Tropical Twist Ramen Chicken Salad
Elevate your salad game with our Tropical Twist Ramen Chicken Salad! Say goodbye to the mundane and prepare to indulge in a vibrant mix of flavors. This refreshing dish combines succulent poached chicken with a medley of fresh fruit, crunchy walnuts, and the unique texture of ramen noodles, all brought together with a zesty dressing. Perfect for those warm days when you crave something different, this salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Enjoy it fresh, as it’s best consumed the same day for optimal flavor and texture. Inspired by Best of the Best from Colorado, this dish is designed to surprise and delight with every bite!
2-3
Servings
207
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken-flavored ramen noodles
1 (3-ounce package; save the seasoning packet and oil packet if included)
sesame oil
1-2 (teaspoon, as needed)
lemon juice
1.5 (teaspoons)
canola oil
1/4 (cup)
brown sugar
1 (teaspoon (brown sugar Splenda is fine))
seedless grapes
1/2 (cup, cut into halves (red, green, or a mixture))
red or green apple
1/4 (cup, unpeeled, diced)
fresh pineapple
1/4 (cup, diced)
fresh chives
1.5 (tablespoons, snipped or sliced green onions)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (ounces, poached and diced)
walnuts
1/8 (cup, chopped (or other nut of your choice))
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the ramen noodles according to package directions, but do not add the seasoning or oil that comes with the package. Once cooked, rinse the noodles in cold water until they are completely chilled, then drain thoroughly.
2
If your ramen package includes an oil packet, pour it into the noodles. If not, drizzle with 1-2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Be cautious, as the oil might be hot chili oil; if so, stick with sesame oil instead.
3
While the noodles chill, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, canola oil, the seasoning packet from the ramen, and brown sugar until well combined.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled noodles with the halved grapes, diced apples, diced pineapple, snipped chives or green onions, and the diced poached chicken. Gently toss the mixture to combine.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
6
Finally, stir in the chopped walnuts or sprinkle them over each serving for an added crunch. Serve immediately and savor every bite!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
14g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Twist Ramen Chicken Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing salad that combines poached chicken, fresh fruit, walnuts, and ramen noodles with a zesty dressing.
What type of ramen noodles are required?
The recipe calls for one 3-ounce package of chicken-flavored ramen noodles.
Should I use the seasoning packet from the ramen?
Yes, save the seasoning packet to use as a primary flavoring component in the salad dressing.
How should the ramen noodles be prepared?
Cook them according to package directions without the seasoning, then rinse in cold water and drain thoroughly.
What if my ramen package includes an oil packet?
If an oil packet is included and it is not hot chili oil, you can pour it into the noodles. Otherwise, use sesame oil.
How much sesame oil should I use?
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of sesame oil to coat the noodles if no suitable oil packet is provided.
What are the ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together lemon juice, canola oil, the ramen seasoning packet, and brown sugar.
Can I use a sugar substitute for the dressing?
Yes, brown sugar Splenda is a suitable alternative to regular brown sugar.
What fruits are featured in this recipe?
The salad includes seedless grapes, unpeeled diced apples, and fresh diced pineapple.
What kind of grapes should I use?
You can use red grapes, green grapes, or a mixture of both, cut into halves.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Use 4 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been poached and diced.
What types of onions or herbs are used?
The recipe suggests 1.5 tablespoons of fresh snipped chives or sliced green onions.
Are there nuts in this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 cup of chopped walnuts for added crunch.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, you can use any other nut of your choice as a replacement for walnuts.
When should I add the nuts to the salad?
Stir them in or sprinkle them over the top just before serving to maintain their crunchy texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 2 to 3 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 207 calories.
What is the nutritional breakdown for fat and protein?
Each serving provides 14g of fat and 10g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 14g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can this salad be made in advance?
It is best consumed the same day it is made to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Is this a good dish for warm weather?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a refreshing meal for warm days when you want something different.
How should the salad be served?
It should be served immediately after tossing with the dressing and nuts.
What is the inspiration behind this dish?
This dish was inspired by Best of the Best from Colorado.
Is the apple peeled for this recipe?
No, the recipe specifies using unpeeled diced apples.
How much canola oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of canola oil.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
It features a unique blend of succulent chicken, crunchy walnuts, soft noodles, and juicy fruit.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, with its simple preparation steps and short cook time, it is tagged as a quick meal.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of lemon juice.
Can I use canned pineapple?
While fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor, canned could be used if thoroughly drained.
Is this salad spicy?
The salad is generally not spicy unless you specifically use a hot chili oil packet from the ramen.