Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad (Printable)

Vibrant cabbage, tender chicken, and crispy ramen noodles in sweet sesame dressing. Ready in 20 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Salad Base

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 (3-oz) package instant ramen noodles, crushed
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

→ Sesame Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup vegetable 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 - Place shredded cabbage, rotisserie chicken, carrots, scallions, toasted almonds, crushed ramen noodles, cilantro, and sesame seeds in a large mixing bowl.
02 - Whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until fully emulsified.
03 - Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately for optimal crunch or allow to sit 10 minutes for slightly softened noodles.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The dressing hits that perfect sweet and salty balance that keeps you coming back for just one more bite
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like something much more complicated
  • The ramen noodles stay satisfyingly crunchy for hours, making it ideal for potlucks and meal prep
02 -
  • The ramen noodles will lose their crunch over time, so for the best texture serve within an hour of dressing the salad
  • Prep all your ingredients before making the dressing because the salad comes together fast once the dressing is ready
  • Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for one day, but the texture will be more like a traditional coleslaw
03 -
  • Toast your nuts and sesame seeds right before making the salad for the most intense flavor
  • Use a mandoline or food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots for perfectly even, restaurant style results
Go Back