This Dietitian’s 3-Ingredient High-Protein Bowl Is Such an Easy Lunch

A dish that comes together quickly but tastes like you actually tried? Sign us up.

Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Key Points

• This 3-ingredient salsa chicken slaw is quick, protein-packed and requires no cooking.
• Customizable toppings like avocado or jalapeños make this dish versatile and full of flavor.
• With 24 g protein and up to 8 g fiber, it’s a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal for busy days.

We’ve officially entered an era of cooking where less is more—and honestly, who can blame us? Between busy schedules, work and everything else life throws our way, the last thing most of us want to think about is planning, prepping, cooking and, yes, cleaning up a well-balanced meal.

The good news? Convenience doesn’t have to come at the expense of taste, quality or nutrition. In fact, if a quick, throw-it-together meal means skipping takeout and still getting something satisfying on the table, we’re all for five-minute, three-ingredient, one-bowl recipes.

And lucky for us, registered dietitian Joy BauerMS, RDN, CDN, just shared a recipe on Instagram that fits the bill. Meet her protein-packed salsa chicken slaw–a simple mix of three ingredients that requires just one bowl. As the TODAY show’s longtime nutrition expert herself puts it, the dish “comes together fast but tastes like you actually tried”—which is exactly the kind of energy we’re looking for.

With simple steps and ingredients you can find at almost any grocery store, this recipe is sure to be added into your weekly rotation, especially since it doesn’t require any cooking.

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To make it, Bauer starts with one large bowl and a rotisserie chicken. She removes the skin from the chicken and shreds it. You can do this manually, using two forks, or even haul out a food processor to speed things up. She then adds about 1 cup of chicken to her bowl. Next, she tosses in 1 to 2 cups of coleslaw mix—go for two if you want extra crunch. Last but definitely not least, Bauer brings it all together by adding about half a cup of salsa before tossing everything together. For an extra pop of flavor, Bauer suggests adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

With simple steps, no cooking time required and minimal cleanup, we love how this dish delivers big on not only flavor and convenience, but nutrition, too. In fact, each serving packs in at least 24 grams of protein, since Bauer uses a bit more than a standard serving of shredded chicken. Depending on what slaw mix you use, adding 2 cups to your bowl could add as much as 8 grams of fiber. This combination can help support fullness and steady energy levels, making it a satisfying option for busy days.

Another bonus? This meal is totally customizable based on your flavor preferences, and there are endless toppings you can add. For more crunch, try sliced almonds or toasted pumpkin seeds. Want something more savory? Add shredded cheese or taco seasoning. If you like heat, toss in pickled jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro or sliced scallions can brighten up the flavor, while additions like avocado or black beans can boost fiber even further. And if you’re not a fan of salsa’s spice? Swap it for a sesame dressing for a slightly sweeter, tangy twist.

Trust us and Bauer: this slaw is well worth a try when you’re looking for a simple, nutrient-dense meal. As Bauer notes, “it’s protein-packed, veggie-loaded, naturally gluten-free and endlessly versatile,” and we couldn’t agree more. The next time you need a quick, satisfying meal that delivers on protein and fiber, this chicken slaw might just become your new go-to.