Crunchy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad with Ginger Dressing

Fresh, Crunchy & Full of Flavour

If you’re craving something fresh but still properly satisfying, this Crunchy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad is one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s light but filling, packed with texture, and finished with a zingy ginger dressing that makes everything taste exciting.

It’s perfect for those days when you want a meal that feels healthy but doesn’t feel boring — crunchy, savoury, and full of flavour in every bite.

What the Meal Is

This is a vibrant cabbage-based salad topped with crispy sesame chicken and tossed in a fresh ginger dressing. It combines crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, nutty sesame flavour, and a bright, slightly spicy dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

It works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner.

Why You’ll Love It

• Crunchy, fresh, and full of texture

• High in protein and naturally filling

• Great for meal prep

• Light but satisfying

• Packed with flavour without feeling heavy

What Does It Taste Like?

Crunchy cabbage and vegetables give a fresh base, while the sesame chicken adds savoury richness and crispness. The ginger dressing is bright, slightly sweet, a little tangy, and gently warming — balancing everything perfectly.

It’s fresh, bold, and incredibly moreish.

Benefits

• Protein-rich and nourishing

• Naturally gluten-free if using GF soy sauce

• Great for clean eating

• Easy to customise with extra veggies

• Perfect for healthy lunches and dinners

Ingredients & Quantities

Sesame Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• Oil, for cooking

Salad

• ½ green cabbage, finely shredded

• 1 carrot, julienned or grated

• 3 spring onions, thinly sliced

• Handful of fresh coriander (optional)

Ginger Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

Tools You’ll Need

• Frying pan

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or fork

• Sharp knife

• Chopping board

How to Make the Meal

1. Prepare the chicken
   In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, cornflour, and sesame seeds.

2. Cook the chicken
   Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
   Cook the chicken until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Make the dressing
   Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.

4. Assemble the salad
   In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, spring onions, and coriander.

5. Dress & serve
   Toss salad with dressing, top with crispy sesame chicken, and serve immediately.

Additional Tips

• Add chilli crisp or chilli flakes for heat

• Swap chicken for tofu or prawns

• Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds before serving

• Keeps well in the fridge for next-day lunches

• Great served in wraps or lettuce cups too

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — keep the dressing separate and add just before serving for maximum crunch.

Is this good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Store components separately for best texture.

Can I use red cabbage?

Yes — or a mix of both for extra colour.