Name: Easy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Grilled Sesame Chicken (prepared according to 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 (bagged or cut into matchsticks); 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned; 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced; 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing; ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds; ⅓ cup roasted cashew halves; Sesame seeds to taste; Extra cilantro for garnish; Extra green onion for garnish; A few jalapeno slices; Optional: Crispy wonton strips

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe because it combines everything I crave in a meal: bright, fresh flavors, satisfying crunch, and a deliciously tangy sesame ginger dressing that brings it all together. It’s a vibrant, colorful salad with tender grilled chicken nestled amid crisp cabbage, sweet bell pepper, and fresh herbs. This recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for lunch or a light dinner, and I promise, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

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

What I find so irresistible about this recipe is the amazing harmony of textures and flavors. The crisp cabbage and crunchy carrots play beautifully against the juicy, savory grilled sesame chicken, while the sesame ginger dressing livens everything up with just the right amount of tang, sweetness, and nuttiness. It feels fresh and wholesome, yet indulgent enough to satisfy my cravings for something savory and complex. Every bite delights with contrasting sensations that keep me hooked until the last forkful.

Another reason I adore this Easy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe is how quick and fuss-free it is to make. Even with the marinating and grilling of the chicken, the salad itself tosses together effortlessly with simple but fresh ingredients that you likely already have. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a hearty lunch or a vibrant side dish for parties or holiday meals. I always find that people can’t stop talking about how fresh, tasty, and satisfying it is.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with six separate piles of thinly sliced vegetables arranged in a circle: deep purple cabbage at the top left, light green cabbage at the top right, bright orange carrot sticks below the green cabbage, chopped green bell pepper next to the carrots, sliced green onions below the purple cabbage, and finely chopped cilantro in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered chopped herbs nearby, a gray cloth at the bottom left, and a sauce container with brown dressing to the right. Two metal serving spoons lay beside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that create a perfect balance in taste and texture. Each element brings something special whether it’s crunch, freshness, or flavor depth, making the salad both colorful and appetizing.

Green cabbage (4 cups shredded): Provides a crisp, slightly peppery base with a satisfying crunch.
Red cabbage (2 cups shredded): Adds color contrast and a subtle sweetness to the salad.
Green onion (½ cup diced): Brightens the dish with a mild sharpness and fresh aroma.
Fresh cilantro (¾ cup diced): Infuses herbaceous notes that enhance the overall flavor.
Carrots (1 cup shredded): Brings natural sweetness and an extra layer of crunch.
Red bell pepper (1 thinly julienned): Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
Jalapeño (1 seeded and diced): Offers a gentle kick of heat to wake up the palate.
Grilled sesame chicken: Marinated for deep flavor and serves as the protein-packed centerpiece.
Sesame ginger dressing: Ties all the ingredients together with its tangy, nutty, and aromatic profile.
Toasted sliced almonds (⅓ cup): Provide a delightful nutty crunch for garnish.
Roasted cashew halves (⅓ cup): Add richness and offset the crisp veggies.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle over to intensify the sesame flavor and garnish beautifully.
Extra cilantro and green onion: For freshness and vibrant garnish.
Jalapeño slices: Optional spicy accent as garnish.
Crispy wonton strips (optional): Add luxurious crunch and an Asian-inspired touch.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by marinating your chicken using your favorite grilled sesame chicken marinade recipe. Allow the chicken to soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible, to infuse the meat with that irresistible sesame essence.

Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare your sesame ginger dressing. Whisk together the ingredients until smooth and well combined, then set it aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, diced green onion, chopped cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeño. Toss them all together gently to begin layering those fresh flavors.

Step 4: Pour your prepared sesame ginger dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly so every strand and slice is coated in that zingy, nutty dressing. Cover the bowl and let the salad rest for about 10-15 minutes, which helps the veggies soften slightly while soaking in the dressing.

Step 5: While the salad sits, cook your marinated chicken. Grill or bake the chicken until nicely charred and cooked through — about 12-15 minutes depending on thickness. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Spread the dressed salad onto a large serving platter for a beautiful presentation. Arrange the sliced grilled sesame chicken on top, then sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, sesame seeds, extra cilantro, green onion, and jalapeño slices as desired. If you’re feeling indulgent, scatter some crispy wonton strips over the top for extra crunch.

Step 7: Serve immediately and dig in, enjoying all the fresh layers of flavor and texture working together perfectly.

