Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad (Printable)

Vibrant salad featuring shredded cabbage, rotisserie chicken, crunchy ramen noodles, and sweet sesame dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 4 cups shredded green cabbage
02 - 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed
03 - 1 cup shredded carrots
04 - 3 scallions, thinly sliced
05 - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
06 - 1 package (3 oz) instant ramen noodles, chicken-flavored, noodles only, crushed
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, optional
08 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil or toasted sesame oil
10 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Step-by-Step:

01 - In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, rotisserie chicken, carrots, scallions, toasted almonds, crushed ramen noodles, cilantro if using, and toasted sesame seeds.
02 - In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
03 - Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated.
04 - Serve immediately to preserve maximum crunch, or allow to sit for 10 minutes if softer noodles are preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between cool crisp cabbage and that incredible crunch from toasted almonds and ramen noodles is completely addictive
  • It comes together in literally 20 minutes but tastes like you put way more thought into it
  • The sweet sesame dressing hits every single flavor note, making even salad skeptics ask for seconds
02 -
  • The salad is best eaten within an hour of dressing, otherwise those ramen noodles will start getting soggy and you will lose that signature texture
  • Always toast your almonds and sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, shaking constantly until fragrant and golden, because raw nuts just do not compare
03 -
  • Crush the ramen noodles while they are still in the package for less mess and more consistent size pieces
  • Double the dressing recipe and keep it in your fridge for quick salads all week long
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