Cabbage Chicken Salad
A fresh, crunchy cabbage and chicken salad with toasted almonds and sesame seeds, perfect for light lunches or casual gatherings, offering a blend of savory and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the chicken breasts until cooked through, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the cabbage and green onions.
- Toast the slivered almonds and sesame seeds separately until golden.
- Break the ramen noodle soup into bite-sized pieces and toast lightly if desired.
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, green onions, toasted almonds, toasted sesame seeds, and broken ramen noodles.
- Add the baked chicken pieces to the salad mixture.
- Sprinkle one package of the soup mix over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of slivered almonds. If you prefer a different flavor profile, swap the chicken for diced tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adjust the amount of ramen seasoning to taste, as it can be salty. This salad can be customized with other vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots for more color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Cabbage Chicken Salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish at a barbecue. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chops With Stuffing And Potatoes for a filling meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it as a standalone dish topped with additional sesame seeds or a light vinaigrette for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may soften as it sits due to the dressing from the ramen seasoning, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If reheating, consider warming the chicken separately in the microwave before adding it back into the salad to retain the crunchy texture of the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Chicken Salad contains roughly 275 calories, with 11g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Combine the salad just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the cabbage and ramen. If you prefer, you can also prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, but consume it within a day for the best texture.
What other proteins can I use in this salad?
Besides chicken, you can use grilled shrimp, diced turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or shredded tofu work well. Just ensure that any protein you choose is cooked and seasoned to your liking before adding it to the salad.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or brown rice to the mix. You can also increase the amount of protein by adding hard-boiled eggs or using a heavier dressing. Additionally, serving it with crusty bread or over a bed of greens can enhance its heartiness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).