Chicken Cole Slaw
A vibrant and crunchy chicken cole slaw combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, sweet fruits, and a creamy honey dressing, perfect for light lunches or barbecues.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cabbage, chicken, apple, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a variety of nuts or swapping walnuts for pecans. You can also experiment with different apples, such as Granny Smith for a tart kick. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix can save prep time. For a lighter dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Cole Slaw makes a refreshing main dish and can be paired with grilled meats or served as a side at summer barbecues. It also complements sandwiches beautifully, especially with recipes like Walnut Chicken Salad. Garnish with extra walnuts or apple slices for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become a bit watery due to the dressing, but you can refresh it by adding a bit more cabbage or nuts. Avoid freezing the salad as the texture of the cabbage and fruits may suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cole Slaw contains roughly 426 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 844mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to the salad. Just make sure to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, to make this salad vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein, use a vegan sour cream and mayonnaise, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This way, you maintain the essence of the dish while accommodating dietary preferences.
How long can I let the salad sit before serving?
It's best to serve the salad immediately after mixing to enjoy the fresh crunch of the vegetables and fruits. However, if you prefer to chill it, allowing it to sit for about 30 minutes helps meld the flavors without compromising texture too much.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).