Name: Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups grilled sesame chicken, sliced or diced; 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 2 cups shredded red cabbage; 1/2 cup diced green onion; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned; 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced; 1/2 cup sesame ginger dressing; 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds; 1/4 cup roasted cashew halves; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; Optional: 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips

I discovered this vibrant sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad and immediately felt drawn to its mix of juicy grilled chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tangy-sweet sesame ginger dressing. It’s my go-to for a refreshing yet satisfying meal.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the marinated sesame chicken brings rich savory flavor, perfectly paired with shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and green onion. The homemade sesame ginger dressing ties it all together in perfect harmony. Each bite has crunch, freshness, heat, and nuttiness—I can’t resist going for seconds.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

grilled sesame chicken
shredded green cabbage
shredded red cabbage
diced green onion
chopped cilantro
shredded carrots
thinly julienned red bell pepper
seeded and diced jalapeño
sesame ginger dressing
toasted sliced almonds
roasted cashew halves
sesame seeds
optional: crispy wonton strips

directions

Marinate and grill the sesame chicken, then let it rest before slicing or dicing.
In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, carrots, red bell pepper, and jalapeño.
Drizzle sesame ginger dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is coated.
Arrange the salad on a platter and top with the grilled chicken.
Garnish with toasted almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, and optional crispy wonton strips. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This salad serves 4 as a main dish or 6 as a side.
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
Adding fresh mango or mandarin orange segments gives it a juicy pop of sweetness.
If I’m avoiding nuts, I leave out the almonds and cashews or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Tossing in chilled ramen noodles or rice noodles can turn it into a hearty noodle salad.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. For best texture, I like to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. If I include noodles, they hold up well when chilled.

FAQs

What’s in the sesame ginger dressing?

The dressing includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, and a little sweetness. I whisk it until smooth and creamy before tossing it with the salad.

Can I prep this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I chop all the veggies and prepare the dressing a day or two in advance. I keep the chicken and dressing separate until just before serving so everything stays crisp.

How long does grilled sesame chicken last?

Grilled chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. I often make it ahead to use in different meals.

Can this salad be made vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely. I replace the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or canned chickpeas for a vegetarian or vegan version. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

If I want to keep it mild, I just leave out the jalapeño or add only a little bit. The salad is still full of flavor without the heat.

Conclusion

I always turn to this sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad when I want something fresh, bold, and nutritious. It’s easy to customize, great for meal prep, and always hits the spot whether I’m craving something light or need a satisfying main dish.