Ramen Noodle Salad with Chicken is an irresistible, homemade take on the beloved Asian Cabbage Slaw that first captured hearts and taste buds in the 1980s. This vibrant dish is packed with fresh, shredded vegetables, distinctively crunchy dried ramen noodles, and a delectable homemade Asian salad dressing. It’s a culinary classic that has truly stood the test of time, becoming a staple at gatherings and a favorite for everyday meals.
The story of this iconic salad often begins with family recipes, passed down through generations. Years ago, my mom introduced her version of Ramen Salad during a summer vacation in Aspen. While her recipe, like many others of the era, included the ramen seasoning packet, it was universally adored. However, the appeal of a fresh, homemade Asian cabbage slaw, crafted with a from-scratch dressing, proved even more captivating. This rendition elevates the classic, offering a healthier and more flavorful experience without relying on processed ingredients.
Why This Ramen Noodle Salad with Chicken is a Must-Make
There are countless reasons why this particular ramen noodle salad recipe deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a tradition, a crowd-pleaser, and a convenient meal all rolled into one. Here’s why this Asian slaw is simply indispensable:
- A Universal Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a summer potluck, a casual backyard picnic, or any communal pitch-in meal, a variation of this ramen noodle salad is bound to make an appearance. Its universal appeal is undeniable, consistently evidenced by an empty serving bowl at the end of every gathering. The delightful combination of textures and flavors makes it a surefire hit with everyone, from children to adults.
- Effortless Preparation: While our homemade version opts for a superior dressing, the core simplicity of Asian cabbage slaw remains. You can streamline the process even further by using a packaged coleslaw mix, pairing it with broken ramen noodles, a selection of nuts or seeds for crunch, vibrant green onions, and our exquisite homemade oil and vinegar-based dressing. It’s remarkably easy to assemble, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu entertaining.
- Versatile Meal Solution: Beyond being a fantastic side dish, this ramen noodle salad transforms into a satisfying and delicious entrée with the simple addition of a protein. Incorporating shredded chicken, as detailed in this recipe, makes it a complete and balanced meal, ideal for a light lunch or a hearty dinner. This adaptability ensures it fits seamlessly into various menu plans.
- Fresher, Healthier Option: By creating your own dressing from scratch, you gain complete control over the ingredients, bypassing the high sodium content often found in commercial ramen seasoning packets. This homemade approach, combined with an abundance of fresh vegetables and lean protein, makes this salad a healthier choice without compromising on taste.
Crafting the Perfect Ramen Noodle Salad: Expert Tips and Customization
While the basic concept of this Asian slaw is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your homemade ramen noodle salad from good to extraordinary. Given the countless recipes for this beloved dish across cookbooks, blogs, and websites, these hints will help you master it, especially if you’re new to making this delightful creation.
- The Foundation: Shredded Cabbage. The heart of any great ramen noodle salad is a generous base of crisp shredded cabbage. For ultimate convenience, opt for a pre-packaged coleslaw mix, aiming for approximately 7 cups of shredded vegetables in total. This shortcut saves significant prep time without sacrificing quality.
- Enhance Color and Texture: If you’re using a basic slaw mix, consider adding extra shredded red cabbage and carrots to introduce more vibrant colors and a richer array of nutrients. For a unique twist, a broccoli slaw mix can provide a different texture and a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor profile. Napa cabbage is another excellent choice, offering a milder flavor and tender texture.
- Achieving the Perfect Crunch: Nuts and Seeds. Slivered almonds are a classic addition, providing a delightful crunch. However, feel free to experiment with sliced almonds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds. Each offers a distinct texture and flavor.
- PRO-Tip: Toast for Flavor. To truly unlock the deep, nutty flavors of your almonds or seeds, toast them lightly before adding them to the salad. This simple step makes a significant difference. Be vigilant, as nuts and seeds can burn quickly if left unattended.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: For sesame seeds, a dry sauté pan over medium heat works wonders. Stir them frequently for about 3 minutes until they turn a light golden brown and become fragrant.
- Toasting Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds can be toasted in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan every minute to ensure even browning. Watch them closely!
- Ramen Noodles: Just the Noodles! When purchasing ramen, any flavor will do, as you will discard the seasoning packet. Break the dried ramen noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier eating and better distribution throughout the salad.
- Optional Toasted Noodles: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, you can also lightly toast the broken ramen noodles alongside your nuts and seeds. This adds another dimension to the salad’s texture.
- Protein Power: Chicken or Alternatives. While this recipe features chicken, it’s entirely optional. If you prefer a side salad or a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken. When included, ensure the chicken is shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation.
- PRO-Tip: Shortcut Chicken. Save time and effort by using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or repurposing leftover grilled chicken. These options are perfect for a quick and flavorful addition.
- A Burst of Sweetness: Mandarin Oranges. For a touch of sweet, juicy fruit that complements the Asian flavors, stir in a can of well-drained mandarin oranges. Their vibrant color and refreshing taste are a welcome addition.
