Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad (Printer Version)

Vibrant salad with cabbage, chicken, and crispy ramen in sweet sesame dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad Components

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 (3-oz) package instant ramen noodles, chicken-flavored, crushed
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

→ Sesame 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

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a large bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, rotisserie chicken, carrots, scallions, toasted almonds, crushed ramen noodles, cilantro if using, and sesame seeds until evenly distributed.
02 - Whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until completely emulsified and smooth.
03 - Pour the sesame dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly, ensuring the ramen noodles and vegetables are well covered.
04 - Serve immediately for optimal crunch texture, or allow to rest 10 minutes for slightly softened noodles as preferred.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Incredible Texture: The combination of toasted almonds and crushed ramen noodles provides a unique, satisfying crunch.
  • Fast and Easy: With zero cooking time and only 20 minutes of preparation, it’s perfect for busy schedules.
  • Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free while remaining high in protein.
02 -
  • Toast for Flavor: Toasting your almonds and sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan beforehand will significantly enhance the nuttiness of the dish.
  • Allergen Check: This recipe contains wheat, soy, and tree nuts; always verify labels on pre-packaged ramen for specific allergen information.
  • Chicken Flavor: Using chicken-flavored ramen noodles (discarding the seasoning packet) provides a nostalgic flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the rotisserie chicken.
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