The Quintessential Oriental Cabbage Salad with Chicken: A Crowd-Pleaser I Can’t Live Without

There are some dishes that, once you make them, become an instant staple. For me, this Oriental Cabbage Salad with Chicken is one of them. I remember the first time I brought it to a summer barbecue; it was a potluck, and the table was laden with traditional fare – potato salad, pasta salad, grilled meats. My salad, vibrant with color and a promise of freshness, stood out. Within an hour, the serving bowl was scraped clean, and I was surrounded by guests, not asking for the time, but for the recipe. It’s become my secret weapon for any gathering, a dish that travels exceptionally well and consistently elicits that wonderful request: “You have to share that recipe!”

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 Large Salad
• Dietary Type: Contains Gluten (from ramen noodles), Dairy-Free (as written)

Ingredients

This salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, where crunchy vegetables meet tender chicken, all brought together by a zesty, slightly sweet dressing.

• 1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix (or 1 medium head cabbage, thinly sliced and chopped)
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 (3 ounce) package ramen noodles, broken up (your favorite flavor!)
• 1-2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• ½ cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 2 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• ½ – 1 cup toasted slivered almonds

Equipment Needed

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, requiring minimal specialized equipment.

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar with a lid (for dressing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork

Instructions

The magic of this salad is in its ability to be prepped ahead, making it a stress-free addition to any event. The key is to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix (or your prepared cabbage), sliced scallions, the broken-up ramen noodles, and the diced cooked chicken breast.
2. Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for up to six hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Just before you’re ready to serve, prepare the dressing. In a separate small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the canola oil, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, sugar, salt, white pepper, and the ramen flavor packet (reserved from the broken-up noodles).
5. Shake the dressing vigorously or whisk it thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
6. Pour the prepared dressing over the chilled salad mixture in the large bowl.
7. Toss the salad thoroughly, ensuring that every ingredient is coated in the dressing.
8. Add the toasted sesame seeds and toasted slivered almonds to the salad.
9. Continue to toss until the sesame seeds and almonds are evenly mixed throughout the salad.

Chef’s Note: I find that making the salad base and the salad dressing separately a few hours in advance of whatever party I’m going to is the secret to success. I simply dress the salad at the last minute so that it stays wonderfully crisp and refreshing.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate this already fantastic salad, consider these professional insights:

• Toasting Seeds and Nuts: Don’t skip the toasting step for your sesame seeds and slivered almonds! A quick toast in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until fragrant, transforms their flavor from mild to intensely nutty and aromatic. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly.
• Chicken Preparation: For the chicken, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Alternatively, you can poach or bake chicken breasts, let them cool completely, and then dice them. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before adding it to the salad.
• Ramen Noodle Crunch: While breaking the ramen noodles adds a delightful texture, some prefer to lightly toast them in a dry skillet for an even crispier element. This is an optional step for those who love an extra textural contrast.
• Dressing Emulsification: If you’re making the dressing in a bowl, whisking it well will help emulsify the oils and vinegar, creating a smoother, more cohesive dressing. If using a jar, a good shake does the trick.
• Advance Prep: As mentioned in the instructions, prepping the salad components and dressing separately up to six hours in advance is ideal. This allows the flavors to meld without compromising the salad’s crisp texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This salad is a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes.

Serving:
Serve this vibrant salad chilled. It’s an ideal accompaniment to grilled chicken, pork, or fish. It also makes a fantastic light lunch on its own, perhaps with some crusty bread. For an elegant presentation, consider serving it in a clear glass bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients.

Storage:
Once dressed, this salad is best consumed within a few hours. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically keep for 1-2 days, though the texture of the ramen noodles may soften over time. It does not freeze well.

Nutritional Information

This provides an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of the Oriental Cabbage Salad with Chicken.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	223.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	153 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	17.1 g	26%
Saturated Fat	2.2 g	10%
Cholesterol	9.8 mg	3%
Sodium	356 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	12.7 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g	9%
Sugars	5 g	19%
Protein	6.4 g	12%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable.

• Protein Swaps: For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the chicken and consider adding firm tofu (cubed and pan-fried or baked) or edamame.
• Nut-Free: If allergies are a concern, simply omit the slivered almonds. Toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can offer a similar crunch without nuts.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or drizzle with a bit of sriracha just before serving.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to incorporate other crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers (red or yellow for color), or snow peas. Ensure they are finely chopped or julienned to maintain the salad’s texture.

FAQs

Q: How far in advance can I prepare the components of this salad?
A: You can prepare the salad base (cabbage, scallions, chicken) and the dressing separately up to six hours ahead of time. Keep them chilled and combine them just before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil for the dressing?
A: Yes, while canola or vegetable oil provides a neutral base, you could experiment with other neutral oils like grapeseed oil. However, for the signature flavor, keep the sesame oil.

Q: What kind of ramen noodles should I use?
A: Any standard 3-ounce package of ramen noodles will work. The flavor packet is crucial for the dressing, so be sure to reserve it!

Q: How do I ensure the salad stays crunchy?
A: The key is to keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients until the very last minute. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed promptly.

Q: Can I add dried fruit to this salad?
A: While not traditional, a small amount of dried cranberries or raisins could add a chewy sweetness if that flavor profile appeals to you. Add them with the sesame seeds and almonds.

A Fresh Take on Salad

This Oriental Cabbage Salad with Chicken is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Its ability to be prepared ahead of time makes it a culinary hero for busy hosts. I encourage you to try it for your next gathering, or even for a simple weeknight meal. Share your culinary adventures and any delightful twists you discover in the comments below. I’m always eager to hear how this recipe brings joy to your table!