There’s nothing quite like the freshness of a homemade salad to lift your spirits, especially when the weather starts warming up. Recently, I found myself craving something vibrant and filling after a week of too many takeout dinners. That’s when I decided to whip up this delightful Sesame Chicken Salad, bursting with crunchy cabbage, colorful veggies, and a satisfying mix of nuts.
The moment the sesame ginger dressing hits the crisp greens, it’s pure culinary magic—it adds a tangy yet savory touch that’ll make you rethink your old salad habits. Plus, assembling this all-star salad is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering. With added layers of flavor and texture from toasted almonds and roasted cashews, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a deliciously healthy meal, this salad is sure to become a go-to in your repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You'll Love This Sesame Chicken Salad
- This Sesame Chicken Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for those busy weeknights.
- The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients create a visually stunning dish that will impress your guests.
- With a delightful balance of flavors and textures from the crunchy cabbage and mixed nuts, each bite is a treat for your taste buds.
- Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite proteins or veggies, making it suitable for any occasion.
Sesame Chicken Salad Ingredients
• Everything you need for freshness!
For the Salad
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage – this forms a crisp base packed with nutrients.
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage – adds a pop of color and a slightly sweeter taste.
• 1/2 cup diced green onion – for a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
• 3/4 cup freshly diced cilantro – gives an aromatic freshness that pairs beautifully with sesame.
• 1 cup shredded carrots – adds sweetness and crunch, making the salad more filling.
• 1 piece red bell pepper, thinly julienned – contributes a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
• 1 piece jalapeno, seeded and diced – provides a hint of heat to kick things up a notch.
For the Dressing
• 1 batch Sesame Ginger Dressing – the star of this salad, infusing it with a tangy zing.
For the Toppings
• 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds – adds a nutty crunch that elevates the overall flavor.
• 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves – contributes creaminess and richness in every bite.
• Sesame seeds – for an extra bit of crunch and a touch of tradition in sesame chicken salad.
• Extra cilantro – a handful for garnish, enhancing the freshness just before serving.
• Extra green onion – to sprinkle on top for additional flavor and visual appeal.
• A few jalapeno slices – for those who crave a little extra heat.
• Optional: Crispy wonton strips – for a delightful crunch that makes this salad even more irresistible.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Salad
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Combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, diced green onion, diced cilantro, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and jalapeno in a large bowl. Mix well until all veggies are evenly distributed and vibrant colors pop.
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Drizzle the Sesame Ginger Dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Ensure every bite is coated with that zesty dressing for the perfect flavor balance.
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Top with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, sesame seeds, extra cilantro, extra green onion, and jalapeno slices as desired. This adds delightful crunch and bursts of flavor!
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Serve immediately or chill before serving if preferred. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious!
Optional: Add crispy wonton strips for an extra delightful crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Sesame Chicken Salad?
There’s nothing quite like a colorful, fresh salad to brighten up mealtime and elevate your dining experience.
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Grilled Chicken Breast: A succulent addition that complements the salad’s freshness, providing protein and a satisfying bite.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, this side perfectly balances the crunchy salad, soaking up any leftover dressing for added flavor.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bursting with sweetness, it’s the perfect contrast to the savory flavors of the sesame chicken salad, keeping the meal light and refreshing.
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Spring Rolls: These crisp, non-fried rolls filled with veggies add an extra layer of crunch while echoing the vibrant flavors of your salad.
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Sesame Ginger Quinoa: A nutty complement that continues the sesame theme, this grain brings a delightful texture and enhances the overall flavors.
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Cucumber Mint Salad: Refreshing and crisp, it provides a cool contrast that brightens every bite while adding a fragrant note to your meal.
Elevate your dining experience by pairing these vibrant options with your delicious Sesame Chicken Salad!
Make Ahead Options
These Sesame Chicken Salad components are perfect for meal prep, allowing for easy assembly during a busy week! You can chop and mix all the salad vegetables (cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and onions) up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them crisp and fresh. The Sesame Ginger Dressing can also be prepared up to 1 week ahead; just give it a good shake before using to recombine any separated ingredients. When you’re ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing and top with nuts and garnishes. This makes for a quick assembly that retains its delicious quality!
Sesame Chicken Salad Variations
Feel free to explore these tasty tweaks to make this salad your own, enhancing its flavor and texture in delightful ways!
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Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier salad that’s filling enough for a main dish. This not only introduces more flavor but also makes it incredibly satisfying.
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Vegan-Friendly: Swap the Sesame Ginger Dressing for a homemade tahini dressing to keep it plant-based. It adds a rich creaminess while maintaining that delightful nutty flavor.
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Nut-Free: Replace almonds and cashews with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without nuts. This keeps it wholesome and accessible for anyone with allergies.
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Extra Crunch: Toss in some crushed crispy wonton strips or water chestnuts for additional crunch and fun in every bite. They elevate the textural experience and make it more playful!
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Herb Variation: Replace cilantro with fresh mint or parsley for a refreshing twist that changes the flavor profile entirely. This might just become your new favorite herb!
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Sweet Spice: Mix in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet tropical element that dances on the palate, adding a touch of sweetness against the savory backdrop.
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Heat Level: Adjust the jalapeno amount or add sliced Thai bird chilies for an extra spicy kick, catering to those who love a fiery punch in their salads.
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Dressing Twist: Experiment with flavored oils (like chili oil) or citrus vinaigrettes instead of the sesame dressing for an entirely new zing. The possibilities are endless as you explore different flavors!
How to Store and Freeze Sesame Chicken Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover Sesame Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the veggies crisp and the flavors fresh.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the dressing and fresh vegetables may lose their texture upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh!
Reheating: If you’ve added protein that needs reheating, gently warm it in the microwave before serving, but serve the salad fresh to maintain its crunch.
Assembly Tip: Consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy, ensuring your salad remains crisp and vibrant for longer.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When preparing Sesame Chicken Salad, ensure your vegetables are freshly shredded for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid over-mixing the salad after adding the dressing to keep the ingredients crisp and vibrant.
- For an added depth of flavor, consider toasting your nuts lightly before topping the salad.
- When serving, the salad is best enjoyed immediately, but if you chill it for about 30 minutes, the flavors will harmonize beautifully to enhance the overall taste.
Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for the Sesame Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! When selecting your cabbages, look for vibrant, crisp leaves without dark spots or wilting—these indicate freshness. For the bell pepper, choose one that feels firm and has shiny skin. If you’re picking jalapenos, they should be smooth and deep green, without wrinkles. Fresh cilantro should smell fragrant and have bright green leaves. The more vibrant, the better!
What’s the best way to store leftover Sesame Chicken Salad?
Very! To store your leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember that the longer it sits, the softer the veggies will become, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I freeze the Sesame Chicken Salad?
Not really! Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the fresh veggies and dressing can lose their crisp texture upon thawing. It’s best to savor it fresh! However, if you have leftover components—like the nuts or dressing—those can be stored separately and placed on fresh veggies later.
What should I do if my salad dressing tastes too strong?
If you find your dressed salad turning out overly tangy or strong, don’t fret! Simply add a splash of water or a bit more shredded cabbage to dilute it. Toss gently until you reach the desired flavor. If it’s really potent, sometimes a sprinkle of sugar can balance out the seasoning beautifully!
Are there any dietary concerns I should consider for Sesame Chicken Salad?
Certainly! This salad contains nuts, which are common allergens. If serving to guests, it’s considerate to let them know. You could also offer an alternative dressing for a nut-free option, such as a simple olive oil and vinegar mix or a creamy tahini dressing. If making it for pets, avoid the onions and nuts since they can be harmful to dogs and cats.
How can I make this salad more filling?
For a heartier version, feel free to add protein! Grilled chicken or tofu works wonderfully—just shred it in and combine. You can also mix in cooked quinoa or chickpeas to enhance the salad’s flavor and nutritional profile. With these additions, you’re looking at a complete meal that’ll leave you feeling satisfied!
Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, diced green onion, diced cilantro, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and jalapeno in a large bowl. Mix well until all veggies are evenly distributed and vibrant colors pop.
- Drizzle the Sesame Ginger Dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Ensure every bite is coated with that zesty dressing.
- Top with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, sesame seeds, extra cilantro, extra green onion, and jalapeno slices as desired.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving if preferred.
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