This sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad is one of my favorite quick meals. It’s fresh, crispy, and full of flavor in every bite. The mix of tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and that nutty sesame dressing always hits the spot.
I love how it feels light but still keeps me full. The sesame dressing gives it that perfect balance—sweet, tangy, and a little toasty. It’s the kind of salad that makes eating healthy actually fun.
Whenever I need something fast but satisfying, I go for this. It’s easy to toss together, and the crunch makes it so addictive. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that never gets old no matter how many times I make it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Texture Paradise: Crunchy cabbage, crispy wontons, and tender chicken create the perfect bite every time.
- Packed with Flavor: Sesame ginger dressing ties all the fresh ingredients together beautifully.
- Quick Assembly: Put together in just 20 minutes once your chicken is ready.
- Great for Gatherings: Makes enough to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust the spice level and toppings to your taste.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for chicken)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 6 people as a main dish or 8-10 as a side salad. Want to feed more people? Simply double the ingredients and use a larger serving bowl.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. The simple steps make this perfect for busy weeknights.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Skillet or grill pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Vegetable peeler or grater
- Tongs
- Serving bowl or platter
Ingredients
This Asian-inspired salad combines fresh vegetables with savory sesame chicken for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
The crunchy cabbage base stays crisp, while the nuts and seeds add richness. The sesame ginger dressing brings a sweet and tangy flavor that makes every ingredient shine. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Salad:
- Sesame chicken (pre-cooked or homemade), sliced
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sesame ginger dressing (store-bought or homemade)
For the Toppings:
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup cashews, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Extra fresh cilantro
- Extra sliced green onions
- Additional jalapeno slices (optional)
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips
Variations for Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
- Add More Protein: Include edamame or grilled shrimp alongside the chicken.
- Try Different Nuts: Swap almonds and cashews for peanuts or pecans.
- Make It Spicy: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the dressing.
- Add Fruit: Toss in mandarin oranges or sliced mango for sweetness.
- Use Different Greens: Mix in romaine lettuce or spinach with the cabbage.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If using raw chicken, cook it according to your preferred method until fully cooked. Slice into bite-sized strips and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prep the Vegetables
Thinly slice the green and red cabbage. Cut the carrots into thin strips. Slice the red bell pepper, green onions, and jalapeno. Chop the fresh cilantro.
3. Build the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeno. Toss everything together to mix well.
4. Add the Chicken
Place the sliced sesame chicken on top of the vegetable mixture. You can toss it in or leave it on top for a prettier presentation.
5. Dress the Salad
Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the salad. Start with half the dressing, toss gently, then add more as needed. Some people like their salad lightly dressed, while others prefer more dressing.
6. Add the Crunch
Right before serving, sprinkle the almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds over the top. Add extra cilantro, green onions, and jalapeno slices if desired. Finish with crispy wonton strips for maximum crunch.
Serving and Decoration
Serve this salad in a large, shallow bowl to show off all the colorful vegetables. For parties, you can arrange the ingredients in neat rows over the cabbage base before tossing at the table. The wonton strips should always go on at the very last minute so they stay crispy.
This salad works great as a main course for lunch or dinner. You can also serve it as a side dish at barbecues and potlucks.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
This fresh salad pairs well with many dishes:
- As a Main: Enjoy on its own for a light but filling meal.
- With Soup: Serve alongside wonton soup or egg drop soup.
- At Gatherings: Bring to potlucks, picnics, or game day parties.
- With Asian Dishes: Pair with fried rice, spring rolls, or potstickers.
- For Meal Prep: Pack into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Storing Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
- Undressed Salad: Store the vegetables and chicken separately from the dressing in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Dressed Salad: Once dressed, eat within 24 hours as the cabbage will start to soften.
- Toppings: Keep nuts, seeds, and wonton strips in a separate container so they stay crunchy. Add them right before eating.
- Dressing: Store extra dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Keep It Cold: Chill your serving bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes before assembling the salad.
- Slice Thin: The thinner you slice the cabbage, the better it mixes with the dressing.
- Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast almonds and cashews in a dry pan for extra flavor.
- Control the Heat: Remove jalapeno seeds and membranes for a milder salad.
- Add Wontons Last: Wait until serving time to add wonton strips so they stay crispy.
- Make It Pretty: Arrange toppings in sections on top for a restaurant-style look.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Vitamin A | 85% DV |
| Vitamin C | 110% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
PrintSesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad / Main Dish
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked sesame chicken, sliced
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sesame ginger dressing
For the Toppings:
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup cashews, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Extra cilantro and green onions
- Jalapeno slices (optional)
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cook and slice sesame chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Prep Vegetables: Thinly slice both cabbages. Julienne carrots. Slice bell pepper, green onions, jalapeno, and chop cilantro.
- Combine Base: In a large bowl, mix green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeno.
- Add Protein: Top the vegetable mixture with sliced sesame chicken.
- Dress Salad: Pour sesame ginger dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds. Add extra cilantro and green onions. Top with wonton strips just before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch, or store components separately for meal prep.
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad FAQs
Yes. Keep the vegetables, chicken, and toppings separate from the dressing. Assemble and dress the salad right before serving to keep everything crisp.
You can make your own by mixing rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. You can also use peanut dressing as a substitute.
Absolutely. Skip the sesame chicken and use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Toss it with a little sesame oil and soy sauce for similar flavor.
Make sure the cabbage is completely dry after washing. Dress the salad just before serving, and store any leftovers without dressing.
The heat level depends on the jalapeno. Remove the seeds for mild heat, or leave them in if you like spice. You can also skip the jalapeno entirely.
Yes. Leave out the chicken and add extra nuts, edamame, or crispy tofu for protein.
Conclusion
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad brings together the best of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and crispy toppings in one colorful bowl. The mix of textures keeps every bite interesting, while the sesame ginger dressing ties everything together with sweet and tangy flavor. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this salad delivers on taste and simplicity.
