Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad (Printer View)

Refreshing fusion salad with shredded cabbage, tender chicken, crunchy noodles, and sesame dressing. Perfect for lunch or potlucks.

# 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 - 0.5 cup sliced almonds, toasted
06 - 1 package (3 oz) instant ramen noodles, chicken-flavored, noodles only, crushed
07 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves
08 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Dressing

09 - 0.25 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 - 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
17 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

# Method:

01 - In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, rotisserie chicken, carrots, scallions, toasted almonds, crushed ramen noodles, cilantro, 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 for maximum crunch, or let sit for 10 minutes if softer noodles are preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Every bite delivers that satisfying crackle you crave, especially if you eat it right away.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and uses ingredients you probably already have.
  • The sesame dressing clings to every shred of cabbage and chicken, so nothing tastes bland.
  • It travels well to picnics and potlucks, and people always come back for seconds.
02 -
  • Dress this salad right before serving or the noodles will turn from crunchy to chewy within an hour.
  • If you're bringing this to a potluck, pack the dressing separately and toss everything together on site.
  • Don't skip toasting the almonds and sesame seeds, the extra three minutes transforms them from bland to nutty and aromatic.
03 -
  • Crush the ramen noodles while they're still in the sealed package by pressing down with your hands, it keeps your counter clean and the pieces more uniform.
  • Taste your dressing before pouring it on the salad and adjust the honey or soy sauce to match your preference, some people like it sweeter, others want more savory punch.
  • If you're meal prepping, store the cabbage mixture and dressing separately in the fridge, then toss them together right before eating to keep everything crisp.
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