Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is a refreshing and healthy dish that’s bursting with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a savory-sweet dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s packed with flavors you’ll love!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Coleslaw Salad

Okay, friend, I’ve got a treat for you today. This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is a total game-changer. Picture this: crispy, crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a dressing that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and just a touch of sweetness from the honey and sesame.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a crowd-pleasing dish for your next BBQ, or a fresh side to pair with dinner, this salad does it all. And the best part? It’s totally customizable—add or remove ingredients depending on what’s in your fridge, or adjust the spice level to your taste. Don’t worry if you’re not a salad pro; this one is super easy to throw together.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this salad so irresistible:

For the Salad:

• Shredded chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for the easiest, juiciest option. Plus, it saves time!
• Coleslaw mix: A pre-packed mix of shredded cabbage and carrots gives the salad that perfect crunch without any prep time.
• Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a bit of sweetness.
• Green onion: For that mild, zesty kick.
• Fresh cilantro: A handful of this herb brightens up the whole dish.
• Roasted peanuts (optional): For that extra bit of crunch and flavor, though you can skip if you prefer a nut-free version.

For the Ginger Sesame Dressing:

• Rice vinegar: A touch of tartness that balances the richness of the sesame oil.
• Soy sauce (or tamari if you’re gluten-free): A savory base that brings it all together.
• Sesame oil: This gives the dressing that nutty, toasty flavor that makes everything so irresistible.
• Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version): A little sweetness goes a long way here.
• Freshly grated ginger: Adds a zingy, aromatic kick—trust me, it’s essential!
• Garlic: Because what’s a dressing without garlic?
• Sesame seeds: For that delightful little crunch and an extra touch of sesame flavor.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A little spice to elevate the whole dish.

Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s jump into the steps that’ll have you devouring this salad in no time.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, sliced red bell pepper, green onion, and cilantro. Toss everything together to get that perfect mix of textures and flavors. If you’re using peanuts, add them in for that irresistible crunch!

Make the Ginger Sesame Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until it’s nice and smooth. The ginger and sesame oil are going to make this dressing sing.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the ginger sesame dressing over the salad and toss everything together. You want all those vibrant veggies and tender chicken to be well-coated in that flavorful dressing. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper if needed.

Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together—trust me, this extra time makes all the difference. Then, when you’re ready, serve it chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: You won’t need to count these because this salad is just too good to resist!

How to Serve Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

This salad is fantastic on its own, but here are some extra ways to enjoy it:

• Wrap it up: Try this salad as a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb, crunchy bite.
• On the side: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even BBQ pork for a refreshing contrast.
• Top it off: Add a few extra peanuts or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an elevated finish.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, prep the ingredients the night before. Store everything in airtight containers, and toss it together just before serving.
• Spice It Up: Want a bit more heat? Add a chopped jalapeño or more red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Swap the Protein: If you’re not into chicken, this salad is equally delicious with shredded tofu or grilled shrimp.
• Storage: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the dressing may soften the cabbage a bit after a while, but it still tastes amazing!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! This salad is super versatile. You can swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or even a hearty bean mix for a vegetarian version.

Q2: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A2: Yes, the dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It’s packed with flavor and gets even better after a day or two!

Q3: How can I make this dish vegan?
A3: Simple! Use maple syrup instead of honey, and swap soy sauce for tamari to make it both vegan and gluten-free.

Q4: Can I freeze this salad?
A4: While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the salad itself, the dressing can be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw it out and give it a good stir before using!

Get ready to fall in love with this Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with so many great textures. Plus, it’s a breeze to make. So go ahead, toss it together, and enjoy!

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