Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad: A Flavorful, Crunchy, and Healthy Delight

If you love bold flavors, crispy textures, and refreshing crunch, this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is the perfect dish. Packed with crisp cabbage, juicy sesame-glazed chicken, crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing, this salad is a vibrant, protein-packed meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing this for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a meal prep option, it’s a delicious and nutrient-rich choice. The crunch of fresh veggies, the sweetness of sesame dressing, and the savory chicken create a balanced, irresistible combination.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

✔ Super Crunchy & Satisfying – A mix of cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and peanuts delivers the ultimate crunch.
✔ High in Protein & Low in Carbs – The sesame-glazed chicken makes it a healthy, protein-packed meal.
✔ Easy & Quick to Make – Just 30 minutes from start to finish!
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and crispy for days.
✔ Customizable & Versatile – Swap ingredients for your favorite flavors.

What’s in Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad?

This salad combines crunchy fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing for an explosion of flavors.

For the Sesame Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Salad:

3 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
½ cup shelled edamame (optional, for protein)
½ cup chopped peanuts or cashews
2 green onions, sliced
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:

¼ cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter (or tahini)
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sesame Chicken

In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Grated ginger
- Minced garlic
- Black pepper
- Sesame seeds
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 2: Make the Sesame Ginger Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together:
- Rice vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Honey
- Peanut butter
- Grated ginger
- Minced garlic
- Sriracha (if using)
- Lime juice
- Water (if needed)
Shake or stir well until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine:
- Green and red cabbage
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced cucumber
- Edamame
- Chopped peanuts or cashews
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Toss everything together.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Dressing

Top the salad with sliced sesame chicken.
Drizzle with the sesame ginger dressing.
Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and chopped peanuts.
Toss gently and serve immediately!

Tips for the Best Crunch Salad

✔ Use Fresh Ingredients – The crispier the veggies, the better the crunch.
✔ Marinate the Chicken – This adds deep umami flavor.
✔ Let the Dressing Sit – It tastes better after 15 minutes as flavors meld.
✔ Toss Just Before Serving – Prevents the salad from getting soggy.
✔ Add Crunchy Toppings – Peanuts, cashews, or crispy wontons take it to the next level!

Delicious Variations

Want to change things up? Try these fun twists:

1. Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Salad

Add chopped mango or pineapple for sweetness.
Use a spicy Thai peanut dressing instead of sesame ginger.

2. Vegan Crunch Salad

Swap chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh.
Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

3. Teriyaki Chicken Cabbage Salad

Use teriyaki-glazed chicken instead of sesame chicken.
Add mandarin oranges for a sweet contrast.

4. Low-Carb Keto Version

Skip the honey and carrots for fewer carbs.
Use extra sesame seeds and avocado for healthy fats.

How to Store & Meal Prep

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Make-Ahead Tips:

Chop the veggies and store them separately.
Cook and slice the chicken up to 2 days in advance.
Prepare the dressing and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

Not recommended, as fresh veggies don’t freeze well.

What to Serve with Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with:

Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa 🍚
Spring rolls or dumplings 🥟
A refreshing Thai iced tea or green tea 🍵
A side of miso soup 🍜

For a full meal, serve it with crunchy garlic bread or an Asian-inspired appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes! Shred the chicken and toss it with a little soy sauce and sesame oil before adding.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

4. What’s the best nut substitute for peanuts?

Cashews, almonds, or sunflower seeds work great!

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a flavor-packed, healthy, and satisfying dish that’s loaded with fresh veggies, bold Asian flavors, and a crispy crunch. Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a dinner side dish, this salad is sure to be a new favorite.

So grab your ingredients, toss up this refreshing, crunchy salad, and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal today!

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad