Sunny Chicken Coleslaw Salad
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a chicken coleslaw salad that's actually good for you? Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of sunshine in a bowl? This recipe is a total game changer.
Brief Overview
Chicken coleslaw salad isn't just American; it’s a picnic staple across the pond, too. This easy recipe takes about 40 minutes and makes 4-6 servings, perfect for a light lunch or a BBQ side.
It's proper lush, I'm telling you.
Main Benefits
This healthy chicken coleslaw is packed with protein and veggies, making it a guilt free treat. It's ideal for a picnic salad or a quick weekday light lunch recipe .
What makes it special? It's that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet!
Sunny Chicken Coleslaw Salad: Sunshine in a Bowl
Right, let's talk chicken coleslaw recipe ! Forget what you know about heavy, mayo laden coleslaw. We're ditching the guilt and embracing the good stuff.
This recipe is all about fresh flavours and healthy ingredients. It's a cracking good meal.
What's the Story Behind Chicken Coleslaw?
I reckon chicken salad with cabbage has been around for ages. But it's time for a refresh! This version is lighter, brighter, and bursting with flavour.
Think of it as a classic reborn, ready for your next BBQ side dishes .
Is This Chicken Coleslaw for You?
Honestly, if you're after a summer salad recipes that's both easy and delicious, look no further. This is the creamy coleslaw with chicken that everyone will be raving about.
It is also a healthy chicken coleslaw . You know?
Time to Gather Your Bits!
Before we dive in, let's get organised. This recipe is dead easy, but having everything prepped makes it even smoother.
I always feel like Mary Berry when I get my ingredients sorted beforehand, haha!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this smashing chicken coleslaw salad ! Honestly, it’s so simple, even my nan could whip it up, and she once set fire to a salad!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Right, you need to know what's what. This chicken coleslaw recipe is forgiving. But quality makes a difference.
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the shopping list. Don't worry, it’s not too scary.
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless. Make sure the chicken is nice and pink before cooking. Nobody wants dodgy chicken!
- Green Cabbage: 1/2 medium head (about 4 cups / 400g), thinly sliced. Fresh, vibrant green cabbage is the key to a healthy chicken coleslaw .
- Carrot: 1 large (about 1 cup / 100g), shredded. Go for firm and bright orange carrots.
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup (50g) , thinly sliced.
- Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup (50g) (optional, but trust me, they’re lush).
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (25g) , chopped.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml) (light mayo is fine).
- Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup (60ml) (makes it tangy).
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
- Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp (30ml) , freshly squeezed (don't skimp!). This also brings a great kick to the Coleslaw dressing recipe .
- Honey: 1 tbsp (15ml) (optional, a touch of sweetness).
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp (5ml) .
- Celery Seeds: 1/2 tsp (3g) (don’t skip these!).
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Olive oil : 1 tbsp (15ml)
I remember one time I used old mayonnaise. It tasted rank! Fresh is best, trust me on that one. Rotisserie chicken coleslaw is a great shortcut too if you're in a hurry.
Just shred it up!
Seasoning Notes
Spice it right! Celery seeds are a must for that classic chicken salad with cabbage flavor. Dijon mustard adds a lovely tang.
A little honey balances the acidity. Don't be afraid to experiment! For subs, celery seeds can be swapped with dill seeds
Equipment Needed
Not much needed, honest!
- Large Bowl: For mixing the coleslaw.
- Medium Bowl: For the dressing.
- Cutting Board & Knife: Obvs.
- Grater: For the carrots (unless you buy pre-shredded, you lazy git!).
- Whisk: To get that dressing smooth.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measuring. A common household alternative is a tablespoon.
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this creamy coleslaw with chicken . Just the basics. Thinking about a picnic salad idea ? This is your winner! Plus, it goes down a treat as a BBQ side dish .
And you can easily add some spices to give your light lunch recipes a kick.
Sunny Chicken Coleslaw Salad : Your New Go-To
Fancy a salad that's actually exciting? Then this chicken coleslaw recipe is right up your street! It is a cracking good meal.
Forget those boring, bland salads. I am sharing with you this sunshine-in-a-bowl experience. Honestly, this recipe changed my salad game.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first: let's get organised! Chop your ½ medium head green cabbage and shred 1 large carrot ahead of time.
Trust me, it makes all the difference. And please, watch your fingers when grating! Also, dice 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts .
step-by-step to Chicken Coleslaw Perfection
This healthy chicken coleslaw is easier than you think.
- Cook 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts in 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper . Cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F .
- Shred or dice the chicken. Boom. One less thing to worry about.
- Mix ½ head green cabbage , 1 large carrot , ½ cup red onion , ½ cup dried cranberries , and ¼ cup parsley in a large bowl.
- Whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise , ¼ cup Greek yogurt , 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar , 2 tbsp lemon juice , 1 tbsp honey , 1 tsp Dijon mustard , ½ tsp celery seeds , ¼ tsp salt , and ¼ tsp pepper . Taste and adjust, yeah?
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Add shredded chicken and toss gently.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This lets all the flavors properly mingle.
- Serve cold and enjoy. Get stuck in!
Pro Tips : Secrets to Chicken Coleslaw Bliss
- Don't overdress! Soggy chicken salad with cabbage is no fun. Add dressing gradually.
- Celery seeds are key! Seriously, don't skip them . They provide that classic creamy coleslaw with chicken flavor.
- Make it ahead! It tastes even better the next day. This makes it one of the best summer salad recipes .
This rotisserie chicken coleslaw recipe is fantastic as part of your picnic salad ideas or as a BBQ side dish . Or just if you fancy a light lunch recipe . Enjoy.
Right, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this amazing chicken coleslaw salad . Honestly, this isn't just a recipe, it's more like a roadmap to a delicious time.
I've made this so many times, and I've learned a few tricks along the way. It's all about making it work for you.
Recipe Notes
Serving It Up!
This chicken coleslaw recipe is so versatile. You can plate it fancy like in individual bowls, maybe with a sprig of parsley.
Or, just whack it in a big bowl for everyone to dig in. Fancy ain't always necessary. This recipe is one of those summer salad recipes that goes brilliantly with BBQ'd grub think burgers, sausages, the works.
I reckon it'd also be top-notch with a nice cold pint of cider or a crisp glass of white wine.
Honestly, proper picnic vibes. I also like to serve it on a bed of lettuce or baby spinach.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? No worries! This healthy chicken coleslaw keeps well. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It'll be good for up to 3 days, easy peasy. Freezing isn't really recommended, as the mayo can get a bit weird when it thaws.
Honestly, it's best fresh. When reheating, give it a good stir. If it looks a bit dry, add a tiny splash of milk.
I've done it, and it works a treat!
Mix It Up!
Want to shake things up? No sweat! If you're watching the waistline, use light mayo or swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt.
Makes it a healthy chicken coleslaw . If you are veggie, skip the chicken and add some chickpeas. Easy peasy. Feel free to try some seasonal ingredient swaps .
Nutrition Lowdown
Right, so this chicken coleslaw salad is packed with protein from the chicken. The veggies add loads of vitamins. Using Greek yogurt instead of all mayo cuts down on fat, making it a bit healthier.
It's a decent source of fiber too, thanks to the cabbage and carrots. Basically, it's a cracking good choice for a light lunch or a picnic salad ideas .
So there you have it! My little guide to making this chicken salad with cabbage absolute gold. Get stuck in, have a laugh, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Cooking should be fun, after all! I hope you get a cracking good meal. Enjoy your creamy coleslaw with chicken !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken coleslaw salad ahead of time? I'm prepping for a BBQ!
Absolutely! In fact, chicken coleslaw salad is even better when made a few hours in advance. The flavours have time to meld together, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. Like a fine wine, it improves with a little time!
Help! My chicken coleslaw salad is a bit watery. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
Oh dear, soggy coleslaw is a right pain! This usually happens when the cabbage releases too much moisture. Next time, try salting the shredded cabbage and letting it sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess water before rinsing and drying it well.
To fix it now, you can drain off any excess liquid and add a bit more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to thicken the dressing. Adding some extra shredded carrot also helps soak up excess moisture.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier what are some ways I can lighten up this chicken coleslaw salad?
Good on you for thinking about the healthy angle! You can easily lighten up your chicken coleslaw salad by using light mayonnaise or swapping half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. Also, a touch of honey or maple syrup adds some nice flavour without adding a lot of sugar.
Don't be shy about loading up on the veggies either!
What's the best way to store leftover chicken coleslaw salad, and how long will it last?
To keep your chicken coleslaw salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally last for 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, and be sure to check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or taste, before digging in. When in doubt, throw it out!
You wouldn't want to upset your stomach.
Can I swap out the chicken for something else in this chicken coleslaw salad? I'm not a big meat eater.
You absolutely can! If you're not a fan of chicken, chickpeas or shredded tofu make excellent substitutes in this chicken coleslaw salad. They both add a nice bit of protein and texture. You could even use canned tuna or salmon for a different twist. Get creative and make it your own!
What side dishes go well with chicken coleslaw salad to make a full meal?
Chicken coleslaw salad is quite versatile. It pairs well with lots of dishes. If you want to keep it light, serve it alongside some grilled corn on the cob or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. For a more substantial meal, try pairing it with some baked beans or a hearty grain salad like quinoa or farro.
Serve with a pint of your favourite local beer or a glass of crisp white wine on a sunny afternoon. Cheers!
Sunny Chicken Coleslaw Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |