Chinese Chicken And Cabbage Salad
A vibrant Chinese chicken and cabbage salad combining tender chicken, crunchy almonds, toasted noodles, and a tangy dressing, perfect for light lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 whole cooked chicken breasts or 1 small can boned chicken ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. toasted slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 head cabbage, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 pkg. uncooked Ramen noodles, broken ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. Accent ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Wesson oil
- 3 Tbsp. vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the sliced cabbage, sesame seed, slivered almonds, and chopped green onions to the chicken.
- In a separate small bowl, shake together sugar, Wesson oil, salt, Accent, black pepper, and vinegar to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Just before serving, crumble the uncooked Ramen noodles and add them to the salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, try adding a handful of shredded carrots or bell peppers to the salad for extra crunch and color. You can substitute the Wesson oil with olive oil or avocado oil if preferred. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free Ramen noodles. Toast the sesame seeds and almonds for enhanced flavor before adding them to the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for a larger meal. It pairs beautifully with Mandarin Chicken With Noodles or other Asian-inspired dishes. For added protein, consider serving it alongside grilled shrimp or tofu. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch due to the dressing, so consider keeping the Ramen noodles separate until ready to serve. To refresh the salad, toss it gently before serving, and add a little extra dressing if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Chicken And Cabbage Salad contains roughly 400 calories, with 16g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1786mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
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 use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Simply shred or chop the meat from the chicken and add it to the salad. This will save you time and still provide a delicious result.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding chickpeas or edamame for protein. You can also incorporate additional vegetables like cucumber or radishes to maintain a satisfying texture.
What can I substitute for sesame seeds?
If you don’t have sesame seeds on hand, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different flavor and crunch. Alternatively, crushed peanuts can also work well and complement the Asian flavors of the salad.
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).