If you’re craving something crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor, Chicken Apple Coleslaw is bound to become your new go-to. This vibrant salad combines tender chicken with crunchy cabbage, juicy apple, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or looking for a refreshing side dish, this Chicken Apple Coleslaw delivers a delightful mix of textures and tastes in every bite, making it a dish you’ll want on repeat.

Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chicken Apple Coleslaw is how it brings together simple, wholesome ingredients for maximum flavor. Each component plays a role in creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare—think crunch, color, sweetness, and a touch of savory goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Rotisserie chicken makes this even quicker, but any cooked chicken will do—just make sure it’s juicy and tender.
Coleslaw mix (3 cups): Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots are a total time-saver, and they add that essential crunch.
Medium apple (1, julienned or thinly sliced): Go for a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith for a refreshing contrast and extra crispness.
Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Adds a gentle bite and a burst of color—if you prefer a milder flavor, soak in cold water for a few minutes first.
Chopped celery (1/4 cup, optional): For those who love an extra layer of crunch and light, herby flavor.
Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (1/4 cup): Nuts bring in richness and a toasty crunch; swap with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Provides the creamy base for the dressing—use your favorite brand or a homemade version.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (2 tablespoons): This adds tanginess and lightens the dressing beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the flavors and balances the creaminess with a little zing.
Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): A touch of sweetness brings out the best in the apples and ties everything together.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Season to your preference and watch the flavors pop.

How to Make Chicken Apple Coleslaw

Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Start by gathering all your veggies and fruit. Shred or chop the cooked chicken if you haven’t already, and set it aside. Thinly slice the apple (leave the peel on for extra color and nutrients), red onion, and celery. If your coleslaw mix is pre-shredded, you’re already ahead of the game—just fluff it up in a large mixing bowl so it’s ready to mingle with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, sliced apple, red onion, celery (if you’re using it), and your choice of nuts. Give everything a gentle toss so the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is where the salad starts to come alive with color and crunch!

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well blended—it should have a tangy-sweet aroma that makes your mouth water.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over your slaw mixture and use tongs or two large forks to toss everything together. Make sure every bit of chicken and every strand of cabbage gets a coating of that luscious dressing. This step is key to making sure each bite of Chicken Apple Coleslaw is perfectly flavorful.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill your Chicken Apple Coleslaw in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become even more refreshing. Serve it cold as a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or even tucked into a sandwich or wrap.

How to Serve Chicken Apple Coleslaw

Garnishes

A handful of extra sliced almonds or chopped nuts on top adds a delightful crunch right before serving. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can brighten up the look and flavor. A few extra apple matchsticks or a sprinkle of black pepper also make the Chicken Apple Coleslaw look irresistibly fresh and inviting.

Side Dishes

Chicken Apple Coleslaw pairs beautifully with classic picnic fare like grilled corn, potato wedges, or a slice of crusty bread. For heartier meals, serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a juicy burger. Its crispness offers a perfect balance to any rich, savory main course.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling Chicken Apple Coleslaw high on toasted brioche buns for a quick and satisfying sandwich. It’s also fantastic spooned into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held option. For gatherings, serve it in a large, shallow bowl so everyone can admire its vibrant colors, or portion it into mason jars for adorable picnic-ready servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Apple Coleslaw will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they meld, but the salad may lose a bit of its crunch after the first day—especially if the apples are very juicy. If you want to keep it extra crisp, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

Freezing

This isn’t a coleslaw that loves the freezer. The creamy dressing can separate and the veggies will lose their crunch after thawing. For best results, enjoy Chicken Apple Coleslaw fresh or within a couple of days of making it.

Reheating

Chicken Apple Coleslaw is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’ve just pulled it from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes so the flavors can shine. There’s no need to heat it, and in fact, warming could make it soggy—just give it a quick toss and enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Chicken Apple Coleslaw. It’s juicy, flavorful, and shreds easily. Just remove the skin and bones, chop or shred the meat, and you’re ready to go.

What kind of apple works best?

A tart, crisp apple like Granny Smith adds the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. However, feel free to use your favorite—Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji all work well too. Just make sure it’s firm so it holds up in the salad.

How can I make this recipe nut-free?

You can swap the almonds or walnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep your Chicken Apple Coleslaw crunchy and allergy-friendly. Or simply leave out the nuts altogether if you prefer.

Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?

Yes! Using more Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise will cut calories and fat while keeping things creamy. You could also try a light mayo or even a dairy-free yogurt if you’re avoiding dairy.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for meal prep?

Definitely. Chicken Apple Coleslaw is a meal prep dream. Just store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before eating to keep it super fresh and crunchy all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bright, crunchy, and satisfying salad, Chicken Apple Coleslaw is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it never fails to surprise with its blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation!

Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and healthy Chicken Apple Coleslaw combining tender cooked chicken, crunchy cabbage, sweet tart apple, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or sandwich filling, this gluten-free salad is quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
1 medium apple (julienned or thinly sliced)
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup chopped celery (optional)
1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts

Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, julienned apple, thinly sliced red onion, optional chopped celery, and sliced almonds or walnuts. Mix gently to combine all solid ingredients evenly.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the bowl with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly but gently to ensure each bite is coated evenly with the creamy dressing.
Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the slaw to chill nicely.
Serve: Serve cold as a light, refreshing lunch, a side dish with your meal, or use as a flavorful sandwich filling.

Notes

For extra crunch and tartness, use a Granny Smith apple variety.
For a nut-free option, substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option for cooked chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American