Chicken Cabbage Salad
There’s something so refreshing about a Chicken Cabbage Salad. I remember the first time I made it on a sunny afternoon, craving something light yet filling. The combination of tender pieces of chicken, crispy red cabbage, and the crunch of green cabbage came together beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Each bite was a celebration of simplicity and health, making it the perfect dish for a warm day or as a vibrant side at a gathering. Whenever I whip up this Chicken Cabbage Salad, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and joy, as I think of the many meals shared with family and friends around the table.
Recipe Snapshot
45 mins
30 mins
15 mins
Medium
330 kcal
30 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
20 g
Cutting Board, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife
Why You Need This Chicken Cabbage Salad
It’s Healthy and Nutritious
One of the reasons I adore this Chicken Cabbage Salad is its incredible health benefits. With the lean chicken providing protein, and the cabbage packed with vitamins and minerals, it’s a guilt-free indulgence!
Easy to Prepare
This salad is a breeze to throw together. In less than an hour, you can have a delicious meal ready to go. Just combine the chicken, cabbages, and your chosen dressing, and you’re done!
Flavorful and Versatile
The dressing can be tailored to suit your taste. Whether you prefer creamy or tangy, you can easily adjust the ingredients to create a version that excites your palate every time you make it.
Great for Meal Prep
This Chicken Cabbage Salad is perfect for meal prepping. Pack it for lunch or dinner throughout the week, and it will stay fresh in your fridge without losing its crunch!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual lunch, a potluck gathering, or a family dinner, this salad fits the bill. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and a great way to impress guests without much effort.
Chicken Cabbage Salad Shopping List
When it comes to making a Chicken Cabbage Salad, the beauty lies in the freshness of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in the overall dish, enhancing not only its flavor but also its nutritional value. The key players here are the chicken, which provides protein, and the cabbage, which adds a satisfying crunch while being low in calories. Together, they create a balanced meal that’s both hearty and light.
- 4 cups diced leftover chicken: This is the star ingredient, providing rich protein. You can use roasted or grilled chicken for added flavor.
- 2 cups finely sliced red cabbage: Adds a beautiful color and crunch, packed with antioxidants.
- 4 cups finely sliced green cabbage: A staple in salads, it contributes to the texture and is also very healthy.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions: These give a mild onion flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
- Salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Cabbage Salad
Making a Chicken Cabbage Salad is a delightful process that brings out the flavors of fresh ingredients. Follow these steps to create a salad that’s not only tasty but also visually appealing. Take your time and enjoy the process!
Start by making the dressing. In a bowl, combine mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, Celery Seed, and a sprinkle of salt or Vege-Sal. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This dressing is key to tying all the flavors together and will add a delicious creaminess to the salad.
Next, prepare your chicken. Dice the leftover chicken into cubes until you have about 4 cups. The smaller pieces will mix well with the other ingredients and ensure each bite is flavorful.
In a large mixing bowl that’s big enough to hold all your ingredients, add the diced chicken. Pour a portion of the dressing over the chicken and mix gently. Allow the chicken to marinate for a bit, soaking up the flavors while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Slice the green onions thinly. You can adjust the amount depending on how much you enjoy their flavor. This step adds a fresh, crisp element to the salad.
For the cabbage, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice the red cabbage and green cabbage finely. I like to chop the sliced cabbage further into more manageable lengths, making it easier to eat. The vibrant colors of the cabbage will make your salad pop.
Once you have your cabbage and green onions ready, add them to the bowl with the marinated chicken. Pour in the remaining dressing or use as much as you prefer. This is where the salad starts to come together!
Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are beautifully combined. The colors of the cabbage and the tender chicken should be evenly mixed, creating a visually appealing salad.
Finally, season your Chicken Cabbage Salad with salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste. This final touch enhances the overall flavor and makes every bite delicious.
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for a short while to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and satisfying Chicken Cabbage Salad!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cabbage Selection: Choose fresh, crisp cabbage heads without any brown spots for the best flavor.
- Chicken Tips: Using leftover chicken not only saves time but enhances the flavor as it has been seasoned already.
- Dressing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different dressings. A vinaigrette could add a refreshing twist.
- Texture Matters: Ensure your cabbage is cut uniformly to provide a consistent crunch in every bite.
Recipe Notes about Chicken Cabbage Salad
Here are some tips to enhance your experience while making this Chicken Cabbage Salad. They’ll ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can hold up well in the fridge.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the cabbage can become mushy once thawed.
- Pairing: This salad is perfect with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside warm pita bread for a delightful meal.
- Make Ahead: If you want to prepare this salad in advance, you can chop the vegetables and chicken a day before. Just mix them with the dressing right before serving.
- Flavor Boost: For added flavor, consider tossing in some nuts or seeds for a crunchy surprise!
What to Serve With Chicken Cabbage Salad
When it comes to serving your Chicken Cabbage Salad, the possibilities are endless. Here are some great suggestions:
- Grilled Protein: Pair the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a complete meal that’s satisfying and healthy.
- Wrap It: Use the salad as a filling in a tortilla wrap for a delicious and portable lunch option.
- Sandwich Side: Serve it as a refreshing side with sandwiches, especially those loaded with meats and cheeses.
- Picnic Perfect: This salad is great for outdoor gatherings or potlucks because it travels well and remains fresh without wilting.
- Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, serve it alongside light, grilled dishes. In cooler months, it can accompany heartier meals.
- Light Dinner: Enjoy it as a light dinner option, perhaps with a cup of soup on the side for a comforting meal.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Chicken Cabbage Salad is a delightful dish that combines health, flavor, and simplicity. With its bright colors and satisfying crunch, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. I encourage you to try this recipe at home; you’ll discover how effortlessly delicious it can be!
Chicken Cabbage Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the dressing by combining mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, Celery Seed, and salt or Vege-Sal.
- Dice chicken into cubes until you have enough to make about 4 cups of diced chicken.
- Put chicken in a bowl big enough to hold the finished salad, and mix chicken with some of the dressing. Let chicken marinate in the dressing while you prep other ingredients.
- Slice green onions (I use 1/2 cup but use less if you're not really a green onion fan).
- I used a Mandoline Slicer to thinly slice the red cabbage and the green cabbage, but you can use a knife as well.
- I always chop the cabbage into smaller lengths once it's sliced so it's easier to eat.
- Put red cabbage, green cabbage, and green onions into the bowl with the chicken and add the rest of the dressing (or desired amount if you don't like a lot of dressing).
- Toss salad to combine.
- Season Chicken Cabbage Salad to taste with salt and fresh-ground black pepper, and serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can hold up well in the fridge.
- Freezing: It's not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the cabbage can become mushy once thawed.
- Pairing: This salad is perfect with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside warm pita bread for a delightful meal.
- Make Ahead: If you want to prepare this salad in advance, you can chop the vegetables and chicken a day before. Just mix them with the dressing right before serving.
- Flavor Boost: For added flavor, consider tossing in some nuts or seeds for a crunchy surprise!
