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Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast with crisp green cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions. Tossed in a zesty ginger sesame dressing that balances tangy, nutty, and sweet flavors, this quick and easy salad is perfect for light lunches, dinners, or meal prep. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, it’s a healthy and versatile meal that can be adapted for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
  • 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Ginger Sesame Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, freshly grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari / coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar / white wine vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breast by poaching or grilling if not pre-cooked. Once cooled, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces to mix easily with the vegetables.
  2. Chop and Shred Veggies: Thinly slice the green cabbage and red bell pepper, shred the carrots, and finely chop the green onions and cilantro (if using). Prepare all vegetables ahead for easy tossing.
  3. Make the Ginger Sesame Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken and chopped vegetables with the ginger sesame dressing until thoroughly coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped cilantro on top just before serving to add texture and freshness.

Notes

  • Use fresh ginger instead of powder for maximum flavor and aroma.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy vegetables and maintain crunch.
  • Let the salad chill for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry pan prior to adding for enhanced nutty aroma.
  • Keep chopped vegetables and cooked chicken separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken coleslaw salad, ginger sesame dressing, healthy chicken salad, gluten-free salad, quick easy salad, Asian-inspired salad, crunchy chicken salad