Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

There's nothing quite like the vibrant crunch of a Ramen Noodle Salad on a warm day. The combination of crisp vegetables, toasted noodles, and a tangy-sweet dressing is simply irresistible. This recipe brings together a medley of textures and flavors, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch.

I first discovered this salad at a family barbecue, where it quickly stole the show from the main dishes. Since then, it’s become a staple in my recipe collection, cherished for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal. Let’s dive into what makes this salad a standout.

Why You'll Love This Ramen Noodle Salad

Get ready to discover your new go-to dish for casual gatherings and busy weeknights. This Ramen Noodle Salad checks all the boxes for a delicious and stress-free recipe.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. With minimal prep and no cooking required (except for a quick toasting of the noodles), you’ll have this salad ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for when time is tight, but you still want something homemade.

The flavors are delightfully balanced. The tangy dressing complements the crunchy vegetables and nutty toasted noodles, creating a harmony that’s satisfying without being overly heavy.

It’s also a budget-friendly option. Using inexpensive pantry staples like instant ramen noodles and simple vegetables, this salad proves that great food doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Lastly, the recipe is endlessly customizable. You can mix and match vegetables, adjust the dressing’s sweetness, or add a protein like shredded chicken to make it a complete meal.

Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a vibrant addition to your picnic spread, this Ramen Noodle Salad is a must-try.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Ramen Noodle Salad lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the dish’s texture and taste.

Ramen noodles are the star of the show here. Use the inexpensive instant variety, but discard the seasoning packets—they're not needed for this recipe. Toasting the noodles adds a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.

Cabbage forms the base of the salad. You can use green cabbage, purple cabbage, or a mix of both for added color and nutrition. Pre-shredded cabbage works great for convenience.

Carrots bring a pop of sweetness and color to the mix. Grating them fresh ensures maximum flavor and texture, but you can also use store-bought matchstick carrots if you’re in a rush.

Green onions add a mild, zesty bite that complements the sweetness of the dressing. Use both the green and white parts for a well-rounded flavor.

The dressing is a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a touch of sesame oil, it ties the salad together beautifully.

Optional toppings like sliced almonds and sesame seeds add an extra layer of crunch and nutty goodness. Feel free to get creative with other add-ins like sunflower seeds or chopped peanuts.

You won’t need any special equipment—just a mixing bowl, a skillet for toasting, and a whisk for the dressing.

How To Make This Ramen Noodle Salad

Creating this vibrant Ramen Noodle Salad is as easy as it is enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure perfect results every time.

Start by preparing the noodles. Break the ramen noodles into small pieces while still in their package, then open and discard the seasoning packets. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the noodles, stirring frequently, until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

While the noodles cool, assemble the vegetables. Shred the cabbage and carrots if needed, and slice the green onions. Add them to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.

Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust the balance of flavors to your liking—add more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang.

Add the cooled toasted noodles and any optional toppings (like sliced almonds or sesame seeds) to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This brief rest also softens the noodles slightly while keeping their crunch.

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture. This salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day.

Storage Options

If you need to prepare this salad ahead of time, consider storing the components separately. Keep the toasted noodles, shredded vegetables, and dressing in individual containers. Assemble and toss the salad just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day. However, the noodles may lose their crunch over time. To revive the salad, you can sprinkle on some fresh toasted noodles or nuts before serving.

Avoid freezing this salad, as the vegetables and noodles won’t hold up well to the freezing and thawing process.

Variations and Substitutions

This Ramen Noodle Salad is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to adapt to your tastes and dietary needs.

For a protein boost, add shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, or crispy tofu. These additions turn the salad into a complete meal.

Swap out the cabbage for other greens like kale or spinach for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just be sure to chop them finely for easy eating.

Experiment with different vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, or edamame are all excellent options for adding variety and color.

To make the salad gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.

If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. For a spicier kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

Feel free to play around with toppings. Sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro can add a unique twist to the classic recipe.

No matter how you customize it, this Ramen Noodle Salad is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

