We’ve all been there—staring into the fridge at 12:37 p.m., hoping a meal will magically appear that’s not just leftovers or another soggy sandwich. If that sounds familiar, let me introduce you to your new lunchtime hero: Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing.
Packed with vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and a dressing that hits all the right sweet-savory notes, this Asian chicken salad twist is the definition of “easy meal prep meets restaurant-worthy flavor.” It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy, tastes incredible, and secretly takes almost no effort. Win, win, win.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
This is not your average salad. It’s colorful. It’s crunchy. It’s completely crave-worthy. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- It’s fast. You can whip this up in under 20 minutes—less time than it takes to get through the Starbucks drive-thru line at noon.
- It’s healthy-ish. Packed with greens, lean protein, and plenty of fresh veggies, this is a salad that actually fills you up.
- It’s flavor-forward. The Asian ginger salad dressing is a zippy, sweet-savory dream that brings the whole dish together.
- Leftovers? Yes, please. This salad keeps surprisingly well, making it perfect for next-day lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry—nothing fancy, and you can find it all in a typical grocery store.
Veggies & Greens:
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 2 ribs bok choy, chopped
- 8 oz cucumbers, sliced into thin matchsticks
- 8 oz shredded carrots
- 5 oz spring mix
- 12 oz chopped romaine lettuce
Protein & Extras:
- 12 oz cooked chicken (rotisserie works great here!)
- 15 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
- 3 oz fried wonton strips (hello, crunch)
- 3 oz toasted slivered almonds
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 8 fresh cilantro sprigs (optional but highly recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Ginger Sesame Dressing:
- 1 cup canola oil
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ cup rice wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1½ tsp dry mustard
- 1½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp black pepper
Step by Step to Master Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
- Start with the dressing so the flavors have a few minutes to mingle. In a jar or mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth. Give it a taste—want it tangier? Add a splash more vinegar. Sweeter? A pinch more sugar. You’re the boss.
- Prep the veggies. Chop, slice, and shred your way through the rainbow of veggies: bell peppers, bok choy, cucumbers, carrots, spring mix, and romaine. Toss them all into a giant bowl. Bigger than you think you need—you’re going to want room to mix.
- Add the chicken. If you’re using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Toss it in with the greens.
- Dress it up. Pour your Asian ginger salad dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Don’t be shy—this dressing is liquid gold.
- Top it off. Just before serving, sprinkle in the mandarin oranges, fried wonton strips, almonds, sesame seeds, and cilantro. These add major crunch and pops of flavor you’ll love.
- Taste and season. A little salt and pepper go a long way. Give it a quick toss and a taste-test nibble—chef’s privilege.
Pro Tips for Salad Success
- Short on time? Use bagged coleslaw mix instead of chopping everything fresh. Total time-saver.
- Want it spicy? Add a dash of sriracha or some red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
- Make it a meal prep star. Keep the crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy sadness.
- Feeding picky eaters? Skip the cilantro and add extra chicken or noodles to bulk it up.
A Little Backstory…
This Asian salad with chicken was born out of one of those “clean out the fridge” moments. I had leftover rotisserie chicken, a half-used bag of spring mix, and a serious craving for something fresh but filling. The ginger sesame dressing came together from pantry staples, and the crunch factor? That was thanks to a last-minute fried wonton impulse buy. (No regrets.)
After making it once, my family was hooked. Now it’s a weekly staple—especially on those days when I want to feel like I’ve got it all together… even if I’m still in pajama pants at 2 p.m.
FAQs about Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?
Pineapple chunks or even sliced apples work great. Anything with a little sweetness adds balance to the savory dressing.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yep—just skip the chicken and add tofu or edamame for a plant-based protein punch.
What to do with sesame ginger dressing?
Besides drizzling it all over this Asian chicken salad, try it as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp, a dipping sauce for dumplings, or even a zesty topping for grain bowls. It’s one of those dressings that makes just about anything taste better.
Is chicken salad served hot or cold?
Chicken salad is typically served cold—or at least chilled—which makes it super refreshing and ideal for warm days or quick lunches. No reheating required!
Where did chicken salad come from?
Fun fact: chicken salad actually dates back to the 1800s in the U.S. The first known American version was made by combining leftover chicken with mayo, tarragon, and grapes. It’s come a long way since then, with all sorts of global-inspired versions like this one!
What are the ingredients in chicken salad?
It varies, but most chicken salads include some kind of cooked chicken, a mix of fresh veggies or greens, and a flavorful dressing. In this Asian salad with chicken, we’re talking crunchy vegetables, mandarin oranges, wonton strips, and that amazing Asian ginger salad dressing.
Conclusion
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick, colorful dinner after a chaotic workday, this Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is about to become your go-to. It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor—with just the right crunch to make lunchtime (or dinnertime) way more exciting.
🥗 More Chicken Recipes to Try Next
If you’re loving the bold flavors in this Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing, you’re going to want to check out a few more irresistible recipes from Chicken Magic! For another bright, veggie-packed option, this refreshing Chicken Tostada Salad brings crispy textures and vibrant toppings to your dinner table. Craving something warm and comforting instead? Cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup—perfect for rainy days or when you just need a little food hug. If you’re in the mood for sweet and savory fusion, don’t miss our juicy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken, which pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. And if you’re hunting for a light, lunch-friendly option, this easy Buffalo Chicken Salad brings the heat without over complicating your prep.
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Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing is the ultimate quick-and-fresh meal. Packed with vibrant veggies, juicy chicken, crunchy toppings, and a sweet-savory homemade dressing, it’s perfect for busy lunches or light dinners. A colorful, flavor-forward twist on classic Asian chicken salad!
Ingredients
Salad:
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 ribs bok choy, chopped
8 oz cucumbers, julienned
8 oz shredded carrots
5 oz spring mix
12 oz chopped romaine lettuce
12 oz cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
15 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
3 oz fried wonton strips
3 oz toasted slivered almonds
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
8 cilantro sprigs (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Ginger Sesame Dressing:
1 cup canola oil
3 tbsp sesame oil
½ cup rice wine vinegar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
1½ tsp dry mustard
1½ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Make the Dressing:
In a jar or mixing bowl, whisk together canola oil, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, dry mustard, ground ginger, and black pepper until fully combined. Set aside.Prep the Veggies:
Slice bell peppers, cucumbers, and bok choy. Shred the carrots. Add all veggies and greens (spring mix and romaine) into a large salad bowl.Add the Chicken:
Chop or shred the cooked chicken and toss it into the salad.Dress the Salad:
Pour the ginger sesame dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is coated evenly.Top It Off:
Add mandarin oranges, wonton strips, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately for the freshest crunch!
Notes
Keep dressing and crunchy toppings separate if making ahead for meal prep.
Swap in tofu or edamame for a vegetarian version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dressing if you want some heat!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large salad bowl
- Calories: ~560 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg