Asian Ramen Noodle Salad with Chicken is a vibrant, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful twist on the beloved Asian Cabbage Slaw that first captured hearts (and appetites!) in the 1980s. This homemade rendition elevates the classic picnic dish, offering a fresh combination of crisp, shredded vegetables, dry ramen noodles for that satisfying crunch, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. It’s a timeless recipe that truly stands the test of time, consistently disappearing first at any gathering.
The journey of this delightful salad from a simple potluck staple to a cherished family recipe is a common one. Many years ago, my mom introduced her version of Ramen Salad during a summer family vacation in Aspen. While we all adored its convenience, especially with the ramen seasoning packet included, the allure of a completely homemade version of this cabbage slaw proved even more appealing. Crafting the dressing from scratch allows for a fresher, more nuanced flavor profile, free from the additives often found in store-bought packets. This personalized approach transforms a quick side dish into a culinary experience, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.
Why This Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Deserves a Spot on Your Table
This salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a phenomenon. Its enduring popularity is no accident. Here’s why this Asian ramen noodle salad is an absolute must-make for your next meal or gathering:
- A Universal Crowd-Pleaser: No matter the occasion – be it a summer potluck, a casual backyard picnic, or any community pitch-in meal – a version of this ramen noodle salad is almost guaranteed to make an appearance. Its universal appeal is consistently proven by the empty bowl left at the end of every event. It’s a testament to its perfectly balanced flavors and textures that captivate everyone from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts.
- Effortless Preparation: This Asian cabbage slaw distinguishes itself through its remarkable simplicity. The base typically consists of readily available ingredients such as packaged coleslaw mix (or freshly shredded cabbage), uncooked ramen noodles, a homemade dressing (replacing the seasoning packet), nuts or seeds for extra crunch, and fresh green onions. With minimal chopping and mixing, you can assemble a truly impressive dish in no time.
- Incredibly Versatile: While it shines as a side dish, this salad is incredibly adaptable. By simply adding a protein like shredded chicken, it transforms into a satisfying and nutritious entree. This flexibility makes it ideal for meal prep, a light lunch, or a hearty dinner, catering to various dietary needs and preferences. It offers a refreshing departure from heavier, cream-based salads, especially during warmer months.
- Health-Conscious Choice: Opting for a homemade dressing means you control the ingredients, allowing you to reduce sodium and artificial additives often found in instant ramen seasoning packets. Packed with fresh vegetables, it delivers a generous dose of fiber and essential vitamins. When lean protein like chicken is added, it becomes a well-rounded, wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Superior Texture Play: The genius of this salad lies in its textural contrast. The crispness of fresh cabbage and other vegetables meets the satisfying snap of uncooked ramen noodles, all brought together by the nutty crunch of toasted almonds or sesame seeds. This delightful interplay of textures keeps every bite interesting and enjoyable, setting it apart from other salads.
Expert Tips for an Unforgettable Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
While variations of this beloved slaw abound in cookbooks, blogs, and family recipe collections, a few expert insights can elevate your ramen noodle salad from good to truly exceptional. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to this dish, these helpful hints will ensure a delicious outcome:
- The Perfect Cabbage Base: The foundation of any great ramen noodle salad is freshly shredded cabbage. For ultimate convenience, utilize a packaged coleslaw mix, aiming for approximately 7 cups of shredded vegetables. This often includes green cabbage and carrots, providing a good start.
- Enhance Color and Variety: If using a standard slaw mix, consider adding a cup of shredded red cabbage and an extra half cup of shredded carrots. This not only boosts the nutritional content but also creates a more visually appealing, vibrant mixture. For a unique twist, try using a broccoli slaw mix, which adds a different texture and flavor profile.
- Elevate the Crunch Factor with Nuts and Seeds: Slivered almonds are a classic choice for adding an irresistible crunch, but feel free to experiment with sliced almonds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds. Each offers a distinct flavor and texture contribution.
- PRO-Tip: Toast for Maximum Flavor: To truly unlock their nutty aroma and enhance their crispness, toast your nuts or seeds before adding them to the salad. This simple step makes a significant difference. Be mindful, however, as nuts and seeds can burn quickly, so watch them closely.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: For sesame seeds, a dry sauté pan over medium heat works best. Toast them for about 3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently until they turn a light golden brown.
- Toasting Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds can be toasted in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring or shaking the pan every minute until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Ramen Noodles – Packet Free: You can purchase any flavor of instant ramen noodles for this recipe, as you will only be using the dried noodles themselves, not the seasoning packet. Discard the packet or save it for another purpose.
- Optional Toasted Noodles: For an even deeper flavor and crunch, the broken ramen noodles can also be lightly toasted, either in a dry pan or in the oven alongside your nuts and seeds. This adds another layer of texture.
- Customize Your Protein (or Go Without): If you prefer this as a lighter side salad rather than an entree, simply omit the chicken. If including chicken, it can be shredded, diced, or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- PRO-Tip: Shortcut with Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time and effort by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Simply shred or chop it, and you’re ready to go!
- Add a Touch of Sweetness with Mandarin Oranges: For a burst of sweet, juicy fruit, drain a can of mandarin oranges and gently fold them into your salad just before serving. Their bright flavor complements the Asian dressing beautifully.
- Serving Temperature and Food Safety: This ramen noodle salad is delicious served cold or at room temperature. However, if your salad contains chicken or other perishable ingredients, it should not be left unrefrigerated for longer than two hours, especially on a hot day. The FDA recommends prompt refrigeration of foods containing protein sources to prevent bacterial growth.
- Crispy vs. Softened Noodles – Your Choice: How long you wait to serve after tossing the Asian cabbage slaw with the dressing affects the texture of the noodles and vegetables.
- Immediate Serving for Crispness: If you serve the salad immediately after mixing, the vegetables will remain wonderfully crisp, and the ramen noodles will retain their raw, crunchy texture. For this preference, break the ramen into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Refrigerate for Softer Noodles: Alternatively, refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours (and up to 8 hours) before serving. This allows the cabbage to slightly wilt and the ramen noodles to soften and absorb some of the dressing, creating a different, equally enjoyable texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramen Noodle Salad
Yes, absolutely! This salad often tastes best when made at least a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the vegetables a chance to soften slightly and absorb the dressing. If you prefer your vegetables and noodles very crunchy, you can dress it just before serving. For a balance, prepare all components, including the dressing, and mix them together 2-4 hours before serving. This ensures a tender yet still slightly crisp texture.
When stored properly in an airtight container and kept chilled in the refrigerator, this ramen noodle salad will keep well for 3-4 days. However, the ramen noodles will continue to soften over time. For the best texture, aim to consume it within 2-3 days.
This homemade ramen noodle salad is surprisingly healthy! It’s packed with a generous amount of fresh vegetables, providing essential fiber and a wide array of vitamins. The inclusion of a lean protein source like chicken further boosts its nutritional value. Crucially, by making your own dressing and omitting the instant ramen seasoning packet, you significantly reduce the sodium content, making it a much healthier option than many traditional salads or store-bought alternatives.
Ramen Noodle Salad and Sumi Salad are very similar, often sharing many core ingredients like cabbage, noodles, and nuts. The primary distinction lies in the dressing: a traditional Sumi salad typically does not include soy sauce in its dressing, while Ramen Noodle Salad heavily features soy sauce to achieve its signature savory, umami-rich flavor profile.
The versatility of ramen noodle salad allows for numerous delicious additions. Consider incorporating blanched slivered snow peas or edamame for extra green color, protein, and crunch. As previously mentioned, a can of drained mandarin oranges offers a delightful sweet and tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the Asian flavors. Even chunks of creamy avocado can be a fantastic addition, but to prevent browning, it’s best to add them just before serving. Other great options include water chestnuts for a watery crunch, shredded bell peppers of various colors, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of herbaceous freshness.
Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful Asian Ramen Noodle Salad, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic salad options, perfect for any meal or gathering:
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Dried Cherries – A quintessential picnic salad, this version is widely regarded as the best, offering a fantastic balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy.
- Marinated Vegetable Salad – This incredibly easy salad recipe boasts no perishable ingredients, making it an ideal, fuss-free option for any summer potluck.
- Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette – Master this versatile dressing that pairs beautifully with any green salad and is a safer choice than creamy dressings on a warm day.
- Citrus Spinach Salad with Avocados and Oranges – A truly beautiful salad, it gets a vibrant pop of red from dried cranberries, making it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Panzanella Salad – Experience this rustic bread salad featuring ripe summer tomatoes and luxurious burrata cheese, a true celebration of Italian flavors.
- Summer Vegetable Salad – Customize this refreshing salad with an abundance of your favorite seasonal vegetables for a light and healthy dish.
- Italian Chopped Salad – A robust and flavorful salad featuring pine nuts, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, and a rich Parmesan dressing.
- Asian Slaw – A vibrant, all-veggie slaw dressed in a delicious vinaigrette infused with soy, honey, and fresh ginger.
- More Salad Recipes – Discover an extensive collection of salad ideas for every occasion and craving.
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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, offering a fresh, homemade Asian dressing and crunchy textures.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars based on 32 reviews)
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 (black pepper, onion powder, ginger, garlic powder).
- Gradually drizzle in the vegetable and sesame oils while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing until smooth.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the slaw mixture and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately if you prefer your vegetables and ramen noodles crisp, or refrigerate for 3-4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the noodles to soften slightly.
Notes
It’s often best to mix the salad a few hours before serving to allow time for the vegetables to soften and for the flavors of the dressing to fully meld with the salad components.
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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