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    Home » What We're Eating » Southwestern Chicken Ramen Salad

    Southwestern Chicken Ramen Salad

    Published: Jun 17, 2016 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe
    A collage image of a southwest chicken ramen salad

    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!

    A bowl of chicken ramen salad sitting on a wooden surface with vegetable in the background

     

    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!

    A close up of a chicken ramen salad in a bowl with peppers and avocados in the background

    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!

    A bowl of southwest chicken ramen sitting on a colorful tablecloth

    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.

    Print Pin
    5 from 2 votes

    Southwestern Chicken Ramen Salad

    A light, healthy and delicious southwest chicken ramen salad that's perfect for picnics, lunches or a make-ahead dinner.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Japanese
    Keyword Chicken Salad, ramen salad
    Prep Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 165kcal
    Author The Seasoned Mom

    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
    • ⅛ 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

    *This dish feeds a very large crowd! If you’re making it for a family dinner or for a smaller group, you can definitely cut the ingredients in half!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 390IU | Vitamin C: 21.5mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.9mg

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

      June 17, 2016 at 7:23 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Blair

        June 17, 2016 at 7:34 pm

        Thanks, Gayle! You've got to try it! The pasta adds such nice crunch!

        Reply
    2. Kate @ Framed Cooks

      June 21, 2016 at 5:59 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Blair

        June 21, 2016 at 3:33 pm

        Exactly, Kate! It has so much flavor -- no boring veggies here!

        Reply
        • Cheyenne weeks

          October 09, 2018 at 10:42 pm

          Whats the serving size? 1 cup?

          Reply
          • Blair

            October 10, 2018 at 5:05 am

            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!

            Reply
    3. Marla Meridith

      June 22, 2016 at 12:21 pm

      Love that you used ramen in this pasta salad!

      Reply
      • Blair

        June 22, 2016 at 8:01 pm

        Thanks, Marla! I appreciate you sharing the recipe on your site, too! You're the best!

        Reply
    4. Emily

      August 01, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      5 stars
      Wow this looks like just what I need, can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    5. Pansy

      August 08, 2018 at 3:27 am

      5 stars
      Great I love it to eat very tasty

      Reply

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    Hey, I'm Blair!

    Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you'll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It's down-home, country-style cooking!

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