The crunch of fresh cabbage mixed with tender, juicy chicken and a zesty sesame dressing creates an explosion of flavor that delights your taste buds. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad The Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is not just food; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that makes you want to dance in your kitchen. Sparkling Peach Lemonade.

Picture this: the aroma of roasted sesame oil mingling with crisp cabbage and sweet, succulent chicken fills the air. Whether you’re prepping for a summer barbecue or just trying to impress your in-laws, this salad hits the spot every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is effortless to prepare without sacrificing flavor
- It’s colorful and visually appealing, making it a showstopper at any gathering
- You can customize it for various dietary preferences while still enjoying the delightful crunch
- Perfect for lunch meal prep or a light dinner option!
Nothing beats the excitement on my family’s faces when I serve this salad. It’s our go-to dish for potlucks and gatherings, always leaving everyone asking for seconds. Layered Taco Bake.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Cabbage: Choose vibrant green cabbage; it adds a refreshing crunch and bright color. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
- Carrots: Grate fresh carrots for sweetness and color; they enhance both texture and flavor.
- Green Onions: Use finely sliced green onions to add mild onion flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Sesame Oil: Opt for toasted sesame oil for that nutty aroma that takes the dish to another level.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while adding depth to your dressing.
- Honey: This natural sweetener balances out the salty soy sauce beautifully; feel free to adjust based on taste.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy note that brightens up the salad; it’s essential for flavor balance.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide an extra crunch and visual appeal—don’t skip these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking them until golden brown on both sides.
Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until well combined. Adjust sweetness as needed—taste testing is essential!
Chop Your Veggies: While the chicken is cooking, slice the cabbage into thin strips and grate the carrots. Chop green onions finely; they’ll add freshness to each bite.
Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cabbage, grated carrots, sliced green onions, and cooked chicken cut into bite-sized pieces.
Add Dressing & Toss Well: Pour your dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together until all ingredients are coated evenly with that delicious dressing.
Garnish & Serve!: Transfer your salad into a beautiful serving bowl. Top with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch before serving—watch those guests’ eyes light up!
You Must Know
- This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors
- The combination of crispy cabbage, tender chicken, and nutty sesame dressing creates a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion
- Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner side that everyone will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in your favorite sesame sauce. While it marinates, chop the cabbage and other veggies to ensure everything is fresh and crunchy.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding sliced almonds or cashews for extra crunch. You can also swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, enjoy it cold rather than reheated.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated ginger for a brighter flavor
- Make sure your veggies are completely dry after washing to maintain crunchiness
- Don’t skimp on the sesame oil; it adds depth to the entire dish
Sharing this recipe reminds me of a summer picnic where my friends devoured this salad within minutes, leaving only crumbs behind! Their laughter as they enjoyed it made my heart full. Creamy Kielbasa Pasta.
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken in this salad?
You can use tofu, shrimp, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
How long does the salad keep in the fridge?
The Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad lasts about three days when stored properly. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all ingredients separately and combine right before serving for maximum freshness.

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
This vibrant Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a delightful fusion of crunchy cabbage, juicy chicken, and a zesty sesame dressing that will elevate any meal. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a quick lunch option, this salad is both visually appealing and full of flavor. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cups fresh green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 4 green onions, finely sliced
- 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked (about 6–7 minutes per side). Let cool and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until combined. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 3. Chop Your Veggies: While the chicken cooks, shred cabbage, grate carrots, and slice green onions.
- 4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced green onions, and cooked chicken pieces.
- 5. Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- 6. Garnish & Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and top with toasted sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling/Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added crunch, consider mixing in sliced almonds or cashews. Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; enjoy cold for the best flavor.