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Bursting with snap and flavor, this Asian-style bowl combines crisp veggies with soft grilled chicken coated in sesame goodness. Every bite delivers crunchy cabbage, naturally sweet carrots, and moist chicken, all wrapped in a homemade sesame-ginger sauce that perfectly balances sweet, umami, and zesty notes.
I whipped this up during a hot summer afternoon, wanting something that wouldn't weigh me down but would still hit the spot. When everyone on my team cleaned their plates and asked for more, I knew I'd stumbled onto something truly worthwhile.
Key Components
- Fresh cabbage: Mix purple and green types for eye appeal and slightly different tastes
- Bell peppers: Pick firm, vibrant red ones with shiny skin
- Carrots: Go for fresh, hard carrots to get that perfect snap and natural sweetness
- Sesame ginger sauce: Uses toasted sesame oil for real Asian taste
- Grilled sesame chicken: Soaked in flavors before cooking for maximum tastiness
How To Put It Together
- 1. Get The Chicken Ready
- Start by soaking your chicken in a mix of sesame oil, soy sauce, and flavor boosters. Let it soak up the good stuff while working on other parts. Grill just until done to keep it nice and juicy.
- 2. Brown The Nuts
- Gently heat sliced almonds until they turn golden and smell amazing, moving them around often so they don't burn. This quick step adds wonderful flavor to the finished dish. Let them cool fully before mixing in.
- 3. Create The Sauce
- Mix sesame oil, ginger, honey, and rice vinegar until they're completely blended. Try it and tweak as needed - your sauce should be punchy since it'll spread through all the ingredients.
- 4. Chop The Veggies
- Cut both cabbages into thin strips for the nicest feel. Slice carrots and bell peppers into matchsticks. Cut jalapeños into thin rings if using them, taking out seeds if you want less kick.
- 5. Put It All Together
- Throw prepped veggies in a big bowl. Mix with just enough sauce to lightly coat everything. Top with sliced chicken, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs right before you're ready to eat.
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I first fell in love with Asian-style salads at a small corner eatery where I tasted the wonderful mix of sesame sauce and crisp veggies. This creation captures that same wow factor while letting you switch things up based on what you like.
Keeping It Fresh
Store your cut veggies in different containers with paper towels to soak up any wetness. Keep your sauce in its own airtight jar. When you're hungry, mix everything up fresh for the best crunch and texture.
Going All Veggie
Turn this into a veggie feast by switching the chicken for cooked tofu or edamame. The sesame mix works great with these options too, keeping the protein high while hanging onto all the tasty flavors.
Great Add-ons
Try tossing in some cooked ramen or rice to make this a bigger meal. For extra texture, sprinkle with crispy wonton pieces or more toasted sesame seeds.
Mix Up Your Veggies
Don't be afraid to throw in shredded brussels sprouts, tiny chopped broccoli, or even softened kale. Just make sure to cut everything roughly the same size for the best eating experience.
After trying this salad countless ways, I've realized it's more than just food - it's a party of textures and tastes that somehow manages to be light yet totally filling. Whether you're planning meals for your week or feeding friends, this adaptable dish shows that eating healthy can be downright addictive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I prepare this for lunch ahead of time?
- Keep the dressing in a separate container until you're ready to eat. The veggies will stay fresh for a few days if undressed.
- → Is there a way to make this meatless?
- Absolutely! Skip the chicken and use either roasted chickpeas or pan-seared tofu for extra protein.
- → How long does the ginger sauce last in the fridge?
- Stored in an airtight jar, it’ll stay good for about a week.
- → Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
- Of course! Pre-shredded options can save you some time and work just as well.
- → What’s a good replacement for nuts?
- Try sunflower seeds or pepitas to keep the crunch without triggering allergies.