If you’re after a fresh, hearty salad that brings both crunch and comfort to the table, Chicken Apple Coleslaw is your new kitchen hero. This dish marries juicy chicken, crisp apples, and classic coleslaw veggies with the irresistible sweetness of dried cranberries and a creamy tangy dressing. Every forkful offers a colorful mix of sweet, savory, and tart flavors—perfect for a quick lunch, wholesome dinner, or memorable potluck addition. Trust me, if you haven’t tried Chicken Apple Coleslaw yet, you’re about to discover the salad that everyone will be asking you for!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of everyday items come together to make Chicken Apple Coleslaw so special. Each ingredient adds a unique touch—whether it’s sweetness, crunch, or tang—giving this salad beautiful layers of texture and flavor.
- Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, shredded or diced): This is the protein-packed star that makes the salad satisfying enough for a meal—rotisserie chicken works perfectly if you want to save time.
- Coleslaw mix (3 cups): A classic combination of shredded cabbage and carrots, bringing essential crunch and vibrant color.
- Large apple (1, cored and julienned): Adds juicy sweetness and a refreshing bite—choose your favorite variety for a flavor boost.
- Celery (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): Gives each bite a crisp, green snap that balances out the creamy dressing.
- Red onion (1/3 cup, thinly sliced): Provides gentle sharpness and beautiful pops of purple throughout the salad.
- Dried cranberries (1/3 cup): For unexpected bursts of tang and chew—they keep every bite interesting.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup): Bring toasty flavor and extra crunch; swap with sunflower seeds or walnuts if you like.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy backbone of the dressing that brings it all together.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity tang that brightens everything.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): A drizzle for gentle sweetness, rounding out the sharper notes in the salad.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Lends a mellow bite and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making the salad sing.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of heat to balance the sweetness and creaminess.
How to Make Chicken Apple Coleslaw
Step 1: Prep and Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by getting a roomy mixing bowl—big enough to toss everything without ingredients flying overboard. Add the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, julienned apple, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just pull it apart; for apples, choosing a tart Granny Smith or a sweet Fuji lets you adjust the salad’s personality. This combination is already a feast for the eyes!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is velvety smooth. The apple cider vinegar lifts the creamy mayo, while honey weaves in a touch of sweetness that makes this Chicken Apple Coleslaw dressing stand out from the standard coleslaw crowd.
Step 3: Toss and Coat Evenly
Pour the prepared dressing over your colorful bowl of salad ingredients. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together, making sure every piece is kissed with the creamy dressing—the key to each bite being as flavorful as the last. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first; as the salad chills, it all settles perfectly.
Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This short nap in the fridge lets the flavors mingle, the cranberries plump up, and the slaw becomes impossibly good. If you can wait longer, even better—the ingredients just get friendlier with time.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When ready, give your Chicken Apple Coleslaw one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if you like. Scoop it into bowls or onto plates—get ready for crunches, sweetness, and savory chicken with every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Apple Coleslaw
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Try a sprinkle of extra sliced almonds on top for added crunch, a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color, or a few whole dried cranberries to catch the eye. A crack of black pepper or a light drizzle of honey just before serving can also accentuate the fresh flavors of your Chicken Apple Coleslaw.
Side Dishes
Chicken Apple Coleslaw goes brilliantly with classic picnic fare like potato chips, roasted sweet potatoes, or corn on the cob. It’s also lovely alongside a bowl of creamy soup in cooler months, or paired with grilled corn or herbed bread for an al fresco lunch that feels special yet effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Eat it as a hearty main in a big bowl, fill lettuce cups for a crisp appetizer, stuff it into wraps or sandwiches, or even pile it on top of baked sweet potatoes for a cozy, flavor-packed meal. However you serve it, Chicken Apple Coleslaw is sure to wow the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Apple Coleslaw (lucky you!), simply transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the apples and almonds will soften a bit over time, lending a new, mellow character to each serving.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing Chicken Apple Coleslaw. The creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well to freezing and thawing, and the crisp veggies become limp. If you must prep in advance, you can freeze the cooked chicken—just add the fresh produce and dressing when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so no reheating is necessary. If the coleslaw has been in the fridge a while, just stir it up before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh the flavors. If you like, add a fresh squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of nuts for an instant lift.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey works marvelously, especially with leftover holiday roast. For a vegetarian spin, chickpeas or cubed tofu easily soak up the dressing.
What kind of apple is best for Chicken Apple Coleslaw?
Both tart varieties like Granny Smith and sweeter types like Fuji or Honeycrisp shine in this salad. Choose tart apples for more zing or sweet apples for a mellower, fruitier flavor.
Is it possible to make Chicken Apple Coleslaw dairy free?
Yes—just swap traditional mayonnaise for a vegan or egg-free version. The result is just as creamy and delicious, perfect for dairy-free diets.
How can I make this recipe nut free?
Substitute the sliced almonds with roasted sunflower seeds or pepitas. Both options keep the salad crunchy and add their own unique flavor.
Can I make Chicken Apple Coleslaw ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the components separately and assemble the salad up to a day ahead, storing it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good toss before serving to refresh everything.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s equally at home at family dinners, meal prep sessions, or backyard parties, Chicken Apple Coleslaw checks every box. It’s fast, satisfying, and packed with flavor and color. Go ahead—give it a try, and watch it become a new staple in your recipe rotation!
Print
Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Apple Coleslaw is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy coleslaw mix, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side at your next barbecue!
Ingredients
Chicken Apple Coleslaw Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1 large apple, cored and julienned
- 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix chicken, coleslaw, apple, celery, red onion, cranberries, and almonds.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour dressing over the mixture, toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap almonds with sunflower seeds or walnuts for a nut-free option.
- Green or red apples both work well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