Servings and Timing

This Easy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe serves 4 people as a hearty main course or up to 6 as a side salad. The prep time takes about 45 minutes, allowing time for chicken marination and vegetable chopping. Cooking the chicken takes roughly 15 minutes, so the total time from start to finish is around 1 hour. There’s also a brief resting time while the salad is dressed to let the flavors meld, which I find essential for that perfect balance.

How to Serve This Easy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

A large white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a colorful salad arranged in separate sections. There are thin red bell pepper strips on the left, next to circular slices of light green scallions. Bright purple shredded cabbage fills the top left area, with a generous pile of fresh dark green chopped herbs in the center. To the right of the herbs, bright orange carrot sticks sit above small chopped green bell peppers, beside the finely shredded pale green cabbage on the upper right. A brown sauce is being poured from a small container into the bowl, captured mid-pour in the middle of the salad, and a white marbled surface is visible underneath the bowl along with a spoon nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this salad chilled or at room temperature because those lovely crisp textures stay fresh and vibrant, and the flavors really shine without being muted by heat. It works beautifully as a satisfying lunch or a light dinner when paired with something simple like steamed jasmine rice or even a side of edamame beans. On special occasions, I’ve served it alongside grilled skewers or Asian-inspired appetizers for an impressive yet effortless spread.

When plating, presentation makes a difference—arranging the salad on a large flat platter allows the colorful layers to really pop. I always garnish generously with toasted nuts and fresh herbs, and sometimes scatter crispy wonton strips on top for that perfect contrast of textures. It feels like a celebration on the plate every time! For drinks, I recommend a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced green tea with a splash of lemon to complement the salad’s bright flavors.

This recipe is truly versatile for occasions ranging from weeknight family dinners to weekend gatherings or potlucks. The fresh crunch and complex flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy. I often suggest serving it alongside lighter slaws or simple rice dishes to keep the meal balanced and easy-going.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this salad is how easily customizable it is. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, I swap out the grilled chicken for crispy tofu cubes or even a hearty scoop of rinsed chickpeas, both of which soak up the dressing beautifully. The nut toppings can also be switched up depending on what’s on hand — chopped pecans or walnuts make a tasty alternate crunchy top.

Dietary modifications are simple as well. To make it gluten-free, just ensure your sesame ginger dressing doesn’t contain soy sauce with wheat or use tamari instead. For a paleo-friendly version, avoid the crispy wonton strips and stick with fresh veggies and nuts for crunch. Some days, I also like to experiment by roasting the cabbage lightly before tossing it in the dressing, which adds a smoky dimension and softens the texture, making the salad a little warmer and more comforting for cooler days.

If you want to dial up the heat, adding extra jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil instantly transforms the flavor profile. I also occasionally toss in thinly sliced snap peas or cucumber ribbons for added freshness and crunch. No matter how you customize it, this salad never disappoints.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the vegetables stay crunchy and the chicken remains flavorful, it keeps well for up to 2 days. For best results, I usually store the nuts and wonton strips separately and sprinkle them on just before serving again to keep everything nice and crisp.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables and dressing do not hold up well after thawing—the texture becomes soggy and the flavors dull. I suggest enjoying it fresh or storing leftovers in the fridge for maximum crunch and freshness.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the grilled sesame chicken warm again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating the salad itself, as the crisp veggies and dressing are best served chilled or at room temperature. When you reassemble for serving, add fresh nuts and herbs to refresh the dish’s texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! I like to prep the veggies and dressing the day before, then toss everything together just before serving to keep the crisp texture intact. The chicken can also be cooked and stored separately in the fridge for up to two days.

What if I don’t have red cabbage?

No worries at all; you can use more green cabbage or substitute with Napa cabbage or even kale for a different but equally delicious crunch and color.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative in your sesame ginger dressing and avoid crispy wonton strips, which typically contain gluten.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

You can, but I highly recommend making homemade sesame ginger dressing—it’s fresher, more aromatic, and you can adjust it to your taste for the perfect balance of flavors.

What other proteins work well in this salad?

Besides grilled chicken, I enjoy using tofu, shrimp, or even thinly sliced steak. Plant-based options like chickpeas add great texture and protein too.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Easy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something healthy, flavorful, and fuss-free. It feels like a special meal without any stress, and it’s packed with fresh ingredients that make every bite exciting. Trust me, once you make it, this salad will become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine!