You’ve likely savored the delightful crunch of this salad at potlucks, and now you can recreate it at home. By adding protein-rich chicken, this classic favorite becomes a satisfying main dish.
Imagine the combination of crispy ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken creating a delightful texture contrast that makes this salad irresistible.
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The Perfect Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad
Elevate your salad game with this mouth-watering Asian Chicken Salad, featuring crispy ramen noodles and savory chicken. This Asian chicken salad with ramen noodles delivers the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and satisfaction that makes it a standout dish at any meal.
The combination of crispy ramen noodles, fresh cabbage, and tender chicken creates a textural masterpiece that’s both refreshing and filling. Unlike many salads that leave you hungry, this hearty version includes protein-packed chicken that transforms it from a side dish into a complete meal.
- A perfect blend of crunch and flavor.
- A delightful mix of crispy ramen, crunchy cabbage, and juicy, tender chicken.
- A satisfying meal that’s not just a side dish.
This recipe brings together sweet, savory, and tangy elements in perfect harmony, creating a dish that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. You’ll love this salad for its lot of flavor and versatility.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Salad with Ramen Noodles
Get ready to fall in love with this Asian Chicken Salad recipe that combines the best of textures and flavors. This delicious salad offers a serious abundance of crunch, thanks to the toasted ramen noodles and almonds. The perfect light toasty flavor from oven-toasting, without adding extra oil, elevates the dish. Plus, the balance of sweet and sour from the vinegar and sugar in the Asian dressing is just right.
- This salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it an instant favorite.
- It comes together quickly with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The tangy dressing complements the crunchy noodles and fresh vegetables beautifully.
- Unlike many salads, this recipe maintains its crunch even after being dressed.
- It’s versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this salad are simple yet flavorful. To create this delicious Asian Chicken Salad, you’ll need to gather a few key components.
How to Make Asian Chicken Salad with Ramen Noodles (Crunchy & Delicious)
Course: Salads4
servings15
minutes10
minutes350
kcalIngredients
🍗 Cooked chicken – 1 cup, shredded or chopped
🥬 Shredded cabbage – 2 cups (green and/or purple)
🥕 Grated carrots – 1 cup
🍜 Crushed ramen noodles – 1 package (uncooked)
🌰 Almonds or cashews – ½ cup, sliced or chopped
🛢️ Canola oil – ½ cup
🍎 Apple cider vinegar – ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp
🧂 Soy sauce – 1½ Tbsp
- Optional Add-ins (highly customizable):
🍊 Mandarin orange segments
🌱 Edamame
🟢 Green onions
🥦 Broccoli slaw
🥒 Sliced radishes
🌻 Roasted sunflower kernels
🥜 Chopped peanuts
🌰 Water chestnuts
For the Salad Base
The base of the salad includes fresh ingredients that provide a crunchy texture and a burst of flavors. You can customize the base with your favorite vegetables.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 1 cup cooked |
| Cabbage | 2 cups shredded |
| Carrots | 1 cup grated |
For the Crunchy Toppings
The crunchy toppings add a satisfying texture to the salad. Ramen noodles are a key component, providing a crunchy element.
- Crushed Ramen noodles
- Almonds or cashews
For the Tangy Asian Dressing
The dressing brings all the flavors together. It’s made with 1/2 cup canola oil, 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce, among other ingredients.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canola oil | 1/2 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 1/2 Tbsp |
Read also: Why Ramen Cabbage Salad Is A Go-To For Easy Meal Prep
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Making a crunchy and delicious Asian Chicken Salad is easier than you think. With a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s both healthy and flavorful.
Preparing the Crunchy Toppings
Start by preparing the crunchy elements that will add texture to your Asian Chicken Salad. Toast the ramen noodles and almonds until they turn a rich golden brown this essential step enhances both flavor and crunch. After toasting, let them cool completely before using.
Making the Dressing
Prepare the dressing that will tie all the flavors together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the Asian dressing. Ensure that the dressing is smooth and well combined before proceeding to the next step.
Assembling the Salad
To assemble the salad, start by combining the base ingredients in a large bowl. Add the shredded chicken, green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and green onions. In a separate step, combine the cooled toasted ramen noodles and almonds with the chicken and cabbage mixture. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top and toss to evenly coat. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crunchiest results.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and crunchy Asian Chicken Salad that’s ready to serve. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Ramen Noodle Salad
Making an exceptional Asian Chicken Salad with Ramen Noodles requires some insider knowledge. To help you create a truly memorable dish, we’ve gathered some expert tips on timing and ingredient preparation.
Timing is Everything
Proper timing is crucial when preparing your Ramen Noodle Salad. Preparing and storing components in advance makes this a practical meal prep option. You can store undressed vegetables in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Ingredient Preparation Tips
Freshness Matters: While pre-packaged coleslaw mix offers convenience, freshly shredded cabbage provides superior texture and flavor. Shredding your own cabbage and carrots allows you to control the ratio of green to purple cabbage for better visual appeal. For the chicken component, consider using rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut or poach/grill chicken breasts for the freshest flavor.
- Shred cabbage and carrots into thin, uniform shreds for ideal texture.
- Use 1 cup of chopped nuts or 2 cups of shredded veggies to add crunch.
- Follow this simple recipe to create a delicious Asian Chicken Salad.
Delicious Variations and Add-ins
The Asian Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary needs. You can enhance its flavor and nutritional value by incorporating a range of additional ingredients.
Protein Options
To boost the protein content, consider adding shelled edamame or other protein-rich ingredients. This step not only boosts the salad’s nutritional value but also brings added texture and depth of flavor.
Additional Vegetables and Toppings
Experiment with various vegetables and toppings to create a unique flavor profile. Some options include mandarin orange slices, broccoli slaw, and sliced radishes. You can also add roasted sunflower kernels or chopped peanuts
- Enhance the salad with sweet elements like mandarin orange segments or dried cranberries to create a delightful contrast to the savory components.
- Add edamame or sugar snap peas to introduce more protein and a pop of color.
- Use crunchy additions like water chestnuts, roasted sunflower seeds, or chopped peanuts to replace or supplement almonds.
By experimenting with these add-ins, you can adapt the salad to seasonal availability or create variations that keep this recipe in your regular dinner rotation without becoming monotonous.
Conclusion
The Asian chicken salad with ramen noodles is not just a meal, it’s an experience that combines flavor and satisfaction. This versatile recipe can be scaled up or down, making it perfect for various occasions, from a quick weeknight dinner to a refreshing summer meal. By preparing ingredients ahead and assembling the salad just before serving, you keep the ramen noodles and almonds crunchy.
This salad offers a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and satisfaction, making it a great addition to your meal rotation. With its balance of protein, vegetables, and satisfying crunch, it proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and exciting.
