Chicken Coleslaw Salad With Ginger Sesame Dressing You’ll Crave

Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing lands on the table with a crunchy cabbage confetti, juicy chicken, and a bright, toasty aroma that makes every bite pop. The silky dressing kisses each strand with fresh ginger, nutty sesame, and a whisper of lime for lift. If you’ve been collecting Chicken Salad Ideas—from Chicken Cabbage Salad to Rotisserie Chicken Salad—this bowl earns a top slot for weeknights and Summer Chicken Salad cravings. Think of it as your “slaw-meets-meal” answer that slides effortlessly into Slaw Salad Recipes and inspires a lighter spin on Coleslaw Pasta Salad or even a Coleslaw Sandwich. It’s the kind of Sesame Vinaigrette moment you’ll make on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

• Big flavor, little effort: the dressing shakes up in a jar while you shred, so dinner moves fast without shortcuts.
• Texture fireworks: crisp cabbage, tender chicken, snappy carrots, and toasted seeds keep every forkful exciting.
• Flexible path to the table: use rotisserie for speed, poach for lean, or air-chill leftovers for a next-day win.
• Pantry-friendly global flair: classic “Ginger Salad Dressing Japanese” vibes with a modern, clean finish.
• Balanced and satisfying: protein-packed and veggie-forward—perfect for Chicken Salads For Dinner that feel fresh, not heavy.

Recipe Snapshot

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (mix green & purple) – Crunch, fiber, and color.
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – Rotisserie makes a fast Rotisserie Chicken Salad base.
• 1 cup shredded carrots – Sweetness and snap.
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced – Gentle onion bite.
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced – Juicy crunch and vitamin C.
• 1/2 cup snow peas, sliced – Fresh, crisp texture.
• 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped – Herbal brightness.
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds – Nutty depth; also try black sesame.
• Optional crunch – Crushed roasted peanuts (for an Asian Peanut Dressing vibe) or baked wonton strips.

Ginger Sesame Dressing (Sesame Dressing Recipe / Asian Vinaigrette Dressings)

• 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger – Zesty heat, digestive-friendly.
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated – Savory backbone.
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar – Tangy lift.
• 1 tbsp lime juice – Fresh citrus sparkle.
• 1 tbsp tamari or low-sodium soy sauce – Umami; gluten-free if tamari. (Hello, Soy Ginger Sauce notes!)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil – Deep, nutty aroma; see benefits.
• 1–2 tsp honey – Gentle sweetness to balance acidity.
• 3 tbsp neutral oil – Helps the dressing cling.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – Emulsifies for a silky Sesame Salad Dressing.
• 1 tsp white miso (optional) – Umami-rich Miso Ginger Dressing twist.
• Red pepper flakes or sriracha, to taste – Heat, if you like.

Ellie

Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is a crisp, colorful bowl layered with shredded cabbage, juicy chicken, sweet carrots, and fresh herbs, all tied together with a zesty sesame-ginger vinaigrette. Balanced with protein, crunch, and flavor, it’s a light yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or refreshing summer dinners.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Dish, Salad

Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Healthy

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups shredded cabbage mix green & purple
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie or poached
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 scallions thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup snow peas sliced
• 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• optional toppings crushed roasted peanuts, baked wonton strips
• 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic finely grated
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp tamari or low-sodium soy sauce tamari for gluten-free
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1-2 tsp honey
• 3 tbsp neutral oil like canola or avocado oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp white miso optional, for umami
• red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Jar with lid (for dressing)
• Knife & cutting board
• Skillet (for toasting sesame seeds)

Method

 

1. Shred chicken (rotisserie, poached, or seared). Pat dry so dressing clings well.
2. Slice cabbage, carrots, scallions, bell pepper, and snow peas thinly for slaw texture.
3. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, lime juice, tamari, sesame oil, honey, neutral oil, mustard, miso, and chili in a jar. Seal and shake until emulsified.
5. Add cabbage, chicken, and vegetables to a bowl. Pour in half the dressing and toss. Add more if needed.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with tamari, vinegar, or chili. Let rest 5–10 minutes for flavors to meld.
7. Top with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro. Serve chilled.

Notes

Prep vegetables thinly for better texture. Keep components stored separately for meal prep. Double the dressing—it works on grain bowls, noodle salads, or wraps.

How to Make the Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing comes together in layers—quick prep, shake-up dressing, then a generous toss so everything glistens.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Shred warm rotisserie or cooled poached chicken; pat dry so the dressing clings. For a Crispy Chicken Salad variation, pan-sear bite-size pieces until golden.

Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

Shred the cabbage, slice carrots, scallions, pepper, and snow peas as thin as you can for that restaurant slaw texture.

Step 3: Toast the Seeds

Warm a dry skillet over medium and toast sesame seeds 2–3 minutes, shaking often, until fragrant.

Step 4: Shake the Ginger Sesame Dressing

In a jar, combine ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, lime, tamari, sesame oil, honey, neutral oil, mustard, miso (if using), and chili. Seal and shake until glossy.

Step 5: Toss the Salad

Add cabbage, chicken, and veggies to a large bowl. Pour over half the dressing; toss to coat. Add more dressing until everything looks lightly lacquered.

Step 6: Season & Rest

Taste for salt/acid/heat; adjust with tamari, vinegar, or chili. Let rest 5–10 minutes so the slaw softens slightly—peak texture!

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Shower with toasted sesame and cilantro. This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is ready to plate.

Pro Tips for Making the Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

• Knife work matters: finer shreds soak up more flavor and feel lighter on the fork.
• Keep it crisp: pat chicken dry and don’t overdress—save a little for the table.
• Channel Hibachi Ginger Salad Dressing: add an extra hit of grated ginger right before serving.
• Go creamy (optional): whisk in 1 tbsp tahini or peanut butter for an Asian Peanut Dressing vibe.
• Batch like a pro: double the Sesame Vinaigrette and use it all week on Chicken Cabbage Salad or grain bowls.

How to Serve Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

Set the tone for the meal and your mood—this bowl plays well with cozy sides or picnic spreads.

• As-is for Chicken Salads For Dinner with sparkling water and lime.
• Fold into tortillas for a crunchy Coleslaw Sandwich wrap.
• Top cold soba or add macaroni for a Coleslaw Pasta Salad mash-up.
• Layer into rice bowls with avocado and nori strips—hello, Asian Ginger Salad Dressing energy.
• Serve alongside grilled corn and watermelon for Summer Chicken Salad vibes.
• Pair with miso soup and edamame for a light night.
• Add crispy wontons and chili crisp for a “takeout-at-home” feel.
• Tuck leftovers into lettuce cups with extra Soy Ginger Sauce.
• Scatter roasted peanuts and fresh mint for a street-food twist.
• Make it party-friendly with mini slider buns for slaw-packed sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage The Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

Storing Leftovers

• Store components separately for best crunch: cabbage/veg in one container, chicken in another, dressing in a jar.
• If already mixed, refrigerate tightly sealed up to 2 days; add a squeeze of lime before serving to re-brighten.
• Keep toasted seeds in a dry container and add at the last minute.
• For packed lunches, layer dressing at the bottom of a jar and stack sturdy veg on top.

Freezing

• Freezing the assembled slaw isn’t recommended—cabbage weeps after thawing.
• You can freeze plain cooked chicken up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Freeze extra dressing in ice cube trays for quick portions.
• If you must freeze veg, blanch cabbage 30 seconds, chill, pat dry, then freeze—texture will be softer.

Reheating

• No reheating needed for the salad; serve chilled or cool.
• Warm chicken separately (skillet, low heat) if you prefer a temperature contrast.
• If the slaw softens, revive with fresh cabbage and a spoon of dressing.
• Re-toast seeds briefly to refresh aroma.

FAQs

What are the health benefits of chicken, cabbage, ginger, and sesame?

Lean chicken offers complete protein, cabbage brings fiber and antioxidants, ginger supports digestion, and sesame supplies heart-friendly fats. Smart combos, happy body.

Can I substitute a major ingredient?

Absolutely. Swap chicken for baked tofu or shrimp; use Napa or Savoy cabbage; trade honey for maple; try almond butter for an Asian Peanut Dressing note; or add a spoon of miso for deeper umami.

How can I add flavor without extra calories?

Lean on acid and aromatics: extra lime, a splash of rice vinegar, grated ginger, and toasted spices. A tiny drizzle of sesame oil goes far—stir well so it distributes.

Can I meal prep Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing?

Yes—prep veg and chicken up to 2 days ahead; keep dressing separate. Toss right before eating for maximum crunch, or layer jar salads with dressing at the bottom.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of dinner that feels clean and energizing yet totally satisfying—this is it. Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing brings color, crunch, and comfort without slowing you down. Keep the base simple, play with toppers, and let the dressing sing. When the week gets busy, this bowl shows up bright and ready.

For more other delicious recipes, check out this link !!