Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
A vibrant and satisfying chicken coleslaw salad featuring rotisserie chicken, crunchy coleslaw mix, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and a zesty ginger sesame dressing, perfect for a light meal or potluck.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Assembling, blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- In a blender, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey, minced ginger, toasted sesame oil, and water. Blend until smooth and well emulsified.
- Lightly drizzle the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat. Use as much dressing as desired and store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and crunchiest.
Notes
- To make gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Omit chicken for a vegetarian or vegan option; substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan dressing.
- Toasting nuts enhances flavor but is optional.
- Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated up to a week.
- Keep dressing separate when storing leftovers to maintain crunchiness.
- Variations include adding fresh herbs, a spicy kick, or swapping fruits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
