Hey y'all! If you love bright, flavorful meals that come together in under 30 minutes, these Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing are about to become your new obsession. They're crunchy, fresh, protein-packed, and the homemade sesame dressing is absolutely irresistible. This dish is perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or impressing friends at a picnic. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing
- Super quick to make – perfect for busy schedules.
- Packed with vibrant, crunchy veggies for a refreshing texture.
- The savory sesame dressing brings restaurant-quality flavor.
- High in protein and naturally gluten-free (just swap tamari for soy sauce if needed!).
- Meal prep friendly—great for lunches all week long!
Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing: Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped (optional)
- For the Sesame Dressing:
- ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 teaspoon Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
Directions: Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
If using fresh chicken breasts, season lightly with salt and pepper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. Let cool, then shred or slice. You can also use rotisserie chicken for ease.
Step 2: Mix the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions. Toss together until well mixed.
Step 3: Make the Sesame Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, peanut butter, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Bowls
If meal prepping, divide the vegetables and chicken evenly across 4 large bowls or meal prep containers. Drizzle each bowl with the sesame dressing, then sprinkle with sesame seeds, cilantro, and peanuts or cashews if using.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Toss everything together just before eating for best texture and flavor. The salad tastes amazing chilled or at room temperature!
Notes: Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing
- Use a mandoline for quick, even cabbage shredding. Learn safe mandoline techniques from Bon Appétit.
- Swap in rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
- If prepping ahead, store the dressing separately to keep the cabbage crisp.
Variations: Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing
- Vegetarian: Substitute grilled tofu or chickpeas for chicken.
- Spicy Peanut: Add 2 extra tablespoons of peanut butter and more Sriracha for a thicker, punchier dressing.
- Thai-Inspired: Toss in chopped mint, basil, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Required Equipment for Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp chef’s knife or mandoline
- Cutting board
- Whisk or small jar (for dressing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meal prep containers or serving bowls
Storage Instructions for Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing
Store assembled salads (without dressing) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing can be refrigerated separately for up to 1 week. Always drizzle the dressing right before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
Suggested Pairings for Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing
- Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or crisp sparkling water with lime.
- Serve with a side of crunchy wonton chips or steamed jasmine rice for a more filling meal.
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess!
Pro Tips for Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing
- Massage the cabbage with a pinch of salt before mixing—this helps soften the leaves and enhance flavor, as recommended by Serious Eats.
- Toast the sesame seeds and nuts for an extra boost of roasty, nutty flavor.
- Get creative with your veggies—add snap peas, baby spinach, or edamame for more variety.
FAQ: Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls with Sesame Dressing
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Absolutely! It’s meal prep friendly—just store the veggies and chicken separately from the dressing and combine when ready to eat.
- Is this salad low-carb?
- Yes, the base salad is low-carb and high in fiber; you can reduce honey or swap for a sugar-free alternative if needed. Read more about low-carb diets at Healthline.
- Can I use pre-cut coleslaw mix?
- Definitely! Pre-cut coleslaw mix saves time and still delivers plenty of crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
-
1Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove, let rest, and slice thinly.
-
2In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
-
3In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic to make the sesame dressing.
-
4Pour the sesame dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to combine.
-
5Divide the salad mixture among four bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Leave a Reply