Name: Ginger Sesame Chicken Coleslaw Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (Use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.); 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced (About half a small head.); 1 cup carrots, shredded (About 2 medium carrots.); 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced (For color and crunch.); 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (Both white and green parts.); 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Room temperature.); 2 tablespoons sesame oil (Toasted if possible.); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (Use low-sodium if preferred.); 1 tablespoon grated ginger, fresh (Peeled and finely grated.); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with bright ginger and sesame flavor, this Ginger Sesame Chicken Coleslaw Salad is a weeknight winner that tastes like it took hours of effort but comes together in minutes. Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed with crisp green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, and scallions, then coated in a silky sesame-ginger dressing that makes every bite addictive. Fun fact: coleslaw has roots in the Netherlands and originally meant “cabbage salad” — but add ginger and sesame and suddenly we’ve got something wonderfully global on the dinner table. This recipe is simple, quick, and family-friendly, and it pairs beautifully with grilled favorites or as a stand-alone light meal. If you enjoy fast, flavorful dishes, check out more from my ginger-focused recipes here: Ginger Recipes. Get ready to make a salad that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

What is Ginger Sesame Chicken Coleslaw Salad?

What’s in a name? Ginger Sesame Chicken Coleslaw Salad sounds like a mouthful because it is — a delicious mouthful. Is it a salad, a slaw, or a chicken bowl? It’s all three: the crunchy base of coleslaw, the savory heartiness of shredded chicken, and a zingy ginger-sesame dressing that ties it all together. Why call it this way? Maybe someone once said, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and then added sesame and ginger for good measure. Try it and see — you might start calling it your own family favorite. Go ahead, toss it up and taste the personality.

Why You’ll Love This

This salad is irresistible for three big reasons:

Flavor explosion: The nutty sesame oil and zippy grated ginger marry with savory soy and creamy mayo to create a dressing that clings to every shred of cabbage and chicken.
Affordable and practical: Making this at home saves money compared to takeout and stretches a small amount of cooked chicken into several hearty servings — perfect for meal prep or feeding a family.
Textural standouts: Crisp cabbage, tender chicken, and the occasional crunch from toasted sesame seeds make eating this a delight for your senses.

If you liked our chicken Caesar or a classic Asian slaw on the blog, this version adds a creamier, ginger-forward twist that’s equally satisfying. Make it, serve it, and fall in love with how simple great ingredients can be.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward: shred cooked chicken, thinly slice cabbages, shred carrots, whisk a quick sesame-ginger dressing, then toss and let flavors meld. The standout is the creamy sesame-ginger dressing that coats everything and softens the cabbage slightly while keeping crunch. Prep time is about 15 minutes; assembly and resting time are about 15 minutes, so you can serve this in roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken)
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced (about half a small head)
1 cup carrots, shredded (about 2 medium carrots)
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced (for color and crunch)
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (both white and green parts)
1/2 cup mayonnaise, room temperature
2 tablespoons sesame oil, toasted if possible
1 tablespoon soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
1 tablespoon grated ginger, fresh (peeled and finely grated)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon each)
Sesame seeds for garnish (toasted for extra flavor)

Directions

Prepare your ingredients: shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice the green and red cabbage, shred the carrots, and chop the green onions.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green cabbage, carrots, red cabbage, and green onions. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a touch more soy for saltiness or a splash more rice vinegar for brightness.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. This step transforms the salad from good to great.
Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty finish. Serve chilled or at room temperature as you prefer.

Ginger Sesame Chicken Coleslaw Salad

What to Serve With

Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to round out the meal.
Grilled or pan-seared shrimp or tofu for extra protein variety.
Light sides like edamame, cucumber salad, or pickled radishes for acidity.
A cold beer, chilled white wine, or a citrus iced tea to cut through the creaminess.
Use as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups for a fun twist.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use freshly grated ginger for the best flavor; powdered ginger lacks the bright bite.
If you prefer a lighter dressing, swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt.
Toast the sesame seeds and even the sesame oil briefly in a dry pan to deepen the nutty aroma.
For extra crunch, stir in sliced almonds or toasted cashews just before serving.
Avoid overdressing: start with a bit less dressing, toss, and add more until it looks balanced.
If making ahead, hold off on garnishes and add them right before serving to preserve texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cabbage will soften over time but will still be tasty.
Freezing: Not recommended — mayonnaise-based salads separate when frozen and thawed, changing texture and flavor.
Reheating: Serve cold or bring to room temperature before eating. If you want a warm version, gently warm shredded chicken separately and mix into a chilled slaw just before serving for contrast.
If you expect leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate and tossing right before serving to retain maximum crunch.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly and saves time. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
Absolutely. Substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free mayo or use mashed avocado for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.

How long can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing a day ahead and combine them within a few hours of serving. If mixed too early, the cabbage will soften; for best texture, toss everything 15–30 minutes before serving.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Replace chicken with shredded tofu or tempeh, and use vegan mayonnaise. Add a touch of toasted sesame for extra depth.

How can I make it spicier?
Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing, or top servings with sliced jalapeños.

Conclusion

This Ginger Sesame Chicken Coleslaw Salad is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, family-friendly, and flexible for dietary swaps. If you love the sesame-ginger flavor, you might also enjoy a related take like Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad, and for another coleslaw-forward option try this Chicken Coleslaw Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends or family, and let the bright, savory flavors become a new favorite in your rotation.