Chicken-Cabbage Salad
A vibrant chicken and cabbage salad with crunchy almonds and sesame seeds, perfect for a light, flavorful meal or side that can be customized easily.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and chop the chicken breasts into small pieces.
- Chop the head of cabbage, using half green and half red cabbage.
- Break the ramen noodles into small pieces and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cabbage, slivered almonds, sesame seeds (if using), chopped green onions, and broken ramen noodles.
- Toss everything together to combine thoroughly and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. You can substitute the slivered almonds with walnuts or pecans if preferred. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, swap the Ramen noodles with rice noodles. You can also add a dressing made from soy sauce and sesame oil for extra taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken-Cabbage Salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner and pairs beautifully with a side of Savory Cheese Soup. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a refreshing fruit salad. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of Potatoes For A Crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and cabbage mixture in a microwave, but avoid heating the ramen noodles too long as they can become soggy. For a fresh bite, consider serving the salad cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Cabbage Salad contains roughly 383 calories, with 16g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. At about 383 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the ramen noodles just before serving to keep them crunchy. You can also store the ingredients separately and combine them when you're ready to eat.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Both options will provide a good source of protein while keeping the salad hearty and satisfying.
Is there a dressing for this salad?
While the salad is delicious on its own, you can enhance its flavor with a simple dressing. A mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil works well. Just drizzle it over the salad just before serving for a burst of flavor.
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).