Melissa Ben-Ishay’s Supermarket Slaw Recipe

Melissa Ben-Ishay’s Supermarket Slaw: Fresh, Crunchy, and Filling

If you crave bold flavors, crave-worthy textures, and salad bowls you can actually look forward to, Melissa Ben-Ishay’s supermarket slaw is about to become your new staple. Packed with protein, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, tangy pesto-based dressing, this dish blurs the delicious line between hearty main and irresistible side. Inspired by her viral Green Goddess salad and featured in her cookbook, Come Hungry: Salads, Meals, and Sweets for People Who Live to Eat, this slaw delivers the perfect bite every time.

About Melissa Ben-Ishay and Her Culinary Philosophy

Melissa Ben-Ishay rose to culinary fame with Baked by Melissa, her empire built on bite-sized cupcakes that deliver joy in a single mouthful. But her creative passion doesn’t end at dessert. In 2021, Melissa’s savory Green Goddess salad took TikTok by storm, amassing fans eager for vibrant, healthy, satisfying meals. She’s parlayed that success into a full cookbook packed with nourishing dishes designed to delight, fuel, and satisfy.

Her approach centers on finding the perfect bite—a harmonious combination of flavors, textures, and nutrition. This supermarket slaw captures that ethos, layering crunchy vegetables, savoriness from pancetta and chicken, and fresh, creamy pesto dressing.

Why This Slaw Stands Out

• Hearty enough for a meal: With chicken, pancetta, and edamame, this isn’t your average side slaw—it’s a full meal in a bowl.
• Bright flavors and creamy dressing: The lemony, pesto-spiked dressing perfectly balances richness and tang.
• Textural play: Toasted almonds, crisp veggies, and creamy feta deliver a satisfying bite.
• Time-saving and convenient: Frozen and prepared ingredients mean minimal prep with maximal reward.

Ingredients

This supermarket slaw brings together accessible, nutrient-rich ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a big hefty salad:

For the Slaw

• 4 oz. pancetta: Salty, savory, and crisped in the pan for smoky dimension
• 1 lb. chicken breast, cooked and chopped: Provides satisfying protein
• 1 (16-oz.) bag frozen broccoli: Adds green crunch and nutrition
• 2 cups sliced almonds: Toasted with the veggies for nutty crunch
• 1 (16-oz.) bag frozen corn: Bursts of sweetness in every bite
• 1 (12-oz.) bag frozen shelled edamame: Extra protein, plus pleasing bite
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 (12-oz.) bags coleslaw mix: Choose different brands or types for extra color and texture (skip the prepackaged dressings)
• 1 cup crumbled feta, for garnish: Creamy, briny finish

For the Pesto Dressing

• 1/3 cup store-bought pesto: Bright, herby backbone of the dressing
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/3 cup): Adds zesty acidity
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Creamy tang and body
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Crisp the Pancetta:
   Place a large skillet over medium heat (don’t add oil—pancetta will render its own fat). Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
2. Add Remaining Slaw Ingredients:
   To the pan with pancetta, add the cooked chicken, frozen broccoli, sliced almonds, corn, and edamame. Mix in oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle evenly with olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are thawed and tender and the almonds are fragrant, about 10–15 minutes depending on skillet size. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, lemon juice, and sour cream until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Slaw Base:
   In a large serving or mixing bowl, combine both bags of coleslaw mix. Discard the pre-included dressing if any.
5. Combine and Dress:
   While the cooked slaw mix is still warm, add it to the bowl of coleslaw. Just before serving, pour the prepared pesto dressing over the top and toss thoroughly to coat everything. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta.
6. Serve:
   Enjoy immediately for maximum flavor and crunch.

Expert Tips for the Best Supermarket Slaw

• Maximize texture: Use a mix of different coleslaw bag types (broccoli slaw, classic, or rainbow) for visual appeal and crunch.
• Don’t overcook veggies: Stop cooking as soon as everything is heated and tender-crisp—this preserves the slaw’s signature crunch.
• Make ahead: Prep the veggie-protein mixture and dressing up to a day ahead. Store separately, refrigerate, and assemble just before serving for freshest results.
• If you’re vegetarian: Omit the pancetta and chicken; substitute with seared mushrooms, more nuts, or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Avoid sogginess: Wait to toss with dressing until right before serving.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

• Protein twists: Swap chicken for rotisserie turkey, baked tofu, or grilled shrimp for variety.
• Crispy toppings: Replace pancetta with crumbled bacon, roasted chickpeas, or omit for a lighter option.
• Different nuts/seeds: Toasted pecans, sunflower seeds, or pepitas offer new flavors and textures.
• Cheese swaps: Try goat cheese, parmesan, or omit for dairy-free needs.
• Dressing creativity: Blend in avocado for extra creaminess, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, higher-protein sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Main dish salad: Serve as a satisfying lunch or dinner—no sides needed.
• Potluck favorite: Bring to gatherings—it stands out on any buffet spread.
• Meal prep: Double the recipe for hearty lunches throughout the week (keep dressing and feta separate until ready to eat).
• In wraps or sandwiches: Stuff into pita, flatbread, or tortillas with extra greens for an on-the-go meal.

Nutrition Spotlight

Bursting with vegetables, healthy fats, and protein, this slaw is well-balanced for every lifestyle. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (will vary depending on specific brands/ingredient swaps):

Note: For precise nutrition info, calculate with your specific ingredient brands and quantities.

More from Melissa Ben-Ishay’s Kitchen

This recipe hails from Melissa’s cookbook Come Hungry: Salads, Meals, and Sweets for People Who Live to Eat. The book is filled with recipes that emphasize craveable flavors, satisfying portions, and her signature eye for playful combinations. Melissa’s viral Green Goddess salad—her TikTok hit—continues to inspire hearty, colorful salads like this slaw. Her guiding principle? Food should be as fun, varied, and joyful as dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What vegetables are best for slaw?

Pre-bagged coleslaw mixes—typically featuring a blend of green and red cabbage, shredded carrot, and sometimes broccoli or kale—are ideal for convenience and crunch. For homemade mixes, use thinly sliced green and red cabbage and carrots for the classic base.

Can I use rotisserie chicken or leftovers in this recipe?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken makes for quick assembly and adds delicious flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

If dressed, the slaw is best eaten immediately for maximum crunch. Store undressed slaw and separate dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss just before serving.

Is this slaw suitable for vegetarians?

Yes. Omit pancetta and chicken, and increase the amount of edamame, nuts, and/or substitute with your favorite plant-based proteins.

Can I make the dressing dairy-free?

Swap sour cream for a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise, and use a dairy-free pesto.

What else can I use the pesto dressing for?

This dressing is great drizzled over roasted vegetables, sandwiches, or as a dip for chips and crudités.

Final Thoughts

This supermarket slaw—born of TikTok trends and the creative spirit of Melissa Ben-Ishay—is more than a salad. It’s a celebration of easy, everyday ingredients coming together in a joyful, healthful, flavor-packed dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or simply trying to eat more veggies, it delivers on taste and satisfaction every time.