Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! I’m super excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Chinese Chicken Salad with Ramen. This salad is an absolute show-stop and is perfect for both a casual lunch or a fancy dinner party. I remember the first time I made it; I was hosting a gathering, and let me tell you, this salad was the star of the show! Everyone was charmed by its crunch, vibrant colors, and that irresistible sesame dressing. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it however you like — add more veggies, throw in some grilled shrimp, or even swap out the chicken for tofu if you want it to be vegetarian. It’s one of those salads you can make your own, and it’ll still taste incredible. Let’s dive right into what makes this salad so delightful!
What’s in Chinese Chicken Salad with Ramen?
Cooked Chicken: The shredded chicken is the protein powerhouse of this salad! I like to use leftover roasted chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken because it saves so much time in the kitchen.
Ramen Noodles: These little gems add such a fun crunch! Trust me, don’t skip this ingredient — the toasted noodles provide texture that perfectly complements the crunch of the veggies.
Cabbage (Green and Red): I love using both green and red cabbage for that beautiful color contrast! Plus, cabbage is super nutritious and stays crunchy, giving your salad that lovely bite.
Carrots: Grated carrots add sweetness and additional crunch. They also make your salad look vibrant and inviting!
Red Bell Pepper: Sliced thin for that sweet, juicy flavor. You could even swap it for other bell peppers if you’re feeling adventurous!
Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor that takes this salad next level. They’re so fresh and aromatic!
Cilantro: Love it or hate it, cilantro adds a bright, refreshing taste. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or swap it for parsley.
Chopped Peanuts or Almonds (optional): These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. They’re optional, but I highly recommend them!
Sesame Dressing: You can buy it at the store or whip up your own! The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and vinegar gives the salad a delicious umami flavor.
Is Chinese Chicken Salad with Ramen Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad is loaded with nutritious goodness.
Cabbage and carrots are rich in vitamins and fiber, which keep you feeling full and are great for digestion.
The chicken provides protein, which is essential for muscle repair and making you feel satiated.
However, keep in mind that while it’s healthy, the sesame dressing can sometimes be higher in calories and sugar, especially if it’s store-bought. If you’re watching your intake, consider making your own dressing.
Plus, if you keep the peanuts or almonds to a minimum or leave them out, you can cut down on the calorie count without sacrificing taste!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 package (3 oz) ramen noodles, uncooked
– 4 cups cabbage (green and red), shredded
– 1 cup carrots, grated
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or almonds (optional)
– 1/2 cup sesame dressing (store-bought or homemade)
This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad with Ramen?
1. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro. It’s like a rainbow in there!
2. Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces (I usually go for about quarters) and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! They should be golden brown after about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Add the toasted ramen noodles to the salad mixture with all those colorful veggies.
4. Pour the sesame dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the noodles are coated, and it looks deliciously mixed.
5. Top with chopped peanuts or almonds if desired. Get a bunch of extra crunch!
6. Serve immediately for a crunchier salad, or you can refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Crispy Tips for Serving Up the Flavor
– If you want to make this salad ahead of time for meal prep, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that wonderful crunch!
– Feel free to change up the veggies! Snow peas, cucumbers, or even sliced radishes would also bring lovely flavors to the mix.
– Need a little more protein? Some sliced grilled shrimp or tofu make excellent additions!
– A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top can add not only taste but also a nice aesthetic!
I can’t wait for you to try this Chinese Chicken Salad with Ramen! It’s such a crowd pleaser and always leaves people asking for more. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out—you might just become a Ramen Salad convert like I did! Happy cooking!
