Description
Fresh and delicious sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad packed with bright, crunchy vegetables, juicy grilled chicken, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing. This healthy and easy-to-customize salad makes a perfect lunch or dinner option, combining vibrant textures and bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Grilled Sesame Chicken (prepared separately according to recipe)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup diced green onion
- 3/4 cup freshly diced cilantro
- 1 cup shredded carrots (bagged or cut into matchsticks)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
For the Dressing:
- 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing (prepared separately)
For Serving:
- 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- Extra cilantro, for garnish
- Extra green onion, chopped for garnish
- A few jalapeno slices
- Optional: Crispy wonton strips
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Prepare the grilled sesame chicken using your preferred marinade and grilling method to achieve juicy and flavorful chicken pieces.
- Make the Dressing: Prepare the sesame ginger dressing as per the recipe. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, green onion, freshly diced cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all the vegetables. Cover and let the flavors meld while cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Bake or grill the marinated chicken until fully cooked and tender according to your grilling recipe instructions.
- Serve: Transfer the dressed salad onto a large platter. Arrange grilled sesame chicken on top or alongside. Garnish the salad with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, extra chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and additional green onions. Optionally add crispy wonton strips for extra crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, omit the chicken and substitute with tofu or a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas.
- This salad is highly customizable; feel free to add or swap in your favorite crunchy vegetables or protein sources.
- Using fresh matchstick-cut carrots enhances the salad’s crunch factor but pre-shredded carrots work well too.
- Adjust the jalapeno quantity to your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
- Storing leftover salad without nuts and dressing separately extends freshness.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
