Save Last summer my sister dropped by unexpectedly with two rotisserie chickens and a bag of edamame from the farmers market. We stood in my tiny kitchen chopping vegetables while catching up about everything and nothing. The salad we threw together became lunch for three days straight, and honestly, it was the kind of meal that makes you feel nourished from the inside out.
I started making this for meal prep Sundays after my friend Sarah mentioned she needed something that would actually survive four days in her work lunchbox without getting soggy. Now she texts me every Tuesday to say its still the best part of her work week.
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Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chickens work beautifully here, or poach your own breasts ahead of time and shred while warm
- Edamame: Frozen edamame thawed overnight gives you that perfect buttery bite without any mushiness
- Green and red cabbage: The mix of colors makes this salad gorgeous, and the sturdy texture holds up to the dressing
- Shredded carrots: Buy pre shredded or use a box grater whichever saves you time on busy weeknights
- Sesame oil: This is the backbone of the dressing so do not skip or substitute it
- Fresh ginger: Peel it with a spoon and grate it right into your bowl for the most vibrant flavor
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Instructions
- Whisk up the magic dressing:
- Grab your whisk and combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until the honey dissolves completely. Taste it now and adjust the heat level with more sriracha if you like things spicy.
- Build your colorful base:
- Pile all those shredded vegetables, edamame, and chicken into your largest salad bowl. The rainbow of colors alone will make you feel accomplished before you even dress it.
- Bring it all together:
- Pour that zesty dressing over everything and toss until every single piece is coated. Let it sit for a few minutes before tossing again so the flavors really settle in.
- Add the final crunch:
- Scatter your cashews and sesame seeds over the top right before serving. These nuts make all the difference between a good salad and an unforgettable one.
Save My neighbor caught me making this on her balcony last month and now we swap portions whenever one of us has leftover chicken. It has become this little routine that connects us through something as simple as salad.
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Making It Your Own
Sometimes I swap the cashews for roasted peanuts when that is what I have in the pantry. The texture shifts slightly but that salty crunch still works perfectly with the ginger notes.
The Vegetarian Switch
Shelled edamame or baked tofu cubes can completely replace the chicken if you are going meatless. I actually prefer the tofu version sometimes because it soaks up that dressing like a sponge.
Fresh Herb Magic
A handful of torn cilantro or mint leaves scattered on top transforms this into something restaurant worthy. The bright herbs cut through the rich sesame oil and wake up the whole bowl.
- Add the herbs right before serving so they stay vibrant and fresh
- Extra lime juice squeezed over individual bowls brightens everything up
- Keep the dressing separate if you are packing this for more than one day
Save Hope this salad brings as much brightness to your table as it has to mine over the past year.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components up to 24 hours in advance. Store the dressing separately and toss everything just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
- → What protein alternatives work well?
Baked tofu, tempeh, or grilled shrimp make excellent substitutions. For extra protein, simply double the edamame portion.
- → How long does the ginger dressing keep?
The dressing stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and intensify over time.
- → Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Absolutely. A 16-ounce bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix works perfectly as a time-saver, though fresh vegetables provide optimal crunch.
- → Is this gluten-free?
Simply substitute tamari for the soy sauce to make it completely gluten-free without compromising flavor.
