Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad (Print View)

Shredded cabbage, rotisserie chicken, and crunchy ramen noodles tossed in a sweet sesame dressing. Quick and satisfying.

# Components:

→ 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 instant ramen noodles (3 oz), chicken-flavored, noodles only, crushed
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, optional
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, rotisserie chicken, carrots, scallions, toasted almonds, crushed ramen noodles, cilantro if using, and toasted 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, ensuring all components are evenly coated.
04 - Serve immediately to maintain maximum crunch, or allow to rest 10 minutes if softer noodles are preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers that rare combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy all in one bite without any heaviness.
  • You can throw it together in the time it takes to argue about what to watch on Netflix.
  • Rotisserie chicken means zero actual cooking, yet everyone assumes you spent an hour in the kitchen.
  • The ramen noodles add a nostalgic, playful twist that makes people smile before they even taste it.
02 -
  • Do not add the dressing until right before serving or the noodles will turn soggy and lose that signature crunch.
  • Toasting the almonds and sesame seeds takes an extra three minutes but doubles the flavor, so do not skip it.
  • If you are making this ahead, keep the dressing and the salad separate in the fridge and toss them together at the last second.
03 -
  • Crush the ramen noodles while they are still in the sealed package by pressing down with your hands, it is faster and way less messy than using a knife.
  • If you want deeper flavor, use all toasted sesame oil instead of vegetable oil, but be warned it will taste much richer and more intense.
  • Taste the dressing before you pour it over the salad and adjust the honey or soy sauce to match your mood, some days you want it sweeter, some days saltier.
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