Ramen Chicken Salad
Packed full of flavor, this ramen chicken salad makes an exceptional meal or can be used as a side to complement a larger spread. Cabbage, apple, and toasted pumpkin seeds add a wide range of tastes and textures, while roasted chicken brings heartiness. Topped with uncooked ramen noodles for added crunch, this salad can be refrigerated easily and enjoyed all week long!
Servings 8 servings
Calories 389kcal
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast (about two boneless and skinless breasts)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the pumpkin seeds
- ¾ cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the salad
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup neutral oil
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 1 pkg ramen noodles (with the flavoring packet)
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 lb cabbage shredded
- 4 green onions chopped
- 1 large apple chopped
Instructions
For the chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and drizzle them with the oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Roast in the preheat oven until the chicken is browned and register 165℉, 16-20 minutes. Once roasted, remove the chicken from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
For the pumpkin seeds
- In a small skillet, combine the pumpkin seeds, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set the skillet over medium heat and stir. Continue stirring, toasting the pumpkin seeds until they are glazed, 5-8 minutes.
- Once toasted, remove them from the heat and pour them onto parchment paper to cool.
For the salad
- In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, neutral oil, rice wine vinegar, ramen noodle flavor packet, sugar, and kosher salt. Depending on the ramen brand, the level of salt may need to be adjusted. Whisk the dressing together until it is combined.
- To the bowl with the dressing, add the shredded cabbage, shredded chicken, green onion, apple, broken-up ramen noodles, and pumpkin seeds. Mix well and serve immediately.
Notes
Using a thermometer for the chicken ensures proper cooking. You want the chicken to be safe to eat, but you don't want to overcook it, potentially making it dry and chewy. Using an instant-read thermometer takes away the guesswork.
Pay close attention while toasting the pumpkin seeds. You don't want to overcook them, and the sesame oil does not do well on high heat, so be sure to keep the temperature at medium-low.
If serving later, wait to add the ramen, apples, and pumpkin seeds so they keep their crunch. Otherwise, the dressing can soak into all of these items and make them soft.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 389kcal
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