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Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad – Fresh, Crunchy & Packed with Flavor

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is the ultimate light-yet-satisfying meal: juicy sesame chicken tossed with crisp shredded cabbage, vibrant veggies, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing. It’s refreshing, full of texture, and perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a healthy lunch or dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a better-than-takeout salad you’ll crave on repeat! 🥢✨
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍗 Sesame Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
🥗 Salad
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds or cashews
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
🥣 Sesame Dressing
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1½ tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Whisk
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch until coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high.
  3. Add chicken; cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and olive oil until emulsified.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine cabbages, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, nuts, and sesame seeds.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
  1. Add cooked chicken to the salad.
  2. Pour dressing over everything; toss until evenly coated.
  3. Serve immediately, topped with extra sesame seeds or nuts if desired.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Spicy: Add sriracha to the dressing or sliced jalapeños to the salad.
Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken.
Low Carb: Skip honey in the dressing and adjust seasoning.
Crunch Boost: Add crispy wonton strips or ramen noodles.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store salad and dressing separately in airtight containers up to 3 days. Toss just before serving.
Reheat: Chicken can be warmed gently in the microwave or served cold.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes—great time saver!
Is it gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely—just toss with sesame oil before adding.
What nuts work best?
Almonds, cashews, or peanuts.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—replace chicken with crispy tofu.
What’s the best cabbage?
A mix of green and purple for flavor and color.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes—mild, sweet dressing and crunchy texture most kids enjoy.
How do I keep it crunchy?
Store dressing separately; toss right before eating.
Can I meal prep this?
Perfect for meal prep—just keep chicken and dressing separate until serving.
What sides pair well?
Miso soup, edamame, or steamed dumplings.
📝 Conclusion
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is fresh, crunchy, and bursting with bold flavors. With juicy sesame chicken, crisp veggies, and a zingy dressing, it’s a quick and healthy meal you’ll want to make again and again! 🥗🍗