Description
A refreshing, crunchy, and colorful salad made with toasted ramen noodles, crisp cabbage, and a tangy-sweet Asian-inspired dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or quick weeknight meals.
Introduction
This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is famous for its bold textures and flavors. The combination of crisp vegetables, toasted nuts and seeds, and crunchy ramen pieces makes every bite exciting. The homemade dressing ties everything together with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super crunchy and satisfying
- Easy to prepare, no cooking except quick toasting
- Customizable with add-ins
- A great make-ahead salad
- Light, refreshing, and perfect for gatherings
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 packages (3 oz each) ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (green/red cabbage + carrots)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey (or sugar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
1. Toast the Ramen
Break the uncooked ramen noodles into small bite-sized pieces.
Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden.
Set aside to cool.
2. Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, toasted ramen noodles, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, green onions, and cilantro.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil until smooth and fully combined.
4. Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to let flavors blend slightly.
Variations
- Add Protein: Cooked shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, tofu cubes, or edamame.
- Add Fruit: Mandarin oranges, mango slices, or thinly sliced apples.
- Extra Crunch: Add crispy wonton strips or cashews.
- Spicy Version: Add a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Tips for Best Results
- Add the dressing right before serving to keep the noodles extra crunchy.
- Toast the nuts along with the ramen for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh, crisp coleslaw mix for the best texture.
- If making ahead, store the dressing separately.
Storage Tips
- Once mixed, the salad stays crunchy for up to 2 hours.
- Leftovers soften but still taste great—store in the fridge for 1 day.
- Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead for events.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect alongside grilled meats
- Great for potlucks and picnics
- Works well with Asian-inspired dishes
- Delicious with noodles, rice bowls, or sandwiches
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the salad and store the dressing separately. Mix just before serving.
Can I use instant ramen?
Yes! Any ramen noodles work as long as you discard the seasoning pack.
Conclusion
Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is a bright, fun, and refreshing dish packed with textures and flavors. It’s fast, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.