Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad (Printable Version)

Crisp cabbage, tender chicken, and crushed ramen noodles in a honey-sesame dressing.

# List of Ingredients:

→ 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

→ Crunchy Toppings

05 - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
06 - 1 (3-oz) package instant ramen noodles, chicken-flavored, crushed
07 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
08 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

→ 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 - In a large 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 combine, ensuring everything is well coated. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or let sit for 10 minutes if you prefer softer noodles.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The ramen noodles stay impossibly crunchy even after tossing with dressing
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes using store-bought rotisserie chicken
  • The sweet sesame dressing tastes like something from a restaurant but uses pantry staples
02 -
  • The ramen noodles will soften significantly if the salad sits for more than an hour so add them right before serving if making ahead
  • Double the dressing recipe if you like your salads heavily dressed this recipe makes just enough to lightly coat everything
03 -
  • Crush the ramen noodles while still in the package to avoid messy crumbs all over your counter
  • Toast your almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat watching closely so they don't burn
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