Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

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Craving a light but flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner? This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing delivers on crunch, tang, and that nutty-sweet umami finish that hits all the right notes. It’s a vibrant dish filled with crisp cabbage, juicy shredded chicken, toasty almonds, and a zingy homemade dressing that brings it all together.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a quick side dish for a barbecue, this recipe slides right in with minimal effort. It’s protein-rich and veggie-forward, and every bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures — crunchy, tender, fresh, and chewy thanks to a handful of dried cranberries tossed in for good measure.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing come together effortlessly, a few kitchen tools make all the difference:

• Large Mixing Bowl: This is your main workspace where all the salad ingredients come together. It needs to be spacious enough for easy tossing without spilling.
• Sharp Knife or Mandoline: Precision is key when slicing cabbage and carrots thinly. A sharp knife gets the job done, but a mandoline speeds it up and delivers uniform pieces.
• Small Whisk or Jar with Lid: For the ginger sesame dressing, you’ll need to either whisk the ingredients together or shake them up in a mason jar. A good emulsification ensures the flavors blend evenly.
• Salad Tongs or Clean Hands: Tossing the salad properly ensures the dressing coats everything beautifully without bruising the cabbage.
• Cutting Board & Measuring Spoons: Measuring your ingredients accurately and having a stable surface for prep keeps the process smooth and organized.

These tools may be basic, but they are essential for both prep and presentation. Keeping it simple means you can whip this salad together in under 20 minutes without the kitchen chaos.

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Ingredients for the Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

Each ingredient in this salad plays a unique role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal:

• Shredded Green Cabbage – The crisp backbone of the salad. It holds up well to the dressing and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Purple Cabbage – Adds color contrast and a slightly peppery note.
• Carrots (Julienned) – Natural sweetness and vibrant orange tones brighten the bowl.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken – A lean protein that turns this into a satisfying main dish.
• Green Onions – For a light oniony sharpness that complements the dressing.
• Dried Cranberries – Add chewy texture and bursts of tart-sweet flavor.
• Toasted Almonds (sliced) – They bring nutty depth and a satisfying crunch.
• Black Sesame Seeds – A subtle pop of flavor and extra visual flair.
• Fresh Orange Slices (optional) – Refreshing garnish that complements the sesame and ginger notes.

For the Ginger Sesame Dressing:

• Sesame Oil – Rich, nutty base that sets the tone.
• Rice Vinegar – Brings balance with acidity and tang.
• Soy Sauce – Umami saltiness to round it all out.
• Fresh Ginger (grated) – Zesty warmth that wakes up the palate.
• Honey – A smooth touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar.
• Garlic (minced) – Adds savory depth.
• Lime Juice – Brightens the entire dressing with citrusy zing.

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How To Make the Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Chicken

Start by shredding your green and purple cabbage thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Julienne the carrots, slice the green onions, and set everything aside in a large mixing bowl. Add your pre-cooked shredded chicken to the bowl.

Step 2: Make the Ginger Sesame Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, honey, minced garlic, and lime juice. Whisk or shake until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust—add more lime for brightness or honey for sweetness.

Step 3: Toast Your Almonds

In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the sliced almonds until golden and fragrant. This step enhances their nutty flavor and adds a warm element to the salad.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the cabbage, chicken, and veggies. Add the cranberries, toasted almonds, and black sesame seeds. Toss thoroughly using tongs or clean hands, making sure everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle. Garnish with a few orange slices or a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.

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How to Serve and Store Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

This salad is best served chilled or at cool room temperature, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings, light lunches, or as a colorful side dish. Serve it in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant mix of colors, and don’t forget a final sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few orange segments for flair.

If you’re serving it as a main dish, pair it with crusty bread or a scoop of jasmine rice. As a side, it goes beautifully with grilled meats or Asian-style noodles.

Storing Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cabbage holds its crunch well, and the flavors deepen overnight. If you want to make it ahead, prep the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best for this salad?

Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option. You can also use poached, grilled, or leftover roast chicken—just be sure it’s shredded and seasoned lightly.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add edamame, crispy tofu, or chickpeas for a protein boost.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can prepare all the components a day ahead. Just keep the dressing and salad separate until right before serving to maintain freshness.

Is the ginger sesame dressing spicy?

Not at all! It’s more zesty and aromatic than spicy. But if you like heat, feel free to add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.

What other nuts can I use besides almonds?

Toasted cashews, peanuts, or sunflower seeds also work well and add their own flair.

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Yes, for a shortcut, bagged coleslaw mix is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s fresh and crunchy.

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Want More Chicken Salad Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Italian Grinder Salad, packed with deli meats, cheese, and a punchy dressing — it’s a bold twist on traditional cold salads. Another craveable option is the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, which takes those same salad textures and puts them in sandwich form.

For something hot and hearty, consider the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, which layers spicy chicken, creamy cheese, and pasta. Or for a cozy chicken-forward dish that pairs well with light salads, the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken makes an excellent warm complement.

If you’re all about salads and bold flavor, the Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken with Noodles could be your next obsession — it’s filling, zesty, and incredibly meal-prep friendly.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think. Did you add mandarin oranges? Go heavy on the ginger? Drop a comment and let me know how you made it your own.

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