Description
This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a vibrant and crunchy Asian-inspired main course that’s perfect for a healthy dinner. Featuring shredded chicken, colorful cabbage, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sesame dressing, this no-cook salad is quick to prepare and packed with nutrients. It’s ideal for meal prep, offering a delicious blend of textures and tastes that come together beautifully after a short rest, allowing the flavors to meld. Gluten-free and dairy-free, it’s a versatile dish that can be adapted for vegetarian diets as well.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 3 cups green cabbage (shredded)
- 2 cups red cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- ½ cup cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbages, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, toasted sliced almonds, and toasted sesame seeds to form the colorful and crunchy salad base.
- Add the Chicken: Top the mixed vegetables and nuts with the cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast to add protein and heartiness to the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and neutral oil until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the assembled salad and chicken, then toss everything thoroughly until each ingredient is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Let it Rest: Allow the salad to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together and deepen.
- Serve: Serve the salad cold or at room temperature as a refreshing and satisfying main course.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and time-saving.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with edamame or tofu.
- Add crushed ramen noodles or crispy wonton strips if you want extra crunch and texture.
