Dive into a vibrant and refreshing culinary experience with this Zesty Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad, where the robust flavors of grilled sesame chicken meet the crisp, colorful textures of fresh vegetables. This salad is a celebration of contrasts, blending the crunchiness of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers with the spicy kick of jalapeno, all tied together with a rich and tangy Sesame Ginger Dressing. Topped with toasted almonds, roasted cashews, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but a nourishing, flavorful journey for the palate. Perfect for any meal, it promises to be a refreshing twist to your salad repertoire, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Sesame Chicken:
- Refer to your favorite grilled sesame chicken recipe.
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup diced green onion
- 3/4 cup freshly diced cilantro
- 1 cup shredded carrots (bagged or cut into matchsticks)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:
- Prepare a batch of your preferred sesame ginger dressing.
For Serving:
- 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Additional cilantro and green onion for garnish
- A few jalapeno slices for garnish
- Optional: Crispy wonton strips for added crunch
Instructions:
- Prepare the Grilled Sesame Chicken: Begin by grilling your sesame chicken according to the recipe you have. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss together the green cabbage, red cabbage, diced green onion, cilantro, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. Mix well to distribute the colors and flavors evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Sesame Ginger Dressing over the salad mixture. Toss until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference, depending on how moist or dry you like your salad.
- Add the Chicken: Add the grilled sesame chicken to the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashew halves, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and extra garnishes of cilantro, green onion, and jalapeno slices. If desired, add crispy wonton strips for an extra layer of crunch. Serve immediately, offering a burst of flavors and textures with every forkful.
This Zesty Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that marries the savory taste of sesame chicken with the fresh crispness of a vegetable medley. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side salad, or a main course that’s both satisfying and refreshing, this salad promises to deliver on all fronts. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and the healthful benefits packed in this colorful, crunchy creation.