If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that combines the comforting flavors of savory chicken with the crisp sweetness of apple, then you will absolutely adore this Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes that perfectly balance creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy notes. Whether you want a light lunch, a colorful side, or a quick crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this recipe brings that irresistible charm to your table with ease. Prepare to be hooked on this wholesome, fuss-free salad that feels like a hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for building the perfect Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe. Each element contributes something special, from juicy apples adding a sweet crunch to the creamy dressing bringing everything together into one harmonious dish.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded): This is the hearty protein base that makes the salad filling and satisfying.
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots): Adds vibrant color and crisp texture, creating a refreshing crunch in every bite.
- 1 large apple (julienned or thinly sliced, preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji): Sweetness and a crisp contrast that pairs beautifully with savory chicken.
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced): A sharp bite that wakes up your taste buds and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chopped celery: Another crunchy layer that enhances texture and freshness.
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries: Adds bursts of sweet-tart flavor that make this salad lively and interesting.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Provides a toasty, nutty crunch that’s simply irresistible, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Brings creamy tang without overpowering, keeping the dressing light and healthful.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Gives richness and smoothness that balances the yogurt perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Infuses a gentle tartness to brighten up the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness that enhances the apple and complements the dressing beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle spark of flavor complexity and depth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by tossing together the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, julienned apple, thinly sliced red onion, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and nuts if you’re using them. This colorful base is what makes this Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe so vibrant and delicious, with each ingredient bringing unique texture and flavor that will shine through in the final salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the creamy Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Aim for a smooth, well-blended dressing that’s perfectly balanced between creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet. This mixture is what elevates the salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over your slaw and chicken mixture, then toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each bite is coated with that luscious dressing. Refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, giving you a refreshing, cohesive salad that’s bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
For a final touch, sprinkle a little extra chopped nuts or a few fresh apple slices on top. These simple garnishes add a lovely visual appeal and enhance the textures. A few freshly cracked black peppercorns also bring a nice aromatic boost right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or pork, offering a refreshing counterpoint to smoky flavors. It’s also a star companion to sandwiches and wraps, or served alongside your favorite soup for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the slaw in crisp lettuce cups for a light appetizer or pile it into whole-grain pita pockets for a fresh, hand-held lunch. If you’re feeling festive, this salad is perfect layered in mason jars for picnics or potlucks — not only practical but seriously charming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving as some liquid might settle at the bottom.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not ideal for freezing because the creamy dressing and fresh produce can become watery or lose texture. Instead, prepare the components separately if you plan to freeze the chicken beforehand.
Reheating
As this is a cold salad, there’s no need to reheat. Enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for that crisp, refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are recommended for their sweet crunch, Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples also work well if you enjoy a tarter flavor contrast.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like chickpeas and replace Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives. The cranberries and apple keep the vibrant flavors intact without dairy or meat.
How long does the salad keep its crispness?
The salad stays optimally crisp for about 1 to 2 days refrigerated. After that, the apples and coleslaw mix might soften a bit, but it will still taste delicious.
Can I prepare this salad without nuts?
Definitely! Nuts add nice texture and flavor, but you can leave them out if you have allergies or prefer a simpler taste. You might consider adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
What can I do to make the dressing richer?
If you prefer a creamier, richer dressing, increase the mayonnaise and reduce the Greek yogurt slightly. This will give your Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe a luscious texture without overwhelming the other fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a fresh breeze on a busy day. It’s the perfect mix of simple ingredients coming together for a result that’s flavorful, nutritious, and downright addictive. I really hope you give this recipe a try — it’s a wonderful way to brighten up your meal rotations with wholesome goodness and satisfying crunch. You’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
Print
Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and healthy Chicken Apple Coleslaw that combines tender shredded chicken with crisp coleslaw mix, sweet apples, crunchy nuts, and tangy dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing. Perfect as a light main dish or a flavorful side, this no-cook recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying lunch or a fall-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1 large apple, julienned or thinly sliced (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine the main ingredients: In a large bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken breast, coleslaw mix, julienned apple, thinly sliced red onion, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts if using. Gently toss to mix these ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well blended.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined chicken and slaw mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.
- Chill the coleslaw: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken apple coleslaw for 15 to 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
- Serve: After chilling, serve the coleslaw cold. It works perfectly as a light main dish or a refreshing side salad, ideal for lunch or as a complement to your meal.
Notes
- For convenience, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast yourself.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise if you prefer a richer, creamier dressing.
- Add sliced grapes or sunflower seeds to the slaw for extra burst of flavor and crunchy texture.
