Chicken Coleslaw Salad

Hey there, salad lovers! 🥗 Today, I’ve got something super fresh and tasty for you—my Chicken Coleslaw Salad. This isn’t your average coleslaw, trust me. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance. Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up, so you can have a healthy, delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s get to it!

Try my Turkish Chickpea Salad recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1| Quick & Easy: Got 22 minutes? That’s all you need to whip up this tasty salad!

2| Fresh & Crunchy: The combo of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and almonds with tender chicken is a total win.

3| Flavor-Packed: The zesty dressing with lime, honey, and a hint of spice takes this salad to the next level.

4| Healthy & Filling: Light on the calories, big on satisfaction. Perfect for lunch or dinner!

5| Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff here—just wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home.

This Chicken Coleslaw Salad is as easy to make as it is to love! 🥗

Try my Vegan Crispy Potato Salad recipe.

What you’ll need to make

Let’s dive into what makes this Chicken Coleslaw Salad so tasty! 🍗 First off, we’ve got juicy chicken breast—cooked to perfection and shredded to soak up all the yummy flavors. Then there’s the fresh crunch from the red cabbage and carrots, which not only taste great but also add a burst of color to your plate. 🌟 The green onions and cilantro bring in that fresh, herby goodness that pairs perfectly with the zesty dressing. Speaking of which, this dressing is super simple—just olive oil, lime juice, tamari, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. And let’s not forget those roasted almonds—they add the perfect nutty crunch that ties everything together. 🥗 It’s a salad that’s easy to love and even easier to make!

Try my Salmon Quinoa Salad recipe.

What you’ll need to do

1| First things first, let’s get that chicken cooking! Pop the chicken breast into a pot and cover it with about an inch of water. Bring it to a boil, then dial down the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, partially covered, for around 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Once it’s done, take it out and shred it up with two forks. Let it cool down a bit while we move on.

2| While the chicken’s chilling, grab a large bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, tamari, honey, and red pepper flakes. This is going to be our tasty dressing.

3| Time to toss in the veggies! Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and roasted almonds to the bowl with the dressing. Give it a gentle toss to make sure everything’s nicely coated. Now, stir in that shredded chicken and mix it all together.

4| Finally, divide the salad into two bowls or plates, and you’re ready to dig in!

Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Chicken Coleslaw Salad! 🥗

Try my Chicken Caesar Mason Jar recipe.

Some substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe

Here are some fun substitution and improvisation ideas to tweak the Chicken Coleslaw Salad to your liking:

Protein Swap:

• Not in the mood for chicken? Swap it out for grilled shrimp, tofu, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick fix.

Veggie Variations:

• No red cabbage on hand? You can easily use green cabbage, Napa cabbage, or even a bag of pre-mixed coleslaw for convenience.
• Add some extra crunch by tossing in thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or radishes.

Nutty Alternatives:

• If you’re out of almonds or prefer a different flavor, try using toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. They’ll all add that nice crunch!

Spice It Up:

• For an extra kick, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing. You can also add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

Dressing Tweaks:

• No tamari? Soy sauce or coconut aminos work just as well.
• Want to go creamier? Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a dollop of mayo to the dressing for a richer texture.

Fresh Herbs:

• Not a fan of cilantro? Swap it with fresh parsley, mint, or basil for a different herbaceous flavor.

Citrus Switch:

• If lime juice isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with lemon juice or even a splash of orange juice for a sweeter, tangier twist.

With these simple swaps, you can customize the salad to suit your taste or just to mix things up a bit!

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Some useful tips for the recipe

Here are some handy tips to help you make the best Chicken Coleslaw Salad:

Cook Chicken Evenly:

• For juicy, evenly cooked chicken, make sure the chicken breast is fully submerged in water. Keep the heat on medium-low to avoid overcooking and drying it out.

Shred Like a Pro:

• If you want to save time, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to shred the chicken. Just toss the cooked chicken in and let the mixer do the work in seconds!

Chill the Chicken:

• Let the shredded chicken cool down a bit before mixing it with the veggies. This keeps the salad crisp and prevents the veggies from wilting.

Prep Ahead:

• You can make the dressing and shred the veggies ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and toss everything together right before serving for maximum freshness.

Toss Gently:

• When mixing the salad, toss it gently to avoid bruising the veggies and keep them crisp. A light touch goes a long way in maintaining that fresh crunch.

Double the Dressing:

• If you like your salad extra saucy, consider doubling the dressing. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and used on other salads or as a marinade.

