Description
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is loaded with shredded cabbage, tender sesame-glazed chicken, and crispy toppings like almonds and crunchy noodles. Tossed in a tangy sesame soy dressing, it’s light, filling, and perfect for meal prep or a vibrant lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the Salad
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage (or more green)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or crushed peanuts
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips or crushed ramen noodles (optional, for crunch)
For the Sesame Dressing
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or sriracha for heat
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken, soy sauce, hoisin or honey, and rice vinegar.
- Cook until golden and fully cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a jar or bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions.
- Add cooled chicken and toss with dressing.
4. Top and Serve
- Garnish with cilantro, almonds or peanuts, and crunchy toppings.
- Serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Meal Prep: Keep dressing and crunchy toppings separate until ready to eat
Vegetarian Option: Use crispy tofu or tempeh instead of chicken
Nut-Free: Skip nuts and add sunflower seeds or extra crunch from noodles
Low-Carb: Skip crispy noodles and sweeteners, and use tamari instead of soy sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop / Assembled
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g