When it comes to creating a dish that is both tasty and healthy, Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing stands out. This colorful dish combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing that surprises your taste buds. It’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, picnics, or even meal prep for the week ahead. With layers of texture and vibrant colors, this salad is not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about making this scrumptious salad, along with tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive into the world of Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Coleslaw Salad
There are many reasons to fall in love with Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing. Here are just a few:
Fresh and Crunchy: The combination of cabbage and carrots provides a satisfying crunch, making each bite delightful.
Flavor Explosion: The ginger sesame dressing adds an unexpected kick, with sweet, salty, and tangy notes that play well with the chicken and veggies.
Quick and Easy: This salad comes together quickly, perfect for those busy nights when you want something healthy but don’t have much time to cook.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition-Packed: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the fresh vegetables, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious.

Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, it’s tossed in a creamy, tangy, Asian-inspired dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded (green or purple)
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional Add-Ons:
- Sliced bell peppers
- Chopped nuts (peanuts or almonds)
- Chili flakes
- Avocado slices
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, honey, and lime juice to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for garnish.
- Add any desired optional toppings such as bell peppers, nuts, chili flakes, or avocado.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.
- The salad can be made a few hours in advance—just add avocado before serving to keep it fresh.
- Adjust the soy sauce or honey for more or less saltiness/sweetness to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken coleslaw salad, sesame ginger salad, healthy chicken salad, Asian slaw, cabbage chicken salad
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Coleslaw Salad:
To create the perfect Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing, you will need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded (green or purple)
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Optional Add-Ons:
- Sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and color
- Chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds for added texture
- A sprinkle of chili flakes for heat
- Avocado for creaminess
These ingredients come together beautifully, but feel free to mix and match to suit your personal preference or to use what you have on hand.
How to Make Chicken Coleslaw Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this Chicken Coleslaw Salad is straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to prepare a delicious meal:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking your chicken if it’s not already prepped. You can boil, grill, or roast it according to your preference. Once it’s cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Next, wash your cabbage and carrots. For the cabbage, remove the outer leaves and slice it thinly. For the carrots, you can use a grater to get fine shreds. Slice the green onions and chop the cilantro.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix these ingredients lightly. This will ensure that all the flavors come together harmoniously.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, honey, and lime juice. Make sure to whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The dressing should have a nice balance of creaminess and flavor.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Pour the ginger sesame dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. With clean hands or a salad fork, toss everything gently until the salad is coated evenly with the dressing. You want to ensure that each bit of chicken and vegetable is covered in that delicious dressing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish. This adds a lovely look and a nutty flavor. You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors mingle even further.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Chicken Coleslaw Salad!
Dig in and savor every bite of this crunchy, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Coleslaw Salad
Now that you have created your fabulous Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing, how about some ways to serve it? Here are a few ideas:
As a Main Dish: This salad is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal. Pair it with whole-grain bread or a side of quinoa for a complete dinner.
With Wraps: Use this salad as a filling for lettuce wraps. The fresh crunch and savory flavor will elevate your wrap game to a whole new level.
As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats or fish. The refreshing crunch of the salad complements rich dishes perfectly.
For Meal Prep: Portion out the salad into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Coleslaw Salad
To help you nail this recipe every time, here are some pro tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your veggies matters. Fresh, crispy cabbage and vibrant carrots will make your salad more flavorful.
Shredding Techniques: For a finer texture, you can use a food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots quickly.
Taste and Adjust: Once you mix in the dressing, taste it. If you like it sweeter, you can add a little more honey. For an extra tang, consider adding more lime juice.
Chill Before Serving: If you have the time, chilling the salad in the fridge for about half an hour enhances flavor and texture. This resting time allows the dressing to soak into the veggies nicely.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the salad base ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the dressing shortly before serving to keep the crunchiness intact.
Easy Variations for Chicken Coleslaw Salad
Feeling adventurous? Here are some easy variations to switch things up:
Tropical Twist: Add diced pineapple or mango for a sweet and fruity flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha into the dressing for heat.
Asian Flair: Include shredded bok choy and replace cilantro with fresh mint for a unique twist.
Protein Swap: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu.
Storage Tips to Store Chicken Coleslaw Salad
If you want to save leftovers or prepare this salad ahead of time, here are some storage tips:
Refrigerate: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Separate the Dressing: If you’re meal prepping, store the salad base and dressing separately. This keeps the veggies crunchy and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze the salad due to the texture of the veggies, you can freeze cooked chicken if you’d like to prepare the salad faster at a later time.
Conclusion
Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is a delightful and refreshing dish that checks all the boxes: quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is versatile enough to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, making it for lunch, or enjoying it for dinner, this recipe is bound to impress. So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and bring the taste of this fantastic dish to your table!
FAQs About Chicken Coleslaw Salad
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the salad?
Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works beautifully for this recipe, saving you time in the kitchen.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce, the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free, allowing everyone to enjoy!
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be made a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
If you want a lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make it more filling, consider adding ingredients like cooked quinoa, black beans, or even diced avocado for added creaminess.
Now you’re all set to create a vibrant Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing that will win over your family and friends. Enjoy!
Looking for more delicious recipes? Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook!