Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. The crispy nuts and sesame sticks add satisfying crunch, while the dried cranberries and mandarin oranges provide bursts of sweetness. The homemade ginger sesame dressing ties everything together with its bold, aromatic flavors. It’s a refreshing and wholesome meal that's easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 small bags of coleslaw mix (about 8 cups)

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped

• 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews

• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries

• ¾ cup red onion, finely diced

• 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)

• 1 ½ cups chopped cilantro

• 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained (optional)

• ¼ cup sesame seeds (black or regular)

For the Ginger Sesame Dressing:

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white)

• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped

• 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

• 4 tablespoons minced ginger

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

• 3 tablespoons water (for thinning)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, chopped rotisserie chicken, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame sticks (if using), chopped cilantro, and mandarin oranges. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.

2. Make the Ginger Sesame Dressing: In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey, minced ginger, toasted sesame oil, and water. Blend until smooth and well emulsified.

3. Dress the Salad: Lightly drizzle the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat. You may not need all the dressing; store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.

4. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest, maintaining the crunchiness of the nuts and sesame sticks.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (for chicken, if not using rotisserie)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more toasted nuts or cooked chickpeas for added protein.

• Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh mint or basil to enhance the flavor profile.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the dressing for some heat.

• Fruit Swap: Replace mandarin oranges with fresh orange segments or pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

FAQs

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to ensure the salad is gluten-free.

Can I use homemade coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! Combine shredded cabbage and carrots to create your own coleslaw mix.

Is it necessary to toast the nuts?

Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch, but it's optional.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs to use in the salad.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

Add more honey or brown sugar to increase sweetness, or more vinegar to balance the flavors.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What other nuts can I use?

Feel free to substitute almonds or cashews with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Certainly! Add ingredients like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for added color and crunch.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it's great for meal prepping; just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, omit the chicken and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing for a vegan version.

Conclusion

The Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines a variety of textures and flavors. Its versatility allows for customization to suit different dietary preferences and tastes. Whether you're preparing it for a family meal or a gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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