Description
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a vibrant and healthy Asian-inspired dish perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken with colorful shredded cabbages, crisp carrots, bell pepper, and a mix of crunchy nuts and chow mein noodles, all tossed in a flavorful sesame dressing, this salad delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s easy to prepare, gluten-free (when using tamari), dairy-free, and ideal for meal prep or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews or sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup crunchy chow mein noodles (optional)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, cilantro, cashews or almonds, sesame seeds, and chow mein noodles if using. Ensure all components are evenly distributed for balanced flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the dressing. This ensures each bite is flavorful and well-seasoned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This resting period allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or substitute with edamame or firm tofu.
- You can use a store-bought sesame dressing as a convenient alternative when short on time.
- Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes the salad gluten-free.
- Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing to your preference by varying honey/maple syrup and lime juice quantities.
