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Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad
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A fresh and crunchy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad combining tender, protein-packed chicken with crisp cabbage and colorful vegetables tossed in a zesty, nutty sesame dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or vibrant dinner, offering a satisfying balance of textures and bold flavors that are healthy and delicious.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded or sliced (about 2 cups)

Vegetables

  • Green cabbage, thinly sliced (4 cups)
  • Carrots, julienned or shredded (1 cup)
  • Green onions, chopped (3-4)

Dressing

  • Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
  • Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons)
  • Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon)
  • Garlic, freshly minced (1 clove)
  • Ginger, freshly grated (1 teaspoon)

Garnish

  • Sesame seeds, toasted (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken by poaching, grilling, or pan-searing with salt and pepper until fully cooked and juicy. Allow it to cool, then shred or slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Slice the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, thinly slice the green cabbage, shred the carrots, and chop the green onions finely for freshness and crunch.
  3. Toast the Sesame Seeds: Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn them, to enhance their nutty flavor.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Pour the dressing over and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes for a cooler and more melded flavor experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp cabbage for signature crunch.
  • Don’t skip toasting sesame seeds to deepen flavor.
  • Prepare chicken ahead to save cooking time.
  • Adjust dressing balance by tasting and tweaking soy sauce, vinegar, and honey ratios.
  • Salad can be served chilled or at room temperature for different flavor profiles.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 2 days; keep dressing separate to maintain cabbage crunch.
  • Not recommended to freeze due to texture loss in vegetables.
  • Reheat chicken separately if serving warm, then toss with chilled salad and dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sesame chicken cabbage salad, Asian chicken salad, crunchy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, sesame dressing, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/sesame-chicken-cabbage-salad/