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
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Crunchy, fresh, and full of texture
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High in protein and naturally filling
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Great for meal prep
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Light but satisfying
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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
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Protein-rich and nourishing
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Naturally gluten-free if using GF soy sauce
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Great for clean eating
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Easy to customise with extra veggies
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Perfect for healthy lunches and dinners
Ingredients & Quantities
Sesame Chicken
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2 chicken breasts, sliced
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp cornflour
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1 tbsp sesame seeds
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Oil, for cooking
Salad
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½ green cabbage, finely shredded
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1 carrot, julienned or grated
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3 spring onions, thinly sliced
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Handful of fresh coriander (optional)
Ginger Dressing
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2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
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1 tsp honey or maple syrup
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1 small garlic clove, grated
Tools You’ll Need
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Frying pan
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk or fork
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Sharp knife
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Chopping board
How to Make the Meal
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, cornflour, and sesame seeds. Toss well so every piece is evenly coated.
The cornflour helps create that lightly crisp exterior once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Sesame Chicken
Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The edges should look slightly crisp and caramelised.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine:
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Finely shredded cabbage
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Carrot
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Spring onions
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Coriander (if using)
Toss lightly to combine.
Step 4: Make the Ginger Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil (or sesame oil), rice vinegar or lime juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, honey, and garlic.
Taste and adjust — you can add more lime for brightness or honey for sweetness.
Step 5: Assemble
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Top generously with the warm sesame chicken.
Finish with extra sesame seeds, chilli flakes, or a squeeze of lime if you like.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Additional Tips
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Add chilli crisp or chilli flakes for heat
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Swap chicken for tofu or prawns
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Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds before serving
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Keeps well in the fridge for next-day lunches
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Great served in wraps or lettuce cups too
Tips for the Best Texture
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Shred the cabbage finely — this keeps it light and easy to eat
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Don’t overdress the salad — you want crunch, not sogginess
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Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming
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Add dressing just before serving
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.
If you love bold, fresh flavours with plenty of texture, this Crunchy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad is one to keep on repeat.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and satisfying enough that you won’t miss heavier meals.
