Zesty Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe: Crunchy Summer Joy

Crafting a delightful ramen noodle salad can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing bring unexpected excitement to this classic dish.

Noodles dance with fresh herbs, creating a vibrant palette of flavors.

Weeknight dinners become instantly more interesting with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Bold ingredients merge to create something truly memorable.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cabbage in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute green cabbage with napa cabbage or use a mix of cabbage varieties for added texture and flavor.

• Is it necessary to toast the almonds?

Toasting almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad. If you’re short on time, you can use raw almonds, but toasting is recommended.

• How long can I keep this ramen noodle salad in the refrigerator?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, the noodles may lose their crispness over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two.

Ramen Noodle Salad For Quick Lunch Solutions

• Customize Your Culinary Creation: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to adjust ingredients or add extra toppings to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Delight: Using affordable ingredients like ramen noodles and basic vegetables, this salad provides a wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Serve Anytime, Anywhere: Versatile enough for potlucks, picnics, weeknight dinners, or summer gatherings, this salad transitions seamlessly between casual and slightly more sophisticated settings.

Ingredients Needed For Cool Ramen Noodle Salad

• Green Cabbage: A crisp and fresh base that adds crunch to the salad.
• Red Cabbage: Provides vibrant color and additional texture to the dish.
• Carrots: Brings a sweet and earthy flavor with extra nutritional value.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild, sharp flavor and fresh garnish to the salad.

• Ramen Noodles: The primary carbohydrate component that gives the salad its unique character.
• Slivered Almonds: Provides a nutty crunch and enhances the overall texture of the salad.

• Vegetable Oil, Rice Vinegar, Sugar: A classic combination that creates a light, sweet, and tangy dressing.
• Ramen Noodle Seasoning Packets: Adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the dressing.

How To Assemble Ramen Noodle Salad At Home

Step 1: Chop Colorful Veggies

Grab your cutting board and knife.

Slice green cabbage and red cabbage into thin, delicate strips.

Grate or julienne carrots into fine, wispy pieces.

These vibrant vegetables will create a beautiful base for your ramen salad.

Step 2: Crush Noodle Crunch

Open ramen packages and gently break the dry noodles into bite-sized pieces.

Slice green onions into thin, diagonal cuts to add a fresh, zesty accent to the salad.

Sprinkle these crunchy components into your veggie mixture.

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

In a separate mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, rice vinegar, and sugar.

Tear open ramen seasoning packets and pour their flavor-packed contents into the liquid mixture.

Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the dressing looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Mix and Coat

Pour the dazzling dressing over the veggie and noodle blend.

Use tongs or two large spoons to toss and coat every single piece, ensuring each bite will be bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds over the salad.

Gently fold them in to distribute the extra crunch throughout the dish.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and slide it into the refrigerator.

Let it cool and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, creating a refreshing and delightful side dish.

Tips For Best Cold Ramen Noodle Salads

• Chop vegetables the night before and store in an airtight container to save time and maintain crispness.
• Use both seasoning packets from ramen for a more robust taste, or adjust to your preferred salt level.
• Toast almonds just before adding to prevent soggy texture and maintain their crispy, nutty flavor.
• Experiment with different crunchy vegetables like shredded kohlrabi or jicama for unique texture and taste.
• Add shredded chicken or tofu to transform this side dish into a complete meal with extra protein.

Creative Takes On Classic Ramen Salad Bowls

• Gluten-Free Ramen Salad: Replace ramen noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta, use gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure seasoning packets are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Ramen Salad: Swap out seasoning packets with nutritional yeast, use maple syrup instead of sugar, and replace almonds with sunflower seeds for added crunch.
• Low-Carb Asian Slaw: Substitute ramen noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice, use monk fruit sweetener, and keep the same dressing base for a lighter version.
• Protein-Packed Ramen Salad: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, edamame, or tofu cubes to increase protein content while maintaining the original salad's flavor profile.

Serving Ramen Noodle Salad With Friends

• Fresh Picnic Companion: Pack this vibrant salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, BBQs, and summer potlucks.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the salad by adding grilled chicken strips, crispy tofu cubes, or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and flavor.
• Quick Lunch Option: Prepare the salad in advance and store in the refrigerator for a refreshing, make-ahead lunch that stays crisp and delicious throughout the day.
• Side Dish Superstar: Serve alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light accompaniment to Asian-inspired main courses like teriyaki salmon or stir-fry dishes.

How To Store Ramen Noodle Salad Easily

• Store the ramen noodle salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the almonds separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.
• Do not freeze this salad as the cabbage and noodles will become soggy and lose their texture when thawed.
• If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle a little extra dressing and toss gently to revive the flavors and moisture.
• For best taste and texture, consume the salad within 24 hours of preparation to enjoy the crisp vegetables and crunchy noodles.

Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cool ramen noodle salad brings Asian-inspired zest to summer gatherings with crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing. Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a light and refreshing dish you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups green cabbage
• 2 cups red cabbage
• 1 cup carrots
• 2 packages ramen noodles

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Garnish and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup green onions
• 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds

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Instructions

1. Shred green and red cabbage along with carrots into a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Crush ramen noodles into bite-sized fragments and slice green onions, then incorporate into the vegetable mixture.
3. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and ramen seasoning packets in a separate container until thoroughly blended.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable and noodle blend, tossing meticulously to ensure complete and even coating.
5. Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds across the salad, gently folding to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to chill, enhancing the overall taste and texture before serving.

Notes

• Swap ramen seasoning packets for healthier alternatives like low-sodium soy sauce or homemade spice blends to reduce processed ingredient intake.
• Toast almonds quickly in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance their nutty flavor.
• Prepare salad just before serving to maintain noodle crunchiness and prevent soggy texture from extended refrigeration.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by using rice noodles or gluten-free ramen and ensuring all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 232 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg