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 (bagged or cut into matchsticks); 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned; 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced; 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing (prepared separately); ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds; ⅓ cup roasted cashews halves; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Extra cilantro, for garnish; Extra green onion, for garnish; A few jalapeño slices, for garnish; Optional: Crispy wonton strips

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

I am absolutely thrilled to share my Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe with you because it’s become one of my absolute favorite go-to dishes. This salad brilliantly combines juicy, flavorful grilled sesame chicken with a vibrant, crunchy medley of green and red cabbage, fresh veggies, and a zingy sesame ginger dressing that just lights up every bite. I love how it’s fresh yet satisfying, colorful and packed with texture, making it perfect for any meal where you want a healthy punch without sacrificing flavor or fun.

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

What truly makes this recipe stand out for me is the balance of flavors and textures. The crispy cabbage and crunchy carrots pair beautifully with tender grilled chicken, while the spicy-sweet sesame ginger dressing ties everything together in such a refreshing way. Each bite feels like an exciting party of crisp, juicy, nutty, and aromatic notes. I often find myself craving this just as much on warm days when I want something cool, as I do on fresher evenings when I’m in the mood for bold flavors.

Beyond taste, this recipe wins me over with how straightforward it is to prepare. Once you’ve got your chicken marinated and grilled, it’s just a matter of assembling your fresh ingredients and tossing it all together with that incredible dressing. It’s one of those dishes that looks way more complicated than it really is, making it a fantastic choice when friends drop by or when I want a quick, healthy weeknight dinner. Plus, I love how it adapts easily to whatever veggies I have on hand or dietary needs I’m catering for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl filled with six colorful layers of fresh salad ingredients arranged in a circular pattern: shredded purple cabbage on the top left, shredded light green cabbage on the top right, chopped green bell peppers at the middle right, thin orange carrot sticks below the green peppers, chopped green onions at the bottom left, and thin red bell pepper slices on the left side. In the center, there is a pile of chopped fresh cilantro in bright green. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small white cup of dressing nearby and a dark metal spoon and fork beside the bowl. A gray cloth is placed near the bottom left of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe lies in how simple yet essential each ingredient is, contributing layers of texture, freshness, and flavor that elevate the dish to something truly memorable.

Grilled Sesame Chicken: The star protein that delivers juicy flavor infused with a nutty sesame kiss and slight char.
Green cabbage (4 cups shredded): Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch and a mild earthy base to the salad.
Red cabbage (2 cups shredded): Adds vibrant color and a slightly sweet crunch that brightens the visual appeal.
Green onion (½ cup diced): Brings a sharp, aromatic bite that lifts the whole salad.
Fresh cilantro (¾ cup diced): Adds a fragrant herbal freshness that feels lively and uplifting.
Carrots (1 cup shredded): Contributes a sweet crunch that balances the earthier cabbage notes.
Red bell pepper (1 thinly julienned): Gives juicy sweetness and beautiful red pops of color.
Jalapeno (1 seeded and diced): Delivers a gentle heat to awaken the palate without overwhelming.
Sesame Ginger Dressing: The zesty, nutty vibrancy that binds everything together with flavor harmony.
Toasted sliced almonds (⅓ cup) and roasted cashews halves (⅓ cup): Both add irresistible crunch and richness in every bite.
Sesame seeds, extra cilantro, green onion, and jalapeño slices: Perfect garnishes that boost flavor, texture, and presentation.
Optional crispy wonton strips: For an extra touch of crunchy indulgence and a playful texture contrast.

Directions

Step 1: Start by marinating and grilling your sesame chicken using your favorite grilled sesame chicken recipe. Make sure to let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy before slicing.

Step 2: Whip up the sesame ginger dressing while the chicken is cooking. This dressing is the heart of the salad’s bright, tangy flavor, so take a moment to taste and adjust it to your liking.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, diced green onion, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded carrots, thinly julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeño. Toss these fresh veggies gently to blend all the colors and textures evenly.

Step 4: Pour the sesame ginger dressing generously over the salad mixture and toss again to thoroughly coat every crunchy veggie with that flavorful zing. Cover the bowl and set it aside while you finish preparing your chicken.

Step 5: Slice your rested grilled sesame chicken into bite-sized strips or chunks, then arrange the salad on a large serving platter or individual bowls.

Step 6: Garnish the salad with toasted sliced almonds and roasted cashews for extra crunch and nutty depth. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top, add some extra chopped cilantro and green onion, and arrange a few jalapeño slices for visual and taste contrast.

Step 7: If you want to spoil yourself a bit, top with optional crispy wonton strips right before serving to keep the salad crispy and delightful. Now serve immediately and dig into this fantastic bowl of refreshing, healthy joy!

Servings and Timing

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe serves 4 generous portions as a main dish or 6 as a side dish. You will spend about 45 minutes prepping the ingredients, especially the chopping and shredding, plus 15 minutes grilling the chicken and getting the dressing ready. Altogether, this recipe takes roughly 1 hour from start to finish — perfect for a weekend cook or an easy weeknight meal when you plan ahead. There’s no resting needed for the salad itself, but letting the salad sit for a few minutes after tossing in the dressing can help the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface with a colorful salad arranged in layers. The bottom layer is shredded cabbage and carrots in green and orange tones, mixed with thin red pepper strips. On top, there are sliced grilled chicken pieces coated with sesame seeds and a dark sauce. Scattered around are sliced green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, thin jalapeno slices, cashew nuts, and sliced almonds adding texture and detail. A fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially placed under the salad. Two white bowls with cashews and sliced almonds are placed in the upper left and right corners, and a light gray cloth is folded at the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this salad, I love doing so on a large, shallow platter to show off all those vibrant colors and textures, making it irresistible at the table. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up any dressing left behind, turning it into a truly satisfying meal. If I want to keep it lighter, I skip the grains and serve it alongside a bowl of miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete Asian-inspired spread.

Presentation-wise, a sprinkle of extra toasted nuts and fresh herbs right before serving adds a final flourish and makes everyone feel like they’re in for something special. I’m all about layering textures too, so those optional crispy wonton strips always get a yes from my guests. For beverages, a chilled glass of dry Riesling or a citrusy ginger ale perfectly complements the zesty sesame ginger flavors and keeps things balanced and bright.

I usually serve this salad at room temperature or slightly chilled, depending on the weather and how soon it’s eaten after assembly. For casual family dinners or lunch meal prep, room temp works great and helps the dressing soak in. For parties, chilling it slightly makes the salad even more refreshing and crisp, a real crowd-pleaser. Portion sizes are pretty generous here, with four robust servings if you want a hearty main—perfect for satisfying appetites without feeling heavy.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Salad is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch things up, try swapping the grilled chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegan or vegetarian twist that’s just as tasty. I’ve found that marinating the tofu in a similar sesame sauce before pan-frying gives fantastic flavor depth. For a gluten-free version, just be sure all your sauces, especially soy sauce, are gluten-free certified.

If you love exploring flavors, try adding a splash of fresh lime juice or a hint of honey to the dressing to tweak the balance of sweet and tangy. Sometimes I even add mango or thinly sliced apple to the salad for a fruity surprise that plays beautifully with the crunchy veggies. You can also experiment with roasting or grilling some of the vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for a slightly smoky twist that adds warmth.

For cooking methods, while grilling the chicken gives a lovely char and smokiness, you could also bake or pan-sear it. Each has its charm depending on your mood and kitchen setup. Just keep the marinade handy to keep the flavor consistent, and don’t overcook the chicken so it stays juicy and tender—this really makes a difference in the final salad experience.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftover salad and chicken separately in airtight containers to avoid sogginess. The salad components stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, especially if you keep the dressing on the side and toss just before serving. The crispy nuts and fresh herbs are best added fresh each time, but if you’ve already mixed them in, it’s still delicious the next day with a little crunch lost.

Freezing

This salad isn’t really freezer-friendly because the fresh vegetables and crunchy elements lose their crispness after thawing. However, you can freeze leftover grilled chicken separately for up to 2 months and just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. When you’re ready to eat, toss the thawed chicken with freshly shredded veggies and dressing for that freshly made crunch.

Reheating

The best way to reheat the grilled chicken is gently on the stovetop or in the oven at a low temperature, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. Avoid microwaving if possible because it can turn the chicken rubbery. Once warmed, add it back to freshly tossed salad ingredients and dressing. Keep any nuts or crispy toppings separate until serving to maintain their crunch and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the vegetables and dressing a few hours ahead, but I recommend keeping them separate until just before serving to maintain crispness. The grilled chicken can also be cooked in advance and refrigerated.

What can I substitute for the jalapeño if I don’t like spicy foods?

If you prefer less heat, feel free to omit the jalapeño or replace it with a sweet red bell pepper for extra crunch without the spice.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep lunches?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate and toss when you’re ready to eat. This helps keep the veggies fresh and crunchy throughout the day.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?

You can, but I highly recommend making the sesame ginger dressing yourself. It’s incredibly simple and brings vibrant freshness that really makes the salad special.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Skip the chicken and swap the grilled protein for tofu, chickpeas, or tempeh. Use tamari or a vegan soy sauce and ensure your dressing ingredients don’t include honey for a fully vegan version.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Recipe because it’s such a vibrant, versatile, and downright delicious dish that I come back to time and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a healthy, flavorful meal, it’s guaranteed to brighten your mealtime and become a new favorite. Dive in, enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite, and make it your own!