- Serving Temperature and Food Safety. This ramen noodle salad is delicious whether served cold or at room temperature. However, it’s crucial not to leave it out for longer than two hours, especially on a warm day, if it contains chicken or other perishable ingredients. The FDA advises against keeping food with protein sources unrefrigerated for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth.
- To Crunch or To Soften? Timing is Key. The timing of dressing the salad affects the texture. If you prefer your vegetables crisp and your ramen noodles crunchy, serve the salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing. Breaking the ramen into smaller, bite-sized pieces will enhance this experience.
- Alternatively, Refrigerate for Softening. If you enjoy a softer cabbage and slightly softened noodles, refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours (or up to 8 hours) before serving. This allows the dressing to penetrate, wilting the cabbage slightly and giving the noodles a chewier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramen Noodle Salad
Absolutely! In fact, many people find this salad tastes even better after resting in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to slightly soften, absorbing the delicious dressing. However, if you prefer a very crisp salad with maximum noodle crunch, serving it immediately after tossing is also an excellent option. Consider preparing the dressing and chopping the vegetables in advance, then combine and toss everything just an hour or two before serving.
When stored properly in an airtight container and kept chilled in the refrigerator, ramen noodle salad typically maintains its quality for 3-4 days. The cabbage will continue to soften over time, and the noodles will become less crunchy, but the flavors will remain delicious. For the best texture, aim to consume it within 2-3 days.
This homemade ramen noodle salad is indeed quite healthy, especially compared to versions using the high-sodium seasoning packets. It’s chock-full of fresh, fiber-rich vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals. The addition of lean protein from chicken makes it a satisfying and nutritious meal. By crafting your own dressing, you control the sugar and sodium content, making it a wholesome and flavorful choice.
Ramen Noodle Salad and Sumi Salad are very similar and often used interchangeably, sharing many core ingredients like cabbage, nuts, and a sweet-savory dressing. The primary distinction lies in the dressing: a traditional Sumi Salad typically does not include soy sauce, which is a staple in many ramen noodle salad dressings. Our recipe, with its soy sauce component, leans more towards the classic Ramen Noodle Salad profile.
The versatility of ramen noodle salad is one of its greatest strengths! Many ingredients complement the delightful Asian flavors. Consider adding shelled edamame for extra protein and a tender-crisp texture, blanched slivered snow peas for a fresh, sweet crunch, or as mentioned previously, a drained can of mandarin oranges for a burst of citrusy sweetness. Chunks of creamy avocado are also a delicious addition, but be mindful that they can brown when exposed to air; add them just before serving for the best appearance and flavor. Other great ideas include water chestnuts, baby corn, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Explore More Delicious Salads You’ll Love:
If you’ve enjoyed this homemade Ramen Noodle Salad with Chicken, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic salad recipes, perfect for any occasion:
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Dried Cherries – A vibrant and savory-sweet combination, hailed as the ultimate picnic salad.
- Marinated Vegetable Salad – Featuring no perishable ingredients, this easy-to-make salad is your go-to for summer potlucks, always ready to impress.
- Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette – A versatile and simple dressing that complements any green salad, and a safer alternative to creamy dressings, especially on a hot day.
- Citrus Spinach Salad with Avocados and Oranges – A visually stunning salad, brightened with fresh citrus, creamy avocado, and a delightful pop of red from dried cranberries.
- Panzanella Salad – A rustic Italian bread salad, featuring juicy tomatoes, rich burrata, and crusty bread soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Summer Vegetable Salad – A celebration of seasonal produce, easily customizable with your favorite fresh veggies for a refreshing side.
- Italian Chopped Salad – A hearty and flavorful salad loaded with pine nuts, roasted peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, and finished with a zesty Parmesan dressing.
- Asian Slaw – A fresh and crisp vegetable-only slaw, tossed in a delightful vinaigrette infused with soy, honey, and ginger – a perfect lighter option.
- Discover even more delicious Salad Recipes to inspire your next meal!
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Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Chicken
20 minutes
4 minutes
24 minutes
8 servings
An updated version of this classic salad from the ’80s, featuring fresh ingredients and a homemade dressing.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 package Ramen noodles, noodles broken into bite-sized pieces, seasoning packet removed
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and ribs removed, chopped or cut into very thin slices
- ½ cup slivered almonds, toasting recommended
- 1 pound roasted chicken breast, cooled, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
Dressing:
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons rice or apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Place all the salad ingredients in a large serving bowl. Set aside.
- In another bowl or large Pyrex measuring cup, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and seasonings.
- Drizzle in oils while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately if you like your vegetables crisp, or refrigerate for 3-4 hours before serving for a softer texture.
Notes
It’s best to mix the salad a few hours before serving to allow time for the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld. For extra crunch, toast the slivered almonds lightly before adding them.
Recommended Products
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- Pillivuyt Classic Serving Bowl
- Pyrex Measuring Cups
- 10-Inch Wire Whisk
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 421Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 1006mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 3gSugar: 16gProtein: 23g
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