Chicken Apple Coleslaw is simplicity and freshness in every crunchy, creamy bite. Between the tender pieces of chicken, crisp apples, and the vibrant tang of homemade dressing, this salad is a game changer for quick lunches and satisfying sides alike. With nourishing ingredients that burst with color and texture, it’s the kind of dish that feels both wholesome and special—perfect for serving on its own, stuffing into a sandwich, or enjoying picnic-style with friends. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe rotation!

Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Apple Coleslaw comes together with straightforward pantry and fridge staples, each adding a special touch to the finished salad. With every ingredient doing its part—whether lending crunch, a pop of sweetness, or creaminess—the flavors balance beautifully and make this dish shine.

Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken both work wonders for speedy prep and plenty of protein.
Coleslaw mix (3 cups, shredded cabbage and carrots): Save time with a pre-shredded bag, or thinly slice your own for extra crunch and color.
Apple (1, julienned or thinly sliced): Whether you choose tart Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp, apple adds juicy bites and a hint of sweetness.
Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): These give a subtle sharpness and brightness, perfectly balancing the creamy elements.
Chopped celery (1/4 cup): Adds extra crunch and a touch of earthiness for texture contrast.
Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): Totally optional, but they deliver delightful nuttiness and extra crunch if you love texture!
Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): For a creamy, protein-packed base that lightens up the traditional mayonnaise-heavy dressing.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Rounds out the dressing and helps it coat every morsel beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): This lifts the salad with gentle acidity and brings the flavors together.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the tangy elements and accentuates the apple’s natural sweetness.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds zip and subtle spice to keep things interesting.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings out all those lovely flavors; adjust to your liking.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a bit of warmth and depth in every bite.

How to Make Chicken Apple Coleslaw

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, julienned apple, green onions, and celery. If you’re a fan of a little extra crunch and heartiness, sprinkle in the chopped almonds or walnuts as well. Give everything a gentle toss to start mixing the textures—this will ensure every forkful of Chicken Apple Coleslaw has a bit of everything.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, add the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Using a whisk or fork, blend it all together until the mixture turns smooth and luscious. Take a quick taste and adjust for your preferred balance of creaminess, tang, or sweetness.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the creamy dressing over the coleslaw mixture in your large bowl. Using salad tongs or two large forks, toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. You want the dressing to hug every bit of chicken, veggie, and apple for the best flavor in each bite of Chicken Apple Coleslaw. Taste again and tweak the salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer the finished coleslaw to the fridge for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This short chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together, making the Chicken Apple Coleslaw taste even better. Serve it cold or let it come up to room temperature for a picnic-worthy treat.

How to Serve Chicken Apple Coleslaw

Garnishes

To give your Chicken Apple Coleslaw an extra pop of color and a gourmet touch, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped green onions or a few extra nuts right before serving. For more flair, add some finely chopped fresh herbs—parsley or dill work especially well. These simple garnishes turn everyday salad into something party-ready.

Side Dishes

Chicken Apple Coleslaw pairs beautifully with all kinds of meals! Try it alongside grilled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, or tucked into a soft whole grain roll. It also shines as a side to barbecue favorites, or next to a simple soup for a satisfying lunch that ticks every box.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the salad bowl! Spoon Chicken Apple Coleslaw onto toasted bread for a hearty open-faced sandwich, stuff it into pita pockets, or roll it in lettuce leaves for a light, refreshing wrap. Served in individual mason jars, it becomes a fun, portable option for picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Apple Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for about 2–3 days, though the flavors continue to blend and deepen with time. If you notice extra juices at the bottom, just give it a stir before serving.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Chicken Apple Coleslaw. The creamy dressing and crisp veggies don’t fare well in the freezer, and the texture changes considerably when thawed. Enjoy it fresh for the best results!

Reheating

Chicken Apple Coleslaw is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply remove it from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving if you like it a little less chilled, and you’re ready to go.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Apple Coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead lets the flavors marry together even more. Just mix it up, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Give it a quick toss before dishing up.

What kind of apple works best?

Both tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp are delicious in Chicken Apple Coleslaw. Go with your favorite, or even try a mix if you have a few on hand for maximum flavor contrast.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Just swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for your favorite dairy-free or vegan alternatives. The coleslaw will still be creamy and refreshing—so everyone at your table can enjoy it.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut and infuses the Chicken Apple Coleslaw with extra flavor. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken before mixing it in.

Can I add extra veggies or fruits?

Of course! Consider tossing in shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or even a handful of dried cranberries. Chicken Apple Coleslaw is endlessly versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your tastes or what you have available.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing salad, Chicken Apple Coleslaw just might steal your heart. It’s crisp, creamy, and every bit as satisfying as it looks. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it on repeat!

Chicken Apple Coleslaw Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

This Chicken Apple Coleslaw recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender cooked chicken with a crunchy mix of cabbage, carrots, apple, and nuts, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light meal or side dish!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Apple Coleslaw:

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

Dressing:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Coleslaw: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, coleslaw mix, apple, green onions, celery, and nuts (if using).
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss well to coat. Chill for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Apple Coleslaw cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Use a tart apple like Granny Smith or a sweet one like Honeycrisp depending on your flavor preference.
Great for meal prep, sandwiches, or as a side.
To make it dairy-free, use vegan yogurt and mayo.

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