Name: Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or sliced; 4 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrot); 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained if canned; 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds; 1/3 cup ginger sesame dressing (homemade or store-bought)

Colorful, crunchy, and bursting with flavor—this Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing has become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something satisfying yet light. It’s the kind of dish that looks like it took hours to prepare, but it actually comes together with little fuss. Between the juicy mandarin slices, tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and that crave-worthy sesame-ginger dressing, every bite is vibrant and delicious.

I first made this salad on a warm weeknight when I wanted a “no-cook” dinner with substance. I had leftover chicken in the fridge and a bag of coleslaw mix, so I tossed everything together and whisked up a tangy-sweet Asian-inspired dressing. What came out was even better than expected—fresh, crunchy, and layered with flavor. Since then, this salad has made frequent appearances at my dinner table, potlucks, and even as a healthy packed lunch.

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

This salad has it all: texture, flavor, color, and versatility. It’s sweet, savory, crunchy, and light—perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. The homemade ginger sesame dressing ties everything together with a warm, slightly spicy zing. And because it’s packed with protein and veggies, it keeps you full without weighing you down. It’s also easy to customize, so you can adapt it to what you have on hand. Whether you’re chasing a healthier lifestyle or just love a beautiful plate of food, this salad checks every box.

What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing?

Honestly, this salad is incredibly flexible when it comes to the chicken. I’ve made it with everything from shredded rotisserie chicken to leftover grilled chicken breasts, and even pan-seared thighs. The key is to use cooked chicken that’s tender and easy to pull apart or slice. If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie is a great shortcut—it adds a savory depth and is already seasoned. If you’re starting from scratch, a quick poach or roast with a little salt, garlic, and sesame oil works wonders. Just make sure the chicken is well-seasoned so it stands out against the fresh crunch of the coleslaw.

Options for Substitutions

This salad is one of those recipes that welcomes swaps and creativity. Here are a few ways you can switch things up:

Chicken → Swap for tofu, shrimp, or even leftover turkey for a different protein.
Coleslaw mix → Use shredded napa cabbage, savoy cabbage, or a broccoli slaw base.
Mandarin oranges → Try fresh orange segments or pineapple chunks for a tropical vibe.
Almonds → Substitute with cashews, peanuts, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Dried cranberries → Dried cherries or golden raisins work just as well.
Sesame ginger dressing → Use store-bought Asian vinaigrette if you’re in a rush, but I highly recommend making it from scratch for that extra punch of flavor.

This salad truly works with what you’ve got, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or fridge clean-out days.

Ingredients for This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

Cooked Chicken
You’ll need tender, juicy cooked chicken—shredded or sliced—to make this salad hearty and protein-packed. It’s the foundation that balances all the fresh and crunchy elements.
Coleslaw Mix (Cabbage & Carrot Blend)
Using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix saves time and adds the perfect crunchy base. The cabbage soaks up the dressing beautifully while staying crisp.
Mandarin Oranges (Canned or Fresh)
These juicy, sweet citrus segments add a bright pop of flavor and color, balancing out the savory notes of the chicken and dressing.
Sliced Almonds
Toasted almonds bring a nutty crunch that plays so well with the other textures. They also add healthy fats and a bit of richness.
Red Onion (Thinly Sliced)
Just a little goes a long way. Red onion gives the salad a mild bite that cuts through the sweetness and ties everything together.
Fresh Cilantro
Herby, fragrant, and fresh—cilantro lifts the whole salad with a touch of brightness. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or substitute with flat-leaf parsley.
Dried Cranberries
A handful of dried cranberries gives the salad a chewy, tart sweetness that complements the citrus and balances the umami from the dressing.
Black & White Sesame Seeds
Sprinkled on top, these little seeds add a subtle nuttiness and visual appeal. They’re a simple detail that makes a big difference.
Ginger Sesame Dressing (Homemade or Store-Bought)
The star of the dish! This dressing ties everything together with its combination of zesty ginger, tangy vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness. It’s what gives the salad its bold personality.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or slice it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh, season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and a drizzle of sesame oil, then bake or pan-sear until cooked through. Let it cool slightly before cutting.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix. This will be your crunchy canvas, so make sure it’s fresh and dry. If using freshly shredded cabbage and carrots, toss them together in equal parts.

Step 3: Add the Supporting Ingredients

Toss in the sliced red onion, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and fresh cilantro leaves. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top, along with sesame seeds for that extra layer of texture.

Step 4: Mix in the Chicken

Add the shredded or sliced chicken into the bowl with all the other ingredients. Give everything a gentle toss to combine evenly, being careful not to crush the oranges.

Step 5: Drizzle the Dressing

Pour your ginger sesame dressing over the salad—start with half, toss, and add more as needed. You want everything coated without it becoming soggy. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the flavors can soak in.

