Pin it The first time I brought this salad to a summer potluck, my friend Sarah literally chased me around the backyard for the recipe. I'd thrown it together twenty minutes before leaving the house, feeling a little guilty about how something so simple could impress so many people. Now it's become my emergency dish
Last Tuesday my teenage daughter walked in while I was crushing those ramen noodles into the bowl, looking completely skeptical. By dinner time she was scrolling through her phone taking pictures of her plate to text friends, which is basically her highest form of compliment. The way the sweet tangy dressing brings everything together makes people forget they're eating something so healthy
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage: The sturdy backbone that holds up beautifully to dressing without getting soggy
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Skip the cooking entirely and let store bought chicken do all the heavy lifting
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Add subtle sweetness and gorgeous color that makes the whole bowl pop
- 3 scallions thinly sliced: Their mild onion bite brightens everything without overwhelming delicate flavors
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds toasted: Toasting them first releases these incredible nutty oils that make all the difference
- 1 package instant ramen noodles chicken flavored noodles only crushed: Totally discard that flavor packet because the crunch is secretly the star ingredient here
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves optional: Toss them in if you love fresh herbal brightness or skip if cilantro is not your thing
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted: These tiny seeds pack a massive toasted nutty punch that makes it look restaurant fancy
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Use toasted sesame oil instead if you really want to amp up that Asian inspired flavor
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds gentle acidity that cuts through all those rich textures
- 2 tablespoons honey: The secret ingredient that balances soy sauce and ties everything together
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides essential savory depth and that gorgeous umami character everyone loves
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: This is not optional it gives the dressing its signature nutty aroma
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Fresh ginger brings this spicy warmth that dried ginger can never replicate
- 1 garlic clove minced: One clove goes a long way so do not go overboard or it will overpower everything
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without making it taste salty
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to add a little background warmth and complexity
Instructions
- Build the rainbow:
- Toss that mountain of cabbage chicken carrots scallions almonds crushed ramen cilantro and sesame seeds into your biggest bowl until it looks like confetti
- Whisk up magic:
- Combine oil vinegar honey soy sauce sesame oil ginger garlic salt and pepper in a jar then shake like you mean it until everything comes together into this gorgeous silky dressing
- The big toss:
- Pour that dressing over the salad and use salad tossers or your hands to coat every single crunchy bit until nothing is hiding dry
- Serve smart:
- Dig in right away while those ramen noodles still have their signature crunch or wait ten minutes if you prefer them slightly softened
Pin it This salad has saved me so many times when unexpected guests show up or I need to contribute something impressive to a gathering. My neighbor actually asked if I could cater her daughter's graduation party after tasting it at our block party
Make It Your Own
Swap sliced radishes or snap peas for extra crunch or sub peanuts and sunflower seeds for almonds if that is what you have. The beauty is in the mix of textures not the specific ingredients so feel free to use whatever looks good at the market
Storage Secrets
Keep leftover salad in an airtight container but know it will not be the same tomorrow because those noodles soften up significantly. The flavor actually gets better overnight but the texture transformation is real
Perfect Pairings
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully or try a light lager if beer is more your style. This also works perfectly alongside grilled fish or as part of an Asian inspired dinner spread
- Pair with chilled white wine for that perfect patio dinner vibe
- Add grilled shrimp for extra protein if you want to make it more substantial
- Double the recipe because it disappears faster than you expect
Pin it There is something deeply satisfying about serving a dish that looks this impressive and tastes this good while knowing it came together in minutes
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to one day. However, add the crushed ramen noodles and dressing just before serving to maintain maximum crunch. The noodles will soften over time if exposed to moisture.
- → What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?
Grilled chicken breast, shredded cooked turkey, or firm tofu work well as substitutes. For vegetarian options, add extra nuts, seeds, or beans to maintain protein content and texture.
- → How do I make the dressing more flavorful?
Use toasted sesame oil instead of vegetable oil for a deeper, more authentic Asian flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or increase the ginger for more spice.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives?
Replace the instant ramen noodles with gluten-free ramen or crispy chow mein noodles. Check that soy sauce is gluten-free certified, or substitute with tamari for a naturally gluten-free option.
- → What wine pairs well with this salad?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the sweet sesame dressing and fresh vegetables beautifully. Alternatively, try a light Pinot Grigio or Riesling for a complementary pairing.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Sliced radishes, snap peas, bell peppers, cucumber, or shredded beets all work wonderfully. Add them raw for extra crunch or lightly blanch harder vegetables if preferred.