Wonton Strips: Brings extra crispy texture, choose pre-made or make from fresh wonton wrappers.
Mixing Tools for This Crunchy Bowl
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables, chicken, and herbs.
Sharp knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and chicken preparation.
Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate dressing and marinade measurements.
Whisk: Great for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
Grill or baking sheet: Used for cooking the marinated chicken.
Serving platter: Large dish to beautifully present the finished salad.
Tongs: Helpful for tossing salad and serving chicken.
Assembling This Textured Salad the Right Way
Asian Cabbage Fusion Salad
Flavor Foundation Marinate chicken with sesame and ginger notes, allowing proteins to absorb complex taste profiles.
Crisp Vegetable Medley Chop green and red cabbage into delicate ribbons, slice vibrant bell peppers, julienne carrots, and mince fresh green onions and cilantro for textural excitement.
Dressing Magic Whisk together tangy sesame oil, zesty ginger, and bright citrus elements to create a harmonious sauce that will elevate the entire dish.
Chicken Preparation Grill or bake marinated chicken until golden and perfectly cooked, ensuring juicy and aromatic protein centerpiece.
Final Composition Arrange cabbage mixture on a stunning platter, layer sliced chicken on top, sprinkle with toasted nuts, additional herbs, and a generous drizzle of dressing for a knockout culinary experience.
Dressing & Add-On Tips
Mix and match cabbage varieties like napa or savoy for different textures and flavors.
Prep salad ingredients and dressing separately, then combine just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Swap chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or sliced steak for delicious protein alternatives that match the sesame flavor profile.
Control heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds or adding sriracha for extra kick, allowing personalized spice preferences.
Store salad components separately in airtight containers, keeping dressing and crunchy toppings separate to maintain maximum texture and prevent sogginess.
Plating This Salad with a Crunch
Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the vibrant salad on a large wooden board, creating a colorful feast that's Instagram-worthy and delightful for outdoor gatherings.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers, keeping dressing and veggies separate to maintain crispness for quick lunches throughout the week.
Protein Power-Up: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or sliced steak to create versatile variations that cater to different dietary preferences and keep the meal exciting.
Leftover Love: Transform remaining salad into a wrap using large lettuce leaves or stuff into pita pockets for a quick next-day lunch with minimal prep time.
Saving This Salad Without Soggy Cabbage
Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Store the salad and chicken separately to maintain crispness. Keep the dressing in an airtight container and vegetables in a sealed container for maximum freshness, preventing sogginess.
Quick Meal Prep Hack: Chop vegetables and prepare chicken in advance. This salad becomes a lightning-fast weeknight dinner option, ready in less than 15 minutes when components are prepped beforehand.
Smart Leftover Management: Refrigerate remaining salad without dressing for up to 3 days. Add fresh dressing when ready to enjoy, which helps maintain vegetable crunch and prevents wilting.
Temperature Tip: Serve chicken slightly warm or at room temperature over chilled cabbage for a delightful temperature contrast that elevates the entire dining experience.
Sesame chicken cabbage crunch salad delivers a delightful blend of crisp textures and Asian-inspired flavors. Fresh ingredients combine with zesty dressing, creating a satisfying meal that promises both nutrition and culinary excitement for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
⅓ cup roasted cashew halves
⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
2 tbsps sesame seeds
Crispy wonton strips (optional)
Instructions
Marinate: Submerge chicken in sesame marinade, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat for maximum taste infusion.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk sesame ginger dressing until silky smooth, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet undertones.
Vegetable Prep: Julienne green and red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, carrots, bell peppers, and jalapenos into uniform, delicate cuts that promise textural intrigue and visual appeal.
Cook Chicken: Grill or bake marinated chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, ensuring a succulent and flavorful protein centerpiece.
Assemble Salad: Layer dressed vegetables as a vibrant base, strategically arranging sliced chicken strips atop the colorful medley with artistic precision.
Garnish and Finish: Sprinkle toasted almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, cilantro, and optional crispy wonton strips to introduce explosive crunch and elevate the salad’s sensory experience.
Serve: Present immediately, allowing the dynamic interplay of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing to create a memorable culinary moment.
Notes
Marinate Wisely: Let chicken soak in sesame marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize meat.
Dressing Consistency: Whisk sesame ginger dressing thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure smooth, even coating of vegetables.
Chop with Precision: Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee balanced texture and ensure each bite delivers consistent flavor and crunch.
Crunch Factor: Toast nuts just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent sogginess in the final salad presentation.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.