Step 6: Final Toss and Taste

Give the salad one last mix, taste for seasoning, and adjust with extra dressing, a pinch of salt, or a splash of rice vinegar if needed. Garnish with a final sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

How Long to Cook the Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

The beauty of this salad is that there’s no actual “cooking” involved if your chicken is already prepared. If you’re starting from raw chicken, it’ll take about 15–20 minutes to cook and rest the meat. Once that’s done, the rest is just chopping, assembling, and dressing. You can have the entire dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or quick lunches.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing

Use freshly cooked or warm chicken for a slightly warm-cold salad combo that’s extra comforting and satisfying.
Toast the almonds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to boost their flavor and crunch. It makes a noticeable difference.
Don’t overdress the salad. Add the dressing gradually, and toss between pours so the veggies don’t get soggy.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after dressing—this gives the cabbage time to absorb the flavors and mellow slightly.
Slice everything thinly for a consistent bite—especially the onions, which can overpower if cut too thick.
Make the dressing in advance. Letting it chill for a few hours enhances its depth and makes prep time even quicker.
Add the almonds and sesame seeds last so they keep their crunch until the very last bite.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this salad is super forgiving, a few small missteps can throw off the balance:

Overdressing the Salad: This is probably the most common mistake. Coleslaw mix absorbs dressing fast, so adding too much at once can lead to a soggy mess. Start small and build up.
Using Warm Oranges or Chicken Straight from the Stove: Adding hot ingredients can wilt the cabbage and make the salad watery. Let everything cool slightly before combining.
Skipping the Toast on Nuts: Raw almonds are fine, but a quick toast brings out their natural oils and deepens the flavor.
Cutting Ingredients Too Large: Thick onion slices or big chunks of chicken can overwhelm the salad. Keep everything bite-sized for the best texture in every forkful.
Not Seasoning the Chicken: If your chicken is under-seasoned, the salad will feel flat no matter how good the dressing is. Salt and pepper go a long way!

What to Serve With Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing?

Steamed Dumplings

Light and savory dumplings (chicken, veggie, or shrimp) pair perfectly and carry the same Asian-inspired theme.

Jasmine Rice or Brown Rice

Serve the salad over a scoop of warm rice for a heartier meal that still feels fresh and balanced.

Cold Noodle Salad

A sesame soba or rice noodle salad complements the flavors and adds variety in texture without overpowering the dish.

Crispy Spring Rolls

The crispiness of veggie or shrimp spring rolls offers contrast and makes for a tasty side.

Miso Soup

A warm bowl of miso soup is light enough to not steal the show but adds comfort and warmth.

Grilled Skewers (Yakitori or Satay)

Chicken or tofu skewers glazed with soy sauce or peanut satay are great protein-rich sides.

Ginger Iced Tea or Cucumber Sparkler

For drinks, these refreshing beverages cut through the richness of the dressing and refresh the palate.

Edamame with Sea Salt

A simple bowl of steamed edamame works as a healthy appetizer or side and keeps the meal feeling wholesome.

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it if needed. Here’s how to keep everything crisp and flavorful:

Unmixed Components: If you’re prepping ahead, store the chicken, veggies, and dressing separately in airtight containers. They’ll last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Fully Assembled Salad: If already dressed, the salad will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the cabbage may soften over time. Still tasty, just less crunchy.
Freezing: Not recommended. The coleslaw mix and dressing don’t freeze well, as they lose their texture once thawed.
Meal Prep Tip: Portion out individual servings in containers with dressing on the side for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~420
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 580mg

These numbers will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, especially the dressing and any add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the chicken coleslaw salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Mix everything up to 2 days in advance and dress it just before serving for the freshest texture.

What’s the best dressing to use for this salad?

A homemade ginger sesame dressing is ideal—it’s fresh, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the ingredients. Store-bought sesame dressings work too if you’re short on time.

Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for crispy tofu, tempeh, or edamame, and make sure the dressing is plant-based. Everything else is already vegetarian-friendly.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

If already dressed, leftovers will last up to 24 hours. The cabbage softens over time but still tastes great. For best results, store the dressing separately.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just check your dressing ingredients. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure any store-bought coleslaw mix or canned items don’t contain hidden gluten.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

You can, though it’s not ideal. If using canned chicken, drain and shred it well, and season it generously before adding to the salad to improve flavor.

What can I add to make it more filling?

Try serving it over rice or noodles, or toss in avocado slices, extra nuts, or boiled eggs for added richness and protein.

Can I use a different fruit instead of mandarin oranges?

Definitely. Pineapple chunks, mango, or even apple slices work beautifully. Choose something juicy and sweet to balance the savory dressing.

Conclusion

This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is more than just a pretty bowl—it’s a satisfying, crave-worthy meal that’s full of texture, color, and flavor. Whether you’re tossing it together for a quick lunch, prepping meals ahead of a busy week, or serving it at a picnic, it brings brightness and balance to your table. With simple ingredients and a bold, homemade dressing, it’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.