Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe

This Chicken Apple Coleslaw is a delightful, crunchy, and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken, crisp apples, and vibrant cabbage with a creamy, slightly tangy dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or even a potluck favorite, this coleslaw is not only delicious but also nutritious.

Description

This Chicken Apple Coleslaw is a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, featuring tender shredded chicken, sweet apples, and a colorful mix of cabbage and carrots. The creamy dressing is balanced with a hint of honey and Dijon mustard, giving it a slightly tangy and sweet flavor. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it a satisfying and healthy option for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the Coleslaw:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
  • 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned or thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (green, red, or a mix)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ¼ cup chopped almonds (optional, for crunch)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for sweetness)

• For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer dressing)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference.

2. Combine the Salad:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, apples, cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and cranberries.

3. Toss and Serve:
   Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss until all ingredients are well coated.

4. Chill and Enjoy:
   Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips

• Make Ahead: This coleslaw can be made a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, but add the almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
• Variations:
  • Swap the Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a richer taste.
  • Add celery for extra crunch.
  • Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve as a light lunch, a side dish for BBQs, or as a filling in sandwiches or wraps.

Servings

This recipe serves 4–6 people as a side dish or 2–3 as a main course.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 250mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Benefits

• High Protein: Thanks to the shredded chicken, this coleslaw provides a good amount of protein, making it satisfying and nutritious.
• Fiber-Rich: Cabbage, apples, and carrots add fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
• Antioxidants and Vitamins: Apples and cabbage are rich in vitamins A and C, boosting immunity and skin health.
• Low Carb Option: It’s a lighter, lower-carb alternative to traditional coleslaw with added sugars.

Q&A

• Can I use rotisserie chicken?
  Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor without the hassle of cooking.

• Can this be made vegan?
  Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use a plant-based yogurt for the dressing.

• How long does it last in the fridge?
  This coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best eaten fresh to maintain the crunchiness of the veggies.

• Can I freeze this coleslaw?
  No, it is not recommended to freeze this coleslaw as the cabbage and apples will lose their crunch and become watery when thawed.

Give this Chicken Apple Coleslaw a try, and enjoy a flavorful, crunchy, and nutritious meal!