Juicy Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe for Summer Picnics

Crisp summer days call for a delightful chicken apple coleslaw that brings unexpected zest to your plate.

Refreshing ingredients dance together in a colorful medley of flavors and textures.

Crunchy cabbage mingles with tender chicken pieces, creating a satisfying meal that feels both light and substantial.

Sweet apple chunks add a surprising twist to this classic salad.

Tangy dressing weaves through each bite, balancing the richness of chicken with bright, crisp notes.

Minimal preparation meets maximum flavor in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

What Makes This Coleslaw So Fresh

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, crunchy fiber-rich cabbage, and sweet apple slices, this coleslaw delivers a balanced meal that nourishes your body with essential nutrients.
• Quick Prep Magic: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique make this recipe perfect for busy individuals seeking a fast, delicious meal without complex cooking steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick lunch options, this coleslaw adapts easily to different occasions and satisfies diverse taste preferences with its refreshing blend of textures and flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Swap dressing types, add extra protein, or include different vegetable mix-ins to personalize this recipe and keep it exciting for repeated enjoyment.

Ingredients in Chicken Apple Coleslaw

• Coleslaw Mix: A fresh, crunchy blend of shredded cabbage and carrots that provides a crisp foundation for the salad.
• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and nutrition to the coleslaw.
• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that brings a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness to the dish.

• SkinnyGirl Poppyseed Dressing: A light, tangy dressing that ties all the ingredients together with a creamy and slightly sweet flavor profile.

How to Toss Chicken Apple Coleslaw

Step 1: Shred Tender Chicken

Break down cooked chicken breast into bite-sized shreds using two forks, ensuring tender and manageable pieces for easy mixing.

Step 2: Chop Crisp Apples

Dice fresh apples into small, uniform cubes, removing seeds and core.

Select sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for maximum flavor contrast.

Step 3: Prepare Coleslaw Base

Grab a pre-packaged coleslaw mix or slice fresh cabbage and carrots into thin, delicate strips that will provide a crunchy foundation for the salad.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Shredded chicken
• Diced apples
• Coleslaw mix

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Drizzle poppyseed dressing over the mixture, using light, sweeping motions to coat every ingredient evenly. Fold ingredients together with a silicone spatula to prevent breaking delicate apple pieces.

Step 6: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop a harmonious taste profile. Serve cold as a refreshing lunch or side dish.

Tips for Crunchy and Creamy Coleslaw

• Opt for rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative to freshly cooked chicken breast.
• Choose crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best flavor and texture contrast.
• Swap poppyseed dressing with Greek yogurt and honey for a lighter, protein-packed version.
• Add toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutritional boost.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, but enjoy best when fresh to maintain crisp vegetables.

Tasty Variations for Apple Coleslaw

• Vegan Veggie Crunch: Replace chicken with crispy tofu cubes, use plant-based poppyseed dressing, and add extra crunchy vegetables like bell peppers.
• Low-Carb Protein Bowl: Swap coleslaw mix for shredded cauliflower, use grilled turkey breast, and choose a keto-friendly dressing.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add feta cheese, swap apples for mandarin oranges, incorporate fresh herbs like mint and parsley, use Greek yogurt-based dressing.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in jalapeños, replace chicken with pulled rotisserie chicken, add corn kernels, use a chipotle-lime dressing for extra kick.

What to Pair with Chicken Coleslaw

• Refreshing Wine Complement: Pair this light and tangy coleslaw with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose zesty citrus notes will enhance the apple's sweetness and complement the creamy dressing.
• Craft Beer Harmony: Choose a wheat beer or a light blonde ale that offers a clean, refreshing taste to balance the coleslaw's creamy texture and fruity undertones.
• Sidekick Sandwich Match: Serve this coleslaw alongside a grilled turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, creating a perfect lunch combo with contrasting textures and complementary flavors.
• Crunchy Garnish Booster: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or sunflower seeds on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the coleslaw's smooth profile.

How to Store Coleslaw Correctly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Keep the coleslaw chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Before storing, gently pat the salad with paper towels to remove extra moisture that might make the coleslaw soggy.

If possible, keep the dressing separate from the salad to prevent wilting and maintain the crisp texture of the ingredients.

Do not freeze this salad, as the apples and coleslaw mix will lose their crunch and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

• Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s a low-calorie, protein-packed salad with lean chicken and fresh apples, providing a nutritious meal option.

• Can I use a different dressing?

While SkinnyGirl Poppyseed works best, you can substitute with light ranch or Greek yogurt-based dressings for similar results.

• How long can the coleslaw stay fresh?

When refrigerated in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for 1-2 days without losing its crisp texture.

• Do I need to cook the chicken beforehand?

Yes, use pre-cooked, shredded, or diced chicken breast to ensure food safety and save preparation time.

Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp cabbage dances with juicy chicken and sweet apple slices in this refreshing Chicken Apple Coleslaw. Summer’s perfect picnic companion blends tangy mayo dressing with crunchy vegetables for a light, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large cans chicken breast, drained

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 bag coleslaw mix
• 2 large apples, peeled and diced

Dressing:

• 1 bottle SkinnyGirl Poppyseed Dressing

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Instructions

1. Toss shredded cabbage mixture into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
2. Incorporate tender, shredded chicken pieces throughout the crisp vegetable blend.
3. Gently fold diced apples into the mixture, ensuring even distribution for a sweet and tangy profile.
4. Drizzle poppyseed dressing across the salad, using a light hand to prevent overwhelming the fresh ingredients.
5. Thoroughly mix all components until each morsel is elegantly coated with the creamy dressing.
6. For optimal flavor development, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and chill.
7. Serve cold as a refreshing and light meal or side dish, enjoying the crisp textures and balanced flavors.

Notes

• Toast nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty depth to the coleslaw.
• Swap chicken for rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to reduce cooking time and add more flavor variety.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of dressing for a protein-packed, lower-calorie alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Choose green apples for tartness or red apples for sweetness, depending on your taste preference and desired flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg