Looking for a salad that’s full of flavor, crunch, and just the right amount of zing? This Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad is the one you didn’t know you needed! Packed with tender chicken, crispy ramen noodles, and a sweet-salty dressing, this salad is a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or want to impress guests at your next dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Believe me, it’s going to be your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad
This salad isn’t just another side dish – it’s a whole meal that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Whether served as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this salad can be adjusted to fit any occasion. Plus, it’s great for meal prep!
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making this salad a win for both your taste buds and your wallet.
Quick and Easy: No fuss, no long prep times—this salad comes together in just a few simple steps. You can have it ready in 20 minutes or less!
Customizable: Add extra veggies or your favorite protein to make it your own. Want to go meatless? Tofu is a great substitute for chicken!
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a salad that’s bound to satisfy everyone, from salad skeptics to ramen enthusiasts. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Ingredients
This Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad is all about balance—fresh vegetables, crispy noodles, and a flavorful dressing. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Breasts: The star protein of this salad. Grilled or shredded chicken adds flavor and makes this salad filling.
Ramen Noodles: These noodles get crispy when toasted, creating a crunchy texture that balances out the fresh veggies.
Cabbage: Crunchy, crisp cabbage gives the salad its fresh bite. You can use napa cabbage or regular cabbage for that perfect crunch.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add a pop of color and a bit of natural sweetness, making the salad even more vibrant.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions bring a mild, zesty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Almonds: Sliced almonds provide a delightful crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the noodles and dressing.
Sesame Seeds: These little seeds add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful, decorative touch to the salad.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a touch of herbaceous flavor, bringing the salad to life.
For the Dressing:
- Soy Sauce: The base of the dressing, adding that signature salty, savory flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of tangy rice vinegar balances the richness of the soy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds a smooth richness to the dressing.
- Honey: A bit of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil infuses the dressing with a nutty, toasted flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic for that aromatic punch.
- Ginger: A touch of grated ginger gives the dressing a little kick of warmth and depth.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make this delicious salad? Let’s dive in!
Toast the Ramen Noodles
Start by breaking the ramen noodles into smaller pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, toast the noodles for about 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Cook the Chicken
While the noodles are toasting, cook your chicken. You can either grill the chicken breasts or cook them in a skillet. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside.
Prepare the Veggies
Thinly slice the cabbage and carrots. Slice the green onions, and chop the cilantro. You’ll want all the veggies chopped and ready to go!
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Make sure everything is well combined to create a smooth, flavorful dressing.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Add in the toasted ramen noodles, shredded chicken, sliced almonds, and sesame seeds. Toss everything together gently to mix the flavors.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly. Make sure each piece gets a little bit of that flavorful dressing.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Whether you’re having it for lunch or serving it at a gathering, this salad will impress!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and can be enjoyed in so many ways:
- Serve with a side of crispy spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
- Pair with a light soup like miso soup for a cozy, filling dinner.
- Enjoy it as a meal on its own with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad:
- Add Extra Protein: You can easily add grilled shrimp, beef, or tofu to make this salad even more satisfying.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing.
- Store the Salad Properly: If you’re meal prepping, keep the dressing separate from the salad until ready to eat. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy.
- Swap the Almonds: Try using cashews or peanuts for a different nutty flavor and texture.
FAQ’s
- Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of grilling the chicken myself?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this salad and can save you some time. - What if I don’t like sesame oil?
If you’re not a fan of sesame oil, you can substitute it with extra olive oil, although it may change the flavor slightly. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the noodles from getting soggy. - Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! You can use any crispy noodle you like, such as chow mein noodles or even crispy wonton skins. - Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add tofu or chickpeas as a protein substitute. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Remember to keep the dressing separate. - What can I substitute for honey in the dressing?
You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute if you prefer. - Can I add more veggies to the salad?
Yes! Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even edamame for extra crunch and flavor. - How do I make the dressing more tangy?
You can add a little extra rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to make the dressing more tangy. - What should I serve with this salad?
This salad goes great with a variety of sides, such as steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a bowl of miso soup.
Conclusion
This Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad is a fun, flavorful, and satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. With its perfect blend of crunchy ramen, tender chicken, and tangy dressing, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, this salad is sure to become a new staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for chicken)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook / Assembly
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad is a delicious mix of tender chicken, crunchy ramen noodles, and a tangy, sweet dressing. With a variety of textures and flavors, it’s a satisfying salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or a potluck dish.
Ingredients
**For the Salad:**
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
– 2 cups coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage)
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
– 2 packs ramen noodles (broken into pieces, uncooked)
**For the Dressing:**
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, green onions, and broken ramen noodles.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Add sesame seeds on top, if desired, and toss again.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to add the ramen noodles just before serving to keep them crispy. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg