Oriental Chicken Ramen Salad
Oriental Chicken Ramen Salad offers a delightful mix of crunchy vegetables, savory chicken, and toasted almonds, perfect for a flavorful main dish or potluck addition.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. pkg. Oriental Top Ramen (chicken flavor) ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cooking oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 c. finely shredded napa cabbage ⓘ
- 1 (6 3/4 oz.) can chunky chicken (undrained) ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced green onions
- 3 Tbsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sliced toasted almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve the flavor package and sugar in the cooking oil and rice vinegar.
- Break up the uncooked ramen noodles and add them to the marinade.
- Stir in all other ingredients including shredded cabbage, chicken, green onions, sesame seed, toasted almonds, and sliced green pepper.
- Cover and chill for several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, add the ramen noodles just before serving. You can substitute the chunky chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for added flavor. If you're looking for a lighter version, swap out the cooking oil for a low-calorie alternative and reduce the sugar. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can also brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Oriental Chicken Ramen Salad as a refreshing main dish or a side at a barbecue. It pairs beautifully with Fancy Japanese Rice or can be complemented by grilled vegetables. To elevate the meal, include a light soup like Leek Carrot Soup as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may soften over time, so it's best to enjoy the salad within a day for optimal crunch. To refresh leftovers, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of oil before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Chicken Ramen Salad contains roughly 386 calories, with 7g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 6g 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 this salad several hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until serving. The flavors develop nicely as it chills, but add the noodles right before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I substitute for napa cabbage?
If you can't find napa cabbage, you can use green cabbage or even bok choy as a substitute. Both provide a similar crunch and flavor, ensuring your salad remains vibrant and fresh.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing and noodles separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the texture. Portion it out into containers for a quick, healthy lunch during the week.
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).