Ingredients
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)
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!
Notes
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!