Description

Crunchy Sesame Chicken Salad: Your New Go-To Bowl of Fresh, Flavor-Packed Joy

Hey friends! If you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and satisfying—but still light enough to keep you energized—this Crunchy Sesame Chicken Salad is about to become your weekly favorite.

It’s loaded with crisp cabbage, colorful veggies, tender chicken, and a sweet-savory sesame dressing that ties everything together beautifully. And let’s not forget the crunch on top—because texture is everything.

Ready in about 15 minutes and perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or busy weeknights, this salad proves healthy can absolutely be exciting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup sliced almonds or crispy chow mein noodles (add just before serving)
Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

For the Sesame Dressing

¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.

2. Add the Chicken

Toss in the shredded or sliced chicken and gently mix to combine.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, ginger, and garlic until smooth and well blended.

4. Toss

Pour about ¾ of the dressing over the salad and toss well. Add more dressing as needed until lightly coated (not soggy).

5. Finish with Crunch

Right before serving, sprinkle with almonds or crispy noodles and sesame seeds.

Serve immediately or chill for 20–30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Slice cabbage very thin for better texture.
Always add crunchy toppings just before serving.
Taste and adjust dressing—add more vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness.
If prepping ahead, store dressing separately and combine before serving.