Ramen Chicken Salad
A flavorful and crunchy chicken ramen salad featuring shredded cabbage, green onions, seasoned noodles, and a tangy dressing, perfect for a light, satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 4 cups diced and cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup oil ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons rice vinegar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 packages chicken flavored Ramen noodles with seasoning packet
- 4 tablespoons sesame seed ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons sliced almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix cabbage, onion, chicken, noodles (uncooked and crumbled), oil, sugar, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, and noodle seasoning; stir well and toss.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Before serving, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, allow the salad to marinate overnight, as this enhances the taste of the dressing. You can substitute the chicken with leftover roast chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you want a bit of crunch, consider adding some shredded carrots or bell peppers. Adjust the sugar level based on your taste preference, especially if you like it less sweet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ramen Chicken Salad as a light main course or as a side dish at a barbecue. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or alongside a refreshing fruit salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a chilled soup or a light Asian-style appetizer. This dish is perfect for potlucks or picnics due to its easy transport and delightful flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may soften over time, so if you prefer a firmer texture, enjoy it fresh. To reheat, you can slightly warm the salad in the microwave, but it's often enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ramen Chicken Salad contains roughly 1217 calories, with 24g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 990mg per serving (43% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad benefits from being made ahead of time. In fact, refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to add the sesame seeds and almonds right before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for a substitute, shredded rotisserie turkey or even chickpeas can work well in place of chicken. For a vegetarian option, you could use marinated tofu or tempeh to keep the protein content high while catering to dietary preferences.
How can I make it spicier?
To add some heat to your Ramen Chicken Salad, consider mixing in a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha into the dressing. Alternatively, you can serve it with sliced jalapeños on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).