Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad (Print out)

Shredded cabbage, rotisserie chicken, and crispy ramen noodles in a sweet sesame dressing. Ready in 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 - 0.5 cup sliced almonds, toasted
06 - 1 package (3 oz) instant ramen noodles, chicken-flavored, noodles only, crushed
07 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves, optional
08 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Dressing

09 - 0.25 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 - 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
17 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

# How to Make It:

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, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
03 - Pour prepared dressing over salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated.
04 - Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or allow to rest 10 minutes if softer noodles are preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sweet and tangy sesame dressing makes everything taste like it came from a fancy restaurant
  • You get maximum crunch and flavor with zero cooking required
  • It travels beautifully and actually tastes better after the flavors mingle for a bit
02 -
  • The ramen noodles will continue softening as they sit in the dressing, so toss everything together right before serving if maximum crunch matters to you
  • Rotisserie chicken skin can make the salad feel greasy, take the extra two minutes to remove it
  • Leftovers are totally edible the next day but expect significantly less crunch from the noodles
03 -
  • Crush your ramen noodles directly in the package using a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon for satisfying irregular pieces
  • If your honey is too thick to measure easily, microwave the jar for 15 seconds and it will pour right out
  • Buy two rotisserie chickens, shred the second one and freeze it in portioned bags for future recipes
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