Description
Fresh and flavorful sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad packed with bright, crunchy vegetables, juicy grilled chicken, and a delicious sesame ginger dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner and can be customized with your favorite veggies or protein options.
Ingredients
Grilled Sesame Chicken
- Chicken breasts or thighs (quantity per recipe, recommended 4 pieces)
- Ingredients for sesame marinade and grilling (soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, etc.)
Salad
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup diced green onion
- ¾ cup freshly diced cilantro
- 1 cup shredded carrots (bagged or cut into matchsticks)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
Dressing
- 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing (ingredients typically include soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, honey or sugar)
For Serving
- ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup roasted cashews halves
- Sesame seeds, to sprinkle
- Extra cilantro, for garnish
- Extra green onion, for garnish
- A few jalapeno slices
- Optional: Crispy wonton strips
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Prepare the grilled sesame chicken by marinating the chicken breasts or thighs in a sesame marinade made from soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings. Allow the chicken to marinate for adequate flavor absorption.
- Make Sesame Ginger Dressing: Combine the ingredients for the sesame ginger dressing in a bowl and mix well. Set the dressing aside to let the flavors meld while preparing the salad and chicken.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, diced green onion, fresh cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. Drizzle the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Cover and let it sit while you cook the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken according to your preferred method, ensuring it is cooked through and juicy. Once done, slice or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the Salad: Transfer the dressed vegetable mixture to a large serving platter. Top with the grilled sesame chicken pieces. Garnish the salad with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashews, sesame seeds, extra cilantro, chopped green onion, and jalapeno slices. Optionally, sprinkle crispy wonton strips for added crunch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, omit the chicken or replace it with tofu or rinsed and drained chickpeas.
- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Making the dressing ahead of time helps to develop deeper flavors.
- Crispy wonton strips add delightful texture but can be left out for a gluten-free version.
