If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down, then you’re in for a treat! My Creamy Low Carb chicken ham and Cabbage Salad is not only easy to whip up, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. This salad has become a staple in my home, especially on those busy weeknights when time is short but good food is still a must. With its crunchy cabbage, juicy tomatoes, and rich dressing, it’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or even a cozy lunch at home.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it right after mixing or let it chill in the fridge for a while to meld those flavors together. It’s fresh, filling, and will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes! Perfect for those hectic days.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy textures and creamy flavors.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and store in the fridge for an even more flavorful meal later.
- Low Carb Goodness: Enjoy all the flavors without the carbs. Great for those watching their diet!
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite add-ins or dressings to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will get you one step closer to enjoying this delightful salad. They are easy to find and come together beautifully to create a hearty meal that everyone will love.
For the Salad
- 8 ounces Cubed chicken ham
- 10 ounces Bag Coleslaw Mix (or shredded cabbage)
- 2 Roma Tomatoes (diced)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions
- 1 medium Zucchini (chopped)
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Sour Cream
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Swap the protein: Use rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of chicken ham for a quick alternative.
- Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Go green: Incorporate diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra freshness.
- Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat!
How to Make Creamy Low Carb chicken ham and Cabbage Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by adding the coleslaw mix, cubed chicken ham, diced tomatoes, chopped zucchini, and most of the green onions into a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly. This step ensures that every bite is filled with colorful veggies and savory meat.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mixing these ingredients well creates a creamy dressing that ties all the flavors together.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing mixture over your salad base in the large bowl. Toss everything again until well coated. This is where the magic happens—the creamy dressing enhances each ingredient’s flavor while keeping everything moist.
Step 4: Serve
You can serve this delicious salad immediately garnished with the remaining green onions on top. Alternatively, if you prefer chilled salads, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Low Carb chicken ham and Cabbage Salad
Creating the perfect creamy low carb chicken ham and cabbage salad is a breeze with these helpful tips!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken ham enhance the flavor of your salad, making it more vibrant and delicious.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add any veggies you love. Bell peppers or cucumbers can add extra crunch and nutrition to your salad.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for about an hour before serving helps meld the flavors together, creating a more harmonious dish.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier taste, increase the amount of Dijon mustard or lemon juice in your dressing; this will brighten up the overall flavor profile.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Just store without dressing until you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Low Carb chicken ham and Cabbage Salad
This creamy low carb chicken ham and cabbage salad not only tastes great but also looks delightful when presented well. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience!
Garnishes
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or dill can brighten up the dish with color and a burst of freshness.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices on top provide an extra layer of richness while adding healthy fats.
- Lemon Wedges: A few lemon wedges on the side allow guests to add a squeeze of citrus for an extra zing if they desire.
Side Dishes
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus makes for a crunchy, nutritious side that complements the flavors of your salad beautifully.
- Garlic Roasted Cauliflower: This side dish offers a savory, aromatic bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the salad while remaining low-carb.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds whole grains without overpowering your main dish.
- Cucumber Pickles: Crunchy homemade cucumber pickles provide a tangy contrast to the creaminess of the salad, enhancing each bite.
Enjoy experimenting with different presentations and sides to make this creamy low carb chicken ham and cabbage salad truly your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
This creamy low carb chicken ham and cabbage salad is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- The salad will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
- To maintain freshness, avoid adding the dressing until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing
- Unfortunately, this salad is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the vegetables after thawing.
- It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Reheating
- If you prefer your salad slightly warmed, you can gently heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Be mindful not to overheat, as it may impact the texture of the veggies.
FAQs
Got questions? Here are some common ones about this delicious recipe!
Can I use regular ham instead of chicken ham in the Creamy Low Carb chicken ham and Cabbage Salad?
Yes, you can substitute regular ham if you prefer. Just make sure it’s diced into similar-sized pieces for even mixing.
How many calories are in the Creamy Low Carb chicken ham and Cabbage Salad?
This salad contains approximately 245 calories per serving, making it a great option for a low-calorie meal.
Can I add other vegetables to my Creamy Low Carb chicken ham and Cabbage Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or broccoli to customize your salad.
Is this Creamy Low Carb chicken ham and Cabbage Salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This salad is fantastic for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container and enjoy throughout the week!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this creamy low carb chicken ham and cabbage salad as much as I do! It’s not just packed with flavor, but also makes healthy eating easy and delicious. Whether you’re prepping for lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
Creamy Low Carb Chicken and Cabbage Salad
Creamy Low Carb Chicken and Cabbage Salad is a deliciously refreshing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. This salad combines tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and ripe tomatoes, all coated in a rich and zesty dressing. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this nutritious meal that the whole family will love. Serve it immediately or let it chill for enhanced flavors—either way, it’s bound to be a hit at your table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cubed chicken
- 10 ounces coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage)
- 2 Roma tomatoes (diced)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 medium zucchini (chopped)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, cubed chicken, diced tomatoes, chopped zucchini, and most of the green onions. Toss gently to mix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad base and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve immediately with remaining green onions as garnish or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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