Description
A vibrant and crunchy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad featuring shredded chicken, colorful cabbages, and a zesty sesame dressing. Perfect for a light, nutritious lunch or dinner with a delightful Asian-inspired flavor profile and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 4 cups green cabbage (shredded)
- 2 cups purple cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
For the Sesame Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cooked chicken until well combined.
- Add Crunchy Elements: Incorporate the toasted sliced almonds, crunchy chow mein noodles, and toasted sesame seeds into the salad mixture, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive or avocado oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Marinate and Serve: Allow the salad to sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top if desired to add a fresh, herbal note. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein option.
- Add sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or edamame to enhance color, texture, and nutritional value.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken or substitute with crispy tofu.
- Ensure nuts and chow mein noodles are fresh for optimal crunch and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
