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Asian Chicken and Cabbage Salad

This vibrant Asian chicken and cabbage salad is a masterclass in balancing textures and zingy flavours. By combining crunchy red cabbage and shredded carrots with tender rotisserie chicken, you create a satisfying, low-carbohydrate meal that doesn't compromise on taste. The dressing, infused with fresh ginger, lime juice, and a hint of chilli, provides a refreshing lift that perfectly complements the savoury notes of the fish sauce and soy.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this colourful dish is packed with fibre and lean protein, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a nutritious midweek dinner. The addition of toasted peanuts and sesame seeds adds a lovely toasted aroma and much-needed crunch. Serve it immediately to enjoy the crispness of the vegetables, or prepare the components in advance for a quick assemble-and-go meal.

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Ingredients for Asian Chicken and Cabbage Salad

  • 1 red jalapeño or Fresno chilli with some seeds, chopped

  • 80ml vegetable oil

  • 60ml fresh lime juice

  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)

  • 1 teaspoon grated peeled ginger

  • Kosher salt

  • 1/2 small head of red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 650g )

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled, shredded

  • 6 spring onions, whites and pale greens only, thinly sliced

  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

  • 1 cup baby spinach, thinly sliced

  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh coriander

  • 1/4 cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts

  • 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

How to make Asian Chicken and Cabbage Salad

Whisk chilli, oil, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, and ginger in a large bowl; season with salt. Add cabbage, carrots, spring onions, chicken, spinach, and coriander; toss to coat. Top with peanuts and sesame seeds.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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