Zesty Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Classic Comfort

Crisp summer days call for a refreshing ramen noodle salad that dances with vibrant flavors and unexpected textures.

This Asian-inspired dish brings a delightful crunch to your table with minimal effort.

Packed with tangy dressing and crisp vegetables, the salad combines traditional noodles with a modern twist.

Each bite delivers a symphony of tastes that blend perfectly together.

The simple yet ingenious recipe turns basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Cool and satisfying, this salad works beautifully as a side dish or light meal that will surely impress.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this delectable creation that promises to become a new summer favorite.

All the Fixings for Ramen Noodle Salad

• Ramen Noodles: Crunchy noodles that provide a unique texture and add depth to the salad.
• Coleslaw Mix: Fresh shredded cabbage that serves as the primary vegetable base for the salad.
• Shredded Carrots: Bright orange vegetables that add color and a sweet crunch.

• Toasted Almonds, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds: Nutty ingredients that bring a delightful crunch and rich, toasted flavor to the salad.
• Green Onions: Sharp and fresh herbs that provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.

• Vegetable Oil, Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: A combination of liquid ingredients that create a balanced and flavorful Asian-inspired dressing.
• Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dressing.

Easy Steps to Crunchy Ramen Salad

Step 1: Crunch and Toast Ramen Noodles

Break the ramen noodle block into small bite-sized pieces.

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and spread the noodle pieces evenly.

Toast them, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Transfer the toasted noodles to a plate and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Vibrant Vegetable Mix

• Crisp coleslaw mix
• Shredded carrots
• Chopped green onions
• Toasted almonds
• Sesame seeds
• Sunflower seeds

Toss the ingredients together to create a colorful and crunchy base.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Vegetable oil
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Sesame oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the dressing looks smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the toasted ramen noodles into the vegetable mixture.

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top.

Using tongs or salad servers, gently toss all ingredients until every piece is beautifully coated with the zesty dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving.

This allows the ingredients to mingle and the flavors to develop.

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Tips for Ramen Noodle Salad Success

• Use a dry skillet and medium heat to ensure even, golden-brown crispiness without burning the ramen noodles.
• Mix different seeds like sunflower, sesame, and almonds for added crunch and nutritional value.
• Prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate to let flavors meld together intensely.
• Adjust soy sauce and rice vinegar quantities to match your preferred tanginess and saltiness.
• Swap regular ramen noodles with gluten-free alternatives and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.

Ramen Salad Mix-In Variations

• Gluten-Free Ramen Twist: Replace ramen noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or quinoa for a celiac-friendly version. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain the Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegan Power Salad: Swap almonds and sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds. Use maple syrup instead of sugar and add extra edamame for protein. Replace vegetable oil with olive oil for a healthier dressing.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the dressing. Include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Incorporate sliced grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost.

Serving Up Ramen Noodle Salad Right

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the ramen noodle salad on a large wooden board with extra garnishes like fresh herbs and additional toasted seeds for a stunning presentation.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the salad with grilled chicken strips, seared tofu cubes, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform it into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Crunch Corner: Sprinkle extra toasted almonds and crispy wonton strips right before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and add delightful texture variations.
• Side Dish Superstar: Pair this vibrant salad with grilled teriyaki salmon, Asian-style barbecue ribs, or as a refreshing accompaniment to summer cookout favorites.

Ramen Salad Storage Made Simple

• Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent noodles from getting soggy.
• Not recommended due to the crispy noodles and fresh vegetables that will lose texture and become mushy when thawed.
• Gently warm noodles in a skillet for 1-2 minutes to restore crispness. Add a splash of rice vinegar to refresh the flavors.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, sprinkle extra toasted almonds and sesame seeds to revive the crunchy texture and boost the salad's appeal.

FAQs

• What makes the dressing unique in this ramen salad?

The dressing combines rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, creating a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile that elevates the entire salad.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to keep the noodles crisp and prevent sogginess.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

The salad offers a good balance of vegetables, seeds, and protein, with a mix of nutrients from coleslaw, carrots, almonds, and seeds, making it a relatively nutritious option.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

No, this ramen salad is incredibly simple and requires basic chopping and mixing skills, making it perfect for beginner cooks or quick meal preparation.

Ramen Salad, What Sets It Apart

• Crunch with Creativity: Transform boring ramen noodles into a delightful, crispy salad topping that adds unexpected texture and excitement to your meal.
• Quick and Versatile Prep: Whip up this salad in minimal time with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Packed with Nutritious Goodness: Combine fresh vegetables, seeds, and nuts for a colorful, nutrient-rich dish that delivers both flavor and health benefits.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Champion: Impress friends and family with this unique twist on traditional salads, guaranteed to stand out at any shared meal.

Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp Asian-inspired Ramen Noodle Salad delivers a zesty crunch with tangy dressing and toasted sesame seeds. Refreshing ingredients dance together, creating a quick meal that will satisfy your hunger for bold, memorable flavors.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Greens:

• 4 cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Noodles and Nuts:

• 2 packets of instant ramen noodles
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

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Instructions

1. Crush ramen noodle package into small fragments and lightly toast in a dry skillet over medium heat until achieving a golden, crispy texture, approximately 3-4 minutes. Allow noodles to cool completely on a paper towel.
2. Prepare a large mixing vessel with coleslaw blend, incorporating shredded carrots, thinly sliced green onions, roasted almonds, sprinkle of sesame seeds, and crunchy sunflower seeds.
3. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking together vegetable oil, tangy rice vinegar, umami-rich soy sauce, granulated sugar, fragrant sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smoothly combined.
4. Gently fold the cooled, toasted noodle fragments into the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, carefully tossing to guarantee every ingredient is thoroughly coated with the zesty mixture.
6. For optimal flavor development, refrigerate the salad for approximately 30 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to marinate and meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy the complex textural experience.

Notes

• Toasting ramen noodles transforms them from bland to spectacular, creating a nutty, golden-brown texture that adds irresistible crispiness to the salad.
• Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving, allowing the dressing to deeply penetrate the ingredients and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Swap regular soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version, or use a plant-based sweetener like agave instead of sugar to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Try different seed combinations like pumpkin seeds or chopped cashews to create unique crunch and nutritional variations in the salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 275 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg