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This punchy bowl brings together snappy veggies and soft grilled chicken with an Asian twist that's cool and filling at once. Every bite delivers crisp cabbage, crunchy carrots, and moist chicken, all wrapped in a scratch-made sesame ginger sauce that hits the right notes of sweet, umami, and zesty goodness.
I whipped up this dish on a hot summer afternoon wanting something light but satisfying. When everyone on my team wolfed down their bowls and asked for more right away, I realized I'd stumbled onto something really good.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh cabbage: Go for green and red kinds to get nice color and slightly different tastes
- Bell peppers: Pick firm, vibrant red ones with shiny skin
- Carrots: Grab fresh, sturdy ones for the best snap and natural sweetness
- Sesame ginger dressing: Uses toasted sesame oil for real Asian flavor punch
- Grilled sesame chicken: Soaked in flavor before cooking for the tastiest results
How To Make It
- 1. Get Your Chicken Ready
- Start by soaking your chicken in a mix of sesame oil, soy sauce, and flavor boosters. Let it soak up the goodness while you work on other stuff. Grill until just done to keep it juicy.
- 2. Brown The Nuts
- Gently toast almond slices until they turn golden and smell amazing, giving them a stir often so they don't burn. This quick step adds tons of flavor to your final dish. Let them cool fully before adding to your bowl.
- 3. Mix Up The Sauce
- Stir together sesame oil, ginger, honey, and rice vinegar until everything's mixed well. Take a taste and tweak as needed - you want a strong flavor since it'll spread through all your veggies.
- 4. Chop Your Veggies
- Cut both cabbages into thin strips for the nicest bite. Slice carrots and bell peppers into skinny matchsticks. If you're using jalapeños, cut them thin and take out seeds if you don't want too much heat.
- 5. Put It All Together
- Toss your chopped veggies in a big bowl. Add just enough dressing to lightly coat everything. Top with your sliced chicken, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs right before you dig in.
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I first fell in love with Asian-style salads at a small local spot where I tasted that amazing mix of sesame dressing over crisp veggies. This dish brings back that same wow factor but you can totally change it up however you like.
Keeping It Fresh
Store your cut veggies in different containers with paper towels to soak up extra water. Keep the dressing in its own sealed container. When you're hungry, just mix it all up fresh for the best crunch and texture.
Vegan Version
Turn this into a plant-friendly meal by switching chicken for grilled tofu or edamame beans. The sesame marinade works just as well with these options, keeping your protein levels up while hanging onto all those great flavors.
Great Add-Ons
Try throwing in some cooked ramen or rice to make this more filling. For extra crunch, sprinkle with crispy wonton pieces or some more toasted sesame seeds on top.
Swap Your Veggies
Don't be afraid to toss in shredded brussels sprouts, finely cut broccoli, or even soft-rubbed kale. Just make sure everything's cut roughly the same size so it all eats well together.
After playing with this salad many times, I've found it's more than just food - it's a party of textures and tastes that somehow manages to be light yet totally satisfying. Whether you're planning meals for your week or feeding friends, this flexible bowl shows that eating healthy can be seriously tasty too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the best way to meal prep this salad?
- Keep the dressing separate until right before serving. The salad stays fresh and crisp in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- → Can this recipe be vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a meat-free version.
- → How long will the dressing last in the fridge?
- If stored in an airtight container, the sesame ginger dressing stays good for up to a week.
- → Can I use bagged shredded cabbage?
- Definitely! Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix is an easy shortcut.
- → What’s a good nut-free crunch substitute?
- Try sunflower seeds or pepitas for a nut-free alternative.