Keep it Crunchy:

• To keep the almonds crunchy, add them just before serving. If you’re meal-prepping, store them separately and mix them in when you’re ready to eat.

Customize the Spice:

• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste. If you’re serving kids or prefer less heat, you can reduce or skip the red pepper flakes altogether.

These tips will help you create a Chicken Coleslaw Salad that’s not only delicious but also perfectly tailored to your taste!

Try my Vegan Herby Lemon Tofu Salad Bowl recipe.

Some serving suggestions

Here are some fun serving ideas to make your Chicken Coleslaw Salad even more delightful:

Wrap It Up:

• Serve the salad in a wrap or tortilla for a portable lunch option. Add some avocado slices or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.

Top a Grain Bowl:

• Spoon the salad over a base of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro. It makes for a hearty and nutritious meal that’s great for meal prep.

Serve with Pita Bread:

• Pair the salad with warm pita bread or pita chips for a crunchy contrast. It’s a great way to turn the salad into a more substantial meal or snack.

As a Side Dish:

• Use it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty main course. It adds a fresh and crunchy element to any meal.

Stuffed Avocados:

• Hollow out avocado halves and stuff them with the Chicken Coleslaw Salad for a fun and healthy presentation. Perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.

On a Bed of Greens:

• Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for an extra boost of veggies. It adds a nice layer of freshness and makes the dish even more colorful.

In a Mason Jar:

• Layer the salad ingredients in a mason jar for an easy-to-take lunch. Start with the dressing on the bottom, then add the chicken, veggies, and almonds on top. Just shake and serve when you’re ready to eat!

With a Side of Fruit:

• Complement the salad with a side of fresh fruit, like apple slices or grapes, for a balanced and refreshing meal.

These serving ideas can help you enjoy your Chicken Coleslaw Salad in a variety of delicious ways!

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Some storage suggestions

Here are some practical storage options for your Chicken Coleslaw Salad to keep it fresh and tasty:

Refrigerate in an Airtight Container:

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate if you’re storing it for more than a day to prevent the veggies from becoming soggy.

Use Mason Jars:

• If you’re meal prepping, mason jars are perfect for storing individual portions. Layer the salad with the dressing at the bottom, followed by chicken, veggies, and almonds on top. When you’re ready to eat, just shake it up!

Store Dressing Separately:

• For optimal freshness, keep the dressing in a separate container. Combine it with the salad just before serving to maintain that crisp texture.

Freeze for Later:

• While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken (not the salad itself) for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before mixing with fresh veggies and dressing.

Cool Before Storing:

• Let the salad cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the salad watery.

Add Nuts Just Before Serving:

• If you’re storing the salad for a few days, keep the roasted almonds in a separate container and add them just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Check for Freshness:

• Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the salad smells off or has an unusual texture, it’s best to discard it.

These storage tips will help you keep your Chicken Coleslaw Salad fresh and delicious, so you can enjoy it at its best!

Try my other salad recipes, here.

And there you have it—my Chicken Coleslaw Salad, ready to be devoured! 🍴 Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or just because you’re craving something light and flavorful, this salad is a total winner. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t forget to share it with your friends if you’re feeling generous. Happy cooking, and even happier eating! 😋

Glycemic Index: 33 (low) Glycemic Load: 7 (low)

Recipe Card

Chicken Coleslaw Salad

Delicious Chicken Coleslaw Salad ready in 22 minutes! 🥗 Perfect for a quick, healthy meal.

Courses: Lunch, Salad, Side Recipe Keys: Gluten Free High Protein M Meal Prep

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe CHICKEN

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 12 mins Total Time 22 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 2 Estimated Cost: 8 Calories: 455

Ingredients

Servings

• 8.1 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast (230g)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp tamari sauce

• 1 tsp honey

• ¹⁄₂ tsp red pepper flakes

• 6 oz red cabbage, shredded (170g)

• 2 carrots, grated

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

• 1.4 oz roasted almonds, chopped (40g)

Instructions

1. Step 1:

   Add the chicken to a pot and cover with 1” (2.5cm) of water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a medium-low. Partially cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Place the cooked chicken into a bowl and shred it with two forks. Set aside to cool.

2. Step 2:

   Meanwhile, place the olive oil, lime juice, tamari, honey and red pepper flakes in a large bowl, and whisk until well combined.

3. Step 3:

   Now add the cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro and almonds to the bowls and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. Stir in the chicken and stir again.

4. Step 4:

   Divide the salad equally between 2 bowls or plates and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 455kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 27g42%

Total Carbohydrate 21g8%

Protein 32g64%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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