wrap

• Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with the salad.
• Add grilled chicken slices directly into the wraps for a fun twist.

Meal Prep Containers

• Pack the salad in meal prep containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.

How to Perfect Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Creating the perfect Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is all about fresh ingredients and balance. Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious result.

• Choose Fresh Veggies: Select vibrant, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
• Customize Proteins: Feel free to swap grilled chicken with shrimp or tofu based on your preference.
• Adjust Dressing: Modify the sesame ginger dressing by adding more ginger or garlic if you want a stronger flavor.
• Add Crunch: Incorporate different nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds, for varied crunchiness.
• Make Ahead: Prepare components in advance, but keep dressing separate until serving for maximum freshness.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure balanced flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish well.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fluffy rice that soaks up flavors beautifully.
2. Edamame Beans: A great source of protein that adds a pop of color and nutrition.
3. Miso Soup: A warm and savory soup that balances the coolness of the salad.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side with a tangy dressing that mirrors flavors in the main dish.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears add an earthy element when lightly seasoned and grilled.
6. Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls provide an additional crunch and can be filled with various ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad, keep an eye out for these common mistakes that can impact your dish.

• Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to follow the marination instructions for maximum taste.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to keep it fresh and crunchy.
• Neglecting veggie prep: Cutting vegetables unevenly can affect the salad’s texture. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even crunch and flavor distribution.
• Forgetting garnishes: Garnishes like toasted almonds and sesame seeds elevate the dish. Don’t skip these; they add texture and visual appeal.
• Using non-fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables can ruin your salad. Always choose fresh, vibrant produce for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can freeze the chicken separately.
• Store grilled chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken until warmed through without drying it out.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different proteins in my Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?

Yes! You can substitute grilled chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for variety.

How do I customize my Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like cucumber or snap peas. You can also switch up the nuts based on your preference.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the veggies and chicken in advance but dress the salad just before serving to maintain its crunchiness.

What should I serve with Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?

This salad pairs well with rice or noodles for a complete meal. You could also serve it as a side dish with grilled meats.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prepping as you can portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

The Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is not only vibrant and delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its crunchy vegetables and flavorful dressing, it’s perfect as a hearty main dish or a refreshing side. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a staple in your healthy meal rotation. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience a burst of flavor and crunch with this vibrant Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad features tender grilled chicken paired with fresh, crisp vegetables and a zesty sesame ginger dressing. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies for a personalized touch, while the delightful textures ensure every bite is enjoyable. Garnished with toasted almonds and sesame seeds for added crunch, this salad is as nutritious as it is satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Grilled sesame chicken
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced green onion
• 3/4 cup diced cilantro
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper (julienned)
• 1 jalapeno (diced)
• Sesame ginger dressing

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Instructions

1. Marinate and grill or bake the chicken until fully cooked.
2. Prepare the sesame ginger dressing and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together green cabbage, red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, bell pepper, and jalapeno.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until well-coated.
5. Serve on a platter or in individual bowls, garnished with toasted almonds, cashews, cilantro, sesame seeds, and optional crispy wonton strips.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 340mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg