The Irresistible Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe Everyone Adores

Whipping up a delightful ramen noodle salad promises an adventure in flavor and texture that breaks free from traditional expectations.

Crisp vegetables and tender noodles dance together in a vibrant medley of taste.

Cold and refreshing, this dish offers a surprising twist on classic comfort food.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create something magical on your plate.

Crunchy, tangy, and utterly irresistible, the recipe transforms ordinary pantry staples into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this innovative culinary creation.

Dive in and let your taste buds celebrate this unexpected delight.

Ramen Noodle Salad That Surprises

• Savor Crunchy Texture: Toasted ramen noodles and almonds deliver an irresistible crunch that transforms this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different palates.
• Quick Meal Solution: Requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy individuals seeking a delicious and nutritious option.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with vibrant vegetables and a tangy dressing, this salad appeals to both health-conscious eaters and those craving bold flavors.

Ingredients For Ramen Noodle Salad

• Ramen Noodles: Crunchy base that provides texture and unique flavor to the salad.
• Cabbage: Crisp vegetable that adds volume and freshness to the dish.
• Carrots: Adds vibrant color and sweet crunch to the salad.

• Almonds, Sunflower Seeds: Provide nutty flavor and extra crunch to enhance the salad's texture.

• Vegetable Oil, Vinegar, Sugar, Soy Sauce: Create a balanced and tangy dressing that coats and flavors the entire salad.

• Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and fresh green color to the dish.

How To Prepare Ramen Noodle Salad

Step 1: Crisp Up Noodles and Nuts

Warm your oven to 350F. Spread ramen noodles and almonds on a baking sheet.

Toast them for 5-7 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to ensure even golden browning. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Grab your cutting board and slice shredded cabbages, julienne carrots, chop green onions, and measure out sunflower seeds. Combine all these colorful ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant base for your salad.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a separate bowl, create a tangy dressing by whisking together ingredients until smooth and well-blended. The combination will add a punch of flavor to your salad.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Toss the toasted ramen and almonds into the vegetable mixture. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.

Mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece gets a delicious coating of the dressing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

For maximum crunchiness, serve the salad immediately.

If you prefer a more melded flavor, let it rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to get to know each other and create a harmonious dish.

Tips For Better Ramen Noodle Salad

• Toast noodles and almonds carefully to prevent burning, watching closely during the 5-7 minute baking time.
• Prep vegetables ahead of time for quicker assembly, keeping cabbage and carrots crisp by chopping just before mixing.
• Swap sunflower seeds with other nuts like cashews or peanuts for varied texture and flavor profiles.
• Make dressing in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
• Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or tofu to transform this side dish into a complete meal.

Variations Of Ramen Noodle Salad

• Gluten-Free Ramen Delight: Replace traditional ramen with rice noodles or gluten-free ramen alternatives, using tamari instead of soy sauce for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Power Salad: Swap almonds with pumpkin seeds, use maple syrup instead of honey, and add edamame for extra protein and plant-based nutrition.
• Spicy Asian Remix: Incorporate sriracha or chili oil into the dressing, add red pepper flakes, and include diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
• Low-Carb Crunch Bowl: Substitute ramen noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice, keeping the original dressing and toasted nuts for a lighter option.

Pairing Ideas For Ramen Noodle Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this vibrant salad in individual containers for a refreshing outdoor meal that travels beautifully and stays crisp.
• Protein Power Bowl: Top the salad with grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs to transform it into a complete, satisfying main course that keeps you energized.
• Asian-Inspired Appetizer: Serve small portions as a zesty side dish at dinner parties or potlucks, offering guests a crunchy, flavorful nibble that sparks conversation.
• Quick Lunch Upgrade: Prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before eating, creating a speedy midday meal that breaks away from boring sandwich routines.

Storage Advice For Ramen Noodle Salad

• Store leftover ramen noodle salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Keep dressing and salad separate to maintain crispness and prevent soggy noodles.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of preparation to ensure food safety and preserve quality.
• Before serving leftovers, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute dressing and ingredients.

FAQs

• Are ramen noodles healthy in this salad?

While traditional ramen noodles are processed, this recipe uses them as a crunchy topping after toasting, which adds texture without excessive calories. The added vegetables and nuts boost the nutritional value.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine just before serving. Keep the toasted noodles and dressing separate from the vegetables to maintain crispness. Mix everything right before serving for best results.

• What makes the dressing special in this recipe?

The dressing typically combines sweet and tangy flavors with ingredients like rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar, creating a balanced and flavorful coating that complements the crunchy vegetables and noodles.

Refreshing Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Asian ramen noodle salad blends crunchy cabbage with tangy dressing for a quick meal. Zesty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners you can enjoy with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 packs ramen noodles
• 1 cup green cabbage
• 1 cup purple cabbage
• 1 cup carrots

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup green onions
• 1/2 cup almonds (toasted)
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Garnish:

(No additional ingredients)

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack to middle position and preheat to 350F (175C). Scatter ramen noodles and almonds across a baking sheet, creating an even layer for uniform toasting.
2. Monitor noodle and almond mixture during 5-7 minutes of roasting, gently stirring midway to ensure golden and crisp texture without burning.
3. Transfer toasted components to cool momentarily while preparing vegetable base.
4. Combine shredded cabbage varieties, julienned carrots, thinly sliced green onions, and raw sunflower seeds in a generously sized mixing bowl.
5. Craft dressing by whisking ingredients until smooth and fully integrated, ensuring no separated oil or unincorporated seasonings remain.
6. Introduce toasted ramen noodles and almonds into vegetable mixture, creating textural contrast and nutty undertones.
7. Drizzle prepared dressing across salad, tossing thoroughly to guarantee comprehensive coating and flavor distribution.
8. For optimal crispness, serve immediately after dressing. Alternatively, allow salad to rest in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize and develop deeper complexity.

Notes

• Customize the salad by swapping cabbage with kale or mixed greens for added nutrients and variety.
• Toast noodles and almonds carefully to prevent burning, watching closely and stirring every couple of minutes for even golden color.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free ramen noodles or replacing them with rice noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Prepare dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enhance flavor development and save meal prep time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 384 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg