Oriental Chicken Salad

A couple of months ago at work we had a potluck and a co-worker brought in this salad. This salad is pretty similar to a traditional salad but instead of lettuce this one contains cabbage. The thickness of the cabbage makes the salad crunchy and also helps keep the salad fresh for several days.

This has got to be my new favorite salad. Although the flavors are not necessarily strong, there is just something about this that I love. This lasted for three days in my fridge before it was gone and was fresh and delicious the entire time. I even think it would have been ok a day or so more. At first the noodles are crunchy but after sitting for a day they become soft and the salad tastes great either way. I strongly recommend trying this salad sometime soon. It was a hit at my Memorial Day cookout, even with the guys that do not typically like salad. This recipe is definitely a keeper! I am already craving it again.


Oriental Chicken Salad
Adapted from a recipe given to me by Sonya G., a co-worker

Salad Ingredients
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 package Ramen noodles
1 small head cabbage, shredded*
1/3 cup carrots, julienned*
4 green onions, chopped
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced

Dressing Ingredients
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 seasoning packet from Ramen noodles

Directions
Toast sesame seeds and almonds in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes; set aside to cool.
Place the cooled sesame seeds and almonds in a large bowl. Crumble the Ramen noodles into the bowl and add the cabbage, carrots, green onions, and chicken. In a small bowl mix together all of the dressing ingredients and stir well. Add the dressing to the salad ingredients and toss to coat.

*Time saving tip - Substitute two bags of cole slaw mix for the cabbage and carrots.