Have you ever tried that cabbage salad with chicken that is in the deli section of the grocery store? You know the one – it has ramen noodles, nuts and a whole lot of dressing. It is great for potlucks or in my case, also good for a lunch on the go. I have actually been known to sneak a few bites from the to-go container in between errands. No judgement please…

The downside to this crunchy deliciousness is that the dressing is loaded with oil making it very unhealthy and high in calories. Two big blows, so I went on a quest to lighten up one of my favorite dishes.

Whenever I eat this salad from the deli, the first thing I notice is that it is really well “dressed” (slathered in oil) and while the dressing makes it delicious it just isn’t healthy. In lieu of the greasy dressing I have taken my avocado spray and misted that over the cabbage. Not only is there no calories by doing this, it also softens the cabbage and my homemade dressing has WAYYYY less oil in it. In addition to cutting down on the oil, I skip the ramen packet and noodles, which cuts down the calories and sodium, plus I don’t miss it. This salad is an excellent one to meal prep or make ahead because it actually tastes better the longer it sits in the dressing. Oh and it is easy because I buy the bagged cabbage which cuts down on time considerably. You can add edamame and even chicken for added protein, but if you want to omit, then by all means do so.

I feel like I have blabbed enough. This cabbage salad is delicious and under 200 calories per serving. Whether or not you are trying to eat healthier, it really doesn’t matter because you will love this dish and want to eat it. A lot. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Cabbage Salad with Edamame or Chicken

A delicious and healthy version of the classic cabbage salad you find at your local deli, but this one is under 200 calories per serving.

Total Time15 mins

Course: Salad

Keyword: Healthy, Salad, Under 200 Calories

Servings: 4

Calories: 185kcal

Ingredients

• Avocado Oil Spray (I use Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray)
• 1 bag coleslaw mix (I use Trader Joe's coleslaw mix)
• 1/2 c. shredded carrot
• 1 T. Avocado Oil
• 3 T. chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 T. rice wine vinegar
• 1 T. honey
• 1 T. brown sugar
• 1 t. toasted sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced minced
• 3 green onions (light green parts and green), sliced
• 1/4 c. cilantro leaves, minced
• 2 T. sliced almonds
• 1 /2 c. edamame, shelled
• 5 ounces chicken breast, grilled (boneless, skinless) – OPTIONAL

Instructions

For Dressing

• In a jar, add avocado oil, chicken or vegetable stock, rice wine vinegar, honey, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil and garlic. Shake well and set aside.

For Salad

• Place coleslaw mix in bowl. Spray coleslaw mix with avocado oil spray, tossing with your hands as you do so. Make sure to rub the spray into the coleslaw so it is absorbed.
• Pour salad dressing over coleslaw.
• Add carrots, green onions, cilantro, almonds, edamame and chicken (if using) to the coleslaw mix. Toss well.