Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad requires only five ingredients, yet it delivers a balanced, flavorful meal that feels like much more.
- Rotisserie Chicken (No Skin) – About 2 cups, shredded or chopped. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time while providing a lean source of protein. Be sure to remove the skin to keep it low in fat.
- Apple (Honeycrisp preferred) – One medium apple adds natural sweetness and crunch. Honeycrisp apples work beautifully for their juicy texture, but any crisp apple will do.
- Coleslaw Mix (No Dressing) – About 2 cups. This mix, typically containing shredded cabbage and carrots, forms the crisp base of your salad.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning – About 1 teaspoon, or to taste. This seasoning adds a blend of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppyseed for depth of flavor.
- Skinnygirl Poppyseed Dressing – About 2 tablespoons. This light, zero-point dressing ties everything together with a tangy-sweet balance that enhances the freshness of the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Begin by adding your coleslaw mix to a large mixing bowl. If you’re using a bagged mix, give it a quick toss to ensure the cabbage and carrots are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Add the Protein
Next, incorporate your shredded rotisserie chicken. If you’re using pre-chopped, pre-packaged chicken, make sure it’s plain and skinless. The chicken provides the heartiness and ensures the salad is satisfying enough to stand alone as a full meal.
Step 3: Chop the Apple
Wash and dice your apple into small, bite-sized cubes. You can keep the skin on for extra fiber and color. Add it to the bowl with the chicken and coleslaw mix.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning over the mixture. This simple step elevates the flavor profile — the blend of garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and salt enhances the salad’s texture and makes every bite interesting.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Pour the Skinnygirl Poppyseed Dressing evenly over the salad. Start with a small amount and toss well to coat. You can always add a bit more dressing if you prefer a creamier texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once mixed, your salad is ready to serve immediately. You’ll notice the contrast between the crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and sweet apple chunks — a combination that tastes fresh and satisfying with every bite.
Flavor and Texture
The beauty of this salad lies in its balance. The crunch of cabbage and apple contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken, while the poppyseed dressing provides a light sweetness that ties the elements together. The Everything Bagel seasoning adds a subtle umami flavor and crunch that keeps every bite exciting.
It’s refreshing, flavorful, and has that perfect mix of sweet and savory — without any heaviness.
Nutritional Highlights
This recipe is popular among health-conscious eaters because it’s zero points on many weight management programs. Even beyond that, it’s naturally low in fat, sugar, and calories while being rich in lean protein and fiber.
- Calories: ~180–220 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 5g or less
- Carbohydrates: 10–15g
- Fiber: 4–6g
It’s filling without being heavy, making it an excellent lunch option that keeps you energized throughout the day.
Storage and Meal Prep
One of the best things about this recipe is its meal prep potential. You can easily double or triple the ingredients and store them for several days.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Tip: If making in advance, keep the dressing separate and toss it in just before eating to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Portion Control: Divide into meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Serving Suggestions
While this salad is perfect on its own, you can enhance it with simple accompaniments:
- Serve it inside a whole wheat pita for a portable wrap.
- Add a handful of nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Enjoy it over a bed of baby spinach or kale for added greens.
- Pair it with a cup of soup for a complete, satisfying meal.