Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

Craving a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying salad that’s perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches? Look no further than Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad! This vibrant dish is packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and a delicious sesame ginger dressing, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

A Salad for All Occasions:

• Fresh and Flavorful: This salad is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring crisp cabbage, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken, all drizzled with a flavorful dressing.
• Customizable Creation: Feel free to personalize this salad with your favorite vegetables and protein options, making it a great way to use up leftovers.
• Quick and Easy: The recipe utilizes pre-made elements like grilled sesame chicken and sesame ginger dressing, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

A Look at the Ingredients:

• Sesame Chicken: The recipe incorporates grilled sesame chicken, but you can substitute with any cooked chicken you prefer.
• Crunchy Vegetables: A rainbow of shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, and jalapeño adds vibrant colors, textures, and a touch of heat.
• Sesame Ginger Dressing: This flavorful dressing, featuring soy sauce, ginger, and a hint of orange, ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
• Customizable Toppings: Toasted almonds, roasted cashews, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips offer endless topping possibilities.

Building Your Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups grilled sesame chicken, chopped (or cooked chicken of your choice)
• 4 cups shredded cabbage (red and green)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
• Sesame Ginger Dressing (see recipe below or use your favorite store-bought option)

For the Toppings (Optional):

• 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Green onion slices
• Jalapeño slices
• Crispy wonton strips

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Chop the grilled sesame chicken (or your chosen protein), shred the cabbage and carrots, chop the red bell pepper, green onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.

2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, shredded vegetables, and fresh herbs.

3. Dress to Impress: Pour your desired amount of sesame ginger dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

4. Top It Off (Optional): Sprinkle your chosen toppings over the salad for added texture and flavor.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad immediately for the ultimate fresh and flavorful experience.

Sesame Ginger Dressing (Optional):

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon orange juice

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.

Tips:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the salad may become slightly soggy.

Final Thoughts:

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of salads. With its customizable ingredients, flavorful dressing, and satisfying protein element, this salad is sure to become a staple in your healthy meal rotation. So ditch the boring salads and embrace the delightful crunch and flavor of this sesame chicken creation!