Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad (Printable Version)

Vibrant and refreshing salad combining shredded cabbage, tender rotisserie chicken, and crunchy ramen noodles with sesame dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Salad

01 - 4 cups shredded green cabbage
02 - 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed
03 - 1 cup shredded carrots
04 - 3 scallions, thinly sliced
05 - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
06 - 1 package (3 oz) instant ramen noodles, chicken-flavored, noodles only, crushed
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
08 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil or toasted sesame oil
10 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How-to Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, rotisserie chicken, carrots, scallions, toasted almonds, crushed ramen noodles, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
02 - In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
03 - Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure all components are well coated.
04 - Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or let sit for 10 minutes if softer noodles are preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • comes together in literally 20 minutes using a grocery store rotisserie chicken
  • the contrast of cold crisp cabbage against those ramen noodles creates this ridiculous texture that keeps people coming back for thirds
02 -
  • letting the dressed salad sit for 10 minutes actually helps the flavors meld together while noodles soften slightly, which some people prefer
  • any leftovers will keep in the fridge for one day at most, but the noodles will lose their signature crunch
03 -
  • crush the ramen noodles into various sizes, from tiny crumbs to larger pieces, so you get different textures in each bite
  • whisk the dressing immediately before pouring because the honey tends to separate if it sits too long
Go Back