Kay's Chinese Chicken Salad

Let me start off with, I've never really been a big fan of Ramen Noodles. Not that they aren't a wonderful little staple. But in my family, we never really ate them. Don't get me wrong. Later, when I went to college, they were a staple in my life.

Who can beat a month's worth of meals, for under $5? They're not terrific tasting. But when you're living penny to penny, well it's what you eat. It's been years, since I last had them. And I'm not even talking about the Ramen Noodle packs. I'm taking about the "Cup of Noodles."

But over the last few years, I've noticed so many recipes popping up. The first one, that I can remember, was from Paula Deen. I remember trying it. And really liking it. What happened to that recipe? I have no clue, where I put it!

So when I noticed this week's Gooseberry Patch, Recipe of the Week, I knew I had to make it! It was something that sounded interesting. Something that My Bestie wanted to eat for dinner. And well, something that we could cook up in our hotel room. :)

Kay's Chinese Chicken Salad

3-oz. pkg. chicken-flavored ramen noodles, uncooked
1 head cabbage, shredded
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
2 T. onion, chopped
2 T. slivered almonds, toasted
2 T. sesame seed, toasted

Dressing:
1 c. oil
3 T. sugar
1/3 c. vinegar
2 t. salt
1 t. pepper
reserved ramen noodle seasoning packet

Set aside ramen noodle seasoning packet for dressing; crush noodles. Combine all ingredients except seasoning packet in a large serving bowl; toss lightly to combine. Prepare Dressing: Whisk together all ingredients. Drizzle Salad with Dressing and toss again. Serves 8 to 10.



My Guy's grandma bought me this cookbook. Last week, I was cooking this up. When we all headed to Orlando. I know, how random is that? You see, on the way, My Bestie found the recipe. She was thumbing through the cookbook. And begged me, literally begged, for me to make this salad. Weird, right? I thought so! But then again, girl eats Ramen nearly every single day!

When I found the recipe this week, I knew I had to share with you. Who knows, there might be a "poor college student" out there. Like I was, just a few years ago. Needing to "doctor" up this staple. Like I said, we didn't really have a "full kitchen," or many kitchen staples or utensils to use. Much like a college student, in a dorm room. :)

We head to the local grocery store, and picked up a few ingredients. We bought a rotisserie chicken, and shredded her up. I shredded the cabbage. And we used the toaster oven, to toast the nuts and seeds. Honestly, it took a few minutes. And the dressing was super easy.

The salad had a lot of flavor. I'm thinking, the chicken added a lot to it. It was a little crunchy. But not horrible. It reminded me of Chow Mein Noodles. The dressing, was nicely absorbed into the noodles. And it honestly, made for a nice little lunch. Now I'm on the search, for more Ramen Noodle recipes. ♥