Imagine a dish that combines the comforting slurp of ramen with the crisp, refreshing crunch of a summer salad – this Napa Cabbage Chicken Salad Ramen is about to become your new obsession! Perfect for those who crave a quick, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor, this Asian-inspired recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups napa cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 packages ramen noodles, cooked
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Shred the napa cabbage and cooked chicken, grate the carrots, and slice the green onions. Set aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the sesame dressing. If you are using store-bought dressing, you can skip this step. If homemade, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or sugar in a bowl until well combined.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help prevent the noodles from becoming sticky.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded napa cabbage, shredded chicken, grated carrots, and sliced green onions. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Gently toss everything together to combine.
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help the cabbage soften slightly.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more dressing or a sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the Napa Cabbage Chicken Salad Ramen chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken and ensure it's still slightly warm when mixing.
- Don't overcook your ramen noodles – they should be al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- If you want to add extra crunch, consider toasting some sesame seeds or adding crispy wonton strips as a garnish.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to let the flavors develop more intensely.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the sesame dressing with a light rice vinegar and olive oil mixture.
- This dish is incredibly versatile – feel free to add additional vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for more nutrition and color.
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
