This light, healthy, and fresh Southwestern Chicken Ramen Salad is an easy side dish for cookouts or picnics, a simple make-ahead dinner, or an easy lunch to keep on hand. Loaded with veggies and dressed in a homemade Southwestern Lime Vinaigrette, it’s a flavorful dish that’s full of satisfying tastes and textures!
Have you guys ever tried that Asian-flavored ramen coleslaw that seems to be pretty popular? I first had it at a church potluck about 10 years ago, and I’ve been making my own version ever since. It’s really good, but I don’t love the fact that the dressing is made with the weird ingredients from the Ramen Noodle seasoning packet — homemade dressing is always BEST.
That’s why I decided to change up the recipe and give it some Southwestern flair — which is always a popular way to go, right? Best of all, this recipe uses my own Southwestern Lime Vinaigrette (which is just as easy as using the seasoning packet…minus any MSG!), and it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Top Tip For Making This Ramen Salad
Adding chicken to the dish is totally optional, but it gives a nice protein boost and makes the salad feel more like a total meal rather than just a side option. I live with 4 carnivorous boys, though, so take that with a grain of salt. If you don’t do meat as much as my family does, some extra beans would be a perfect substitute!
You’re going to love the crunch of the ramen noodles and the almonds, mixed with the creamy avocado and the fresh, crisp veggies! I took this to a recent cookout with friends and it was definitely a hit!
Happy picnicking, friends!
Looking for other great picnic dishes for the season? Try these favorites:
- Chicken Taco Mason Jar Salads
- Light and Creamy Greek Pasta Salad
- Strawberry Pretzel Fluff
- Tomato Pie
If you’ve tried this Southwest Chicken Ramen Salad or any other recipe on The Seasoned Mom then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to see what I’m getting up to.
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Southwestern Chicken Ramen Salad
Ingredients
- 2 packages 14 ounces each coleslaw mix
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- ½ cup corn kernels frozen, canned, or fresh
- ½ cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 6 green onions chopped
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 packages 3 ounces each ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
- ½ cup slivered almonds toasted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, chicken, corn, black beans, avocado, bell pepper, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, cider vinegar, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Crumble ramen noodles (uncooked) into small crunchy pieces. Discard ramen seasoning packet.
- Just before serving, stir in noodles and almonds.
Notes
Nutrition
I’ve never had a ramen salad before, but I’m loving the looks of it! Even better that it has a southwestern kick. So pretty and perfect for picnics and the summer!
Thanks, Gayle! You’ve got to try it! The pasta adds such nice crunch!
I do love anything with the word ramen in it – and this looks like the perfect summer salad with just the right amount of kick! Yum!
Exactly, Kate! It has so much flavor — no boring veggies here!
Whats the serving size? 1 cup?
Hey, Cheyenne! I honestly don’t know — the calculator just divided the full ingredient list by 16 and that’s the info that you get. If you need an exact measurement for 1/16 of the recipe, you’ll just need to prepare the dish and then see how many total cups it yields. Sorry I can’t be more helpful there!
Love that you used ramen in this pasta salad!
Thanks, Marla! I appreciate you sharing the recipe on your site, too! You’re the best!
Wow this looks like just what I need, can’t wait to try it!
Great I love it to eat very tasty