When you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy, and flavor-packed dish that combines the best of texture and taste, this Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is the answer. This salad is a complete meal in itself—juicy grilled or shredded chicken, crisp shredded cabbage and carrots, colorful bell peppers, and a dressing that brings everything together with a zesty Asian-inspired flair. The homemade ginger sesame dressing bursts with umami, sweetness, and acidity, perfectly coating the crunchy vegetables and tender chicken. It’s light, refreshing, yet filling enough to serve as a lunch or dinner, especially when you’re in the mood for something both wholesome and exciting.
This chicken coleslaw salad is not just about tossing ingredients together—it’s a balanced medley of flavors and textures that dance in harmony. The creamy yet tangy dressing made with fresh ginger, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce adds a punch of flavor, while a bit of honey softens it all with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you use leftover rotisserie chicken or grill your own, the protein makes this dish hearty without weighing it down. Ideal for meal prepping, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this salad is a go-to recipe for those craving a satisfying yet clean-eating dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
What Makes Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing Special?
What sets this chicken coleslaw salad with ginger sesame dressing apart is its combination of simplicity and complexity—easy to make, yet rich in flavor and nutrition. Unlike many traditional coleslaws that use heavy mayo-based dressings, this version leans into the bright, bold, and nutty flavors of ginger and sesame, offering a more modern and health-conscious twist. The use of cabbage and carrots not only adds crunch and color but also boosts the fiber and nutrient content. This recipe is naturally gluten-free (if you use tamari or GF soy sauce), dairy-free, and easily adaptable to a low-carb lifestyle. Plus, it’s perfect for make-ahead meals as the flavors deepen over time.
Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
4
servings20
minutes10
minutes360
kcalIngredients for Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
For the Salad:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (grilled or rotisserie)
3 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional, for color)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- For the Ginger Sesame Dressing:
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of ½ lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions for Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
- Prepare the Chicken
If you're using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie), shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. For fresh chicken breasts, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook on a grill or skillet over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before shredding to retain moisture.
- Make the Ginger Sesame Dressing
In a small mixing bowl or jar, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice. Whisk vigorously (or shake if using a jar with lid) until the dressing is well emulsified. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed. Set aside for flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Vegetables
In a large salad bowl, add shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to mix. You can also add chopped cilantro at this stage for extra flavor and freshness.
- Combine Chicken and Dressing
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl of vegetables. Drizzle the prepared ginger sesame dressing over the top. Use salad tongs or clean hands to gently toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve
Top the salad with toasted sesame seeds and additional cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for a fresher crunch or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors blend and slightly soften the vegetables. This salad tastes even better the next day!
What to Serve with Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
This salad is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with:
- A side of steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Spring rolls or lettuce wraps
- Miso soup or a light Asian broth
- A refreshing cucumber salad or edamame
- Sparkling water with lime or iced green tea
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Final Thoughts
This chicken coleslaw salad with ginger sesame dressing is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland. It’s colorful, crunchy, full of fresh ingredients, and tossed in a dressing that packs serious flavor. Whether you’re aiming for a balanced lunch, a nutritious dinner, or a smart meal prep option, this salad has you covered. With its perfect mix of lean protein, veggies, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again—for both its simplicity and its deliciousness.
