Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad with Ginger Dressing

Ever wished for a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and refreshingly light? Look no further! This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad with Ginger Dressing is a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures. It’s the perfect weeknight meal or a dazzling dish to impress your guests. Inspired by the bustling street food stalls of Asia, this salad brings global taste right to your kitchen. Let’s explore this amazing recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

This salad is a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Ready in under 30 minutes.
• An irresistible combination of crispy cabbage and tender chicken.
• The ginger dressing provides a tangy and sweet flavor.
• It’s budget-friendly.
• A healthy and satisfying meal option.
• Easier cleanup compared to traditional stir-fries.
• The aroma that fills your kitchen is heavenly.
• Simple enough for a beginner cook.

Ingredients Needed

Sesame Chicken Ingredients

• 500g/1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari. Tamari is a great gluten-free option.
• 1 tbsp sesame oil. Look for toasted sesame oil for extra flavor.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch. This helps the chicken get crispy.
• 1 tsp ground ginger. Freshly grated ginger is even better!
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds. Toast them lightly for a nutty taste.

Cabbage Crunch Salad Ingredients

• 1/2 medium head of green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 4 cups). Red cabbage adds color and nutrition.
• 1 cup shredded carrots. Buy pre-shredded carrots to save time.
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions.
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro.
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds. Toast them for enhanced flavor.
• 1/4 cup crispy fried noodles. Look for these in the Asian foods section.

Ginger Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari.
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup. Adjust to your desired sweetness.
• 1 tbsp sesame oil.
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger.
• 1 clove garlic, minced.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional).

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For the spices, toast them lightly in a dry pan for a minute or two. This unlocks deeper, more complex flavors!

Consider getting your fresh herbs from a local farmers’ market for the best quality and flavor.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Thai Cabbage Chicken Salad – A delightful twist for peanut sauce lovers.

Essential Equipment List

• Large skillet: For cooking the chicken evenly.
• Mixing bowls: To prep and combine the salad and dressing.
• Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the ginger dressing.
• Sharp knife: For shredding the cabbage and chopping the vegetables.

A food processor can speed up the cabbage shredding process, but it’s not essential. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife and some elbow grease will do just fine!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Easy

Scale up for a potluck or halve it for a light lunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned (about 6-8 minutes). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cook for another minute.

Make the Ginger Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Add the cooked chicken.

Dress and Serve

1. Pour the ginger dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add the slivered almonds and crispy fried noodles just before serving to maintain their crunch.

If the dressing seems too thick, thin it out with a teaspoon or two of water until you reach your desired consistency.

CHECK OUT: Easy 30-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry – For another quick and delicious Asian-inspired meal!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Toast the sesame seeds and almonds for extra flavor. This simple step makes a big difference.
• Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the dressing to your liking. Add more honey for sweetness or more red pepper flakes for heat.
• Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the cabbage from getting soggy.
• Use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save time on busy weeknights.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
• Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, edamame, or snap peas.
• Use a different type of nut, such as peanuts or cashews, instead of almonds.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your crispy noodles are gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad

This salad is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Steamed rice or quinoa.
• Spring rolls or egg rolls.
• Miso soup.
• Iced green tea or sparkling water with lemon.

This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or a light and refreshing dinner.

Health Benefits

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is packed with nutrients! Cabbage is a great source of Vitamin C and fiber, while chicken provides lean protein. The ginger dressing offers anti-inflammatory benefits thanks to the ginger. This salad is a delicious way to boost your immune system and support your overall health. Fiber aids digestion, and protein fuels you throughout the day. It’s a balanced meal that tastes great and is good for you!

Storage & Reheating

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It is best not to freeze it. The dressing can be stored for up to a week. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing. Adding the crispy fried noodles just before serving is important for maintaining the best texture. This prevents the noodles from becoming soggy, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the first!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this salad last?

When stored properly, the salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the cabbage from becoming soggy.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time. Shred the cabbage, chop the vegetables, cook the chicken, and make the dressing. Store everything separately and combine just before serving.

Can I substitute the honey in the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, you can use Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage instead of green cabbage. The taste will be different but still enjoyable.

How do I prevent the crispy noodles from getting soggy?

Add the crispy noodles just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: Approximately 350 calories
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 25g

The exact nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more delicious and easy salad recipes? Check out these other gems:

• Thai Cabbage Chicken Salad – A flavor-packed salad with a creamy peanut dressing.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – A vibrant and healthy salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
• Thai Chicken Salad – A healthy meal prep salad with peanut dressing.

Conclusion

This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad with Ginger Dressing is a fast, flavorful, and healthy meal option that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whip it up tonight and let us know what you think! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

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