Ramen noodle salad brings a joyful crunch to every bite, mixing crispy ramen bits with shredded cabbage and sweet carrots in a bright ginger sesame dressing. Toss in fresh cilantro, scallions, and toasted almonds for even more texture, then drizzle with a tangy blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and toasted sesame oil. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with umami, with zero fuss and no alcohol. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an easy weeknight side that instantly lifts the mood.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ramen Noodle Salad
- It’s a delightful crunch in every bite!
- Quick and easy to whip up for any occasion.
- Loaded with fresh veggies for a nutritious boost.
- Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
- Versatile—customize it with your favorite proteins!
Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Cook the Noodles – Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water. Set aside to cool.
- Step 2: Make the Dressing – In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. This will be your delicious dressing!
- Step 3: Add the Veggies – Add coleslaw mix, sliced almonds, green onions, and cilantro to the dressing. Toss everything together to coat the veggies well.
- Step 4: Combine Noodles – Break the cooled ramen noodles into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the bowl and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Step 5: Chill the Salad – Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy – Before serving, give the salad another toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful Ramen Noodle Salad!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Ramen Noodle Salad!
- 3 packages ramen noodles – discard seasoning
- 4 cups coleslaw mix – fresh and crunchy
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds – for added crunch
- 3 green onions – sliced for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro – adds freshness
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil – for dressing
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar – tangy flavor
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – for umami
- 1 tablespoon sugar – balances the dressing
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – for a nutty aroma
- Salt and pepper – to taste
How to Make Ramen Noodle Salad
This delightful Ramen Noodle Salad is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, a cooking time of 5 minutes, and a chilling time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful salad ready to impress your friends and family!
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. This will be your delicious dressing!
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Add coleslaw mix, sliced almonds, green onions, and cilantro to the dressing. Toss everything together to coat the veggies well.
Step 4: Combine Noodles
Break the cooled ramen noodles into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the bowl and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give the salad another toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful Ramen Noodle Salad!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Salad |
| Cuisine | Asian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Chilled and tossed before serving! |
Pro Tips for Making Ramen Noodle Salad
- Toast the ramen noodles for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use a mix of fresh veggies for vibrant color and texture.
- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add sesame seeds for a nutty finish and extra crunch.
How to Serve this Ramen Noodle Salad
- Serve chilled for a refreshing summer dish.
- Pair with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.
- Top with sesame seeds and green onions for extra crunch.
- Enjoy as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks.
- Mix in some edamame for a boost of nutrition.
- Drizzle with extra soy sauce or a spicy mayo for a flavor kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Ramen Noodle Salad for later enjoyment:
Storing Ramen Noodle Salad Leftovers
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of serving.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing Ramen Noodle Salad
- Assemble salad without dressing for freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Ramen Noodle Salad
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Gently toss with fresh dressing before serving.
- Enjoy cold for the best texture and flavor.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is the salad that uses ramen noodles?
Ramen Noodle Salad is a delightful dish that incorporates crunchy ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It’s a popular choice for potlucks and gatherings due to its unique texture and flavor. The noodles are typically uncooked, adding a satisfying crunch to the salad, while the dressing often features soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness from sugar or honey.
2. What are some tips for making the perfect ramen salad?
To make the perfect Ramen Noodle Salad, start by using fresh, crisp vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and green onions for added color and crunch. Toasting the ramen noodles before adding them to the salad can enhance their flavor and texture. Additionally, let the salad sit for a bit after mixing to allow the flavors to meld together. Finally, adjust the dressing to your taste, balancing the salty and sweet elements for a delicious finish!
3. What is the best thing to mix with ramen noodles?
Ramen noodles are incredibly versatile and can be mixed with a variety of ingredients. Fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage work wonderfully, as do proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Nuts and seeds, such as sesame seeds or chopped peanuts, can add a delightful crunch, while a flavorful dressing ties everything together beautifully.
4. What kind of noodles for noodle salad?
For noodle salad, you can use a variety of noodles, but ramen noodles are a popular choice due to their unique texture and ability to absorb flavors. Other great options include soba noodles, rice noodles, or even whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist. The key is to choose noodles that will hold up well in a salad and complement the other ingredients you plan to use.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad as we are! It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that’s super easy to whip up. Perfect for a quick lunch or a fun side dish at gatherings, this salad is sure to bring smiles. Enjoy every crunchy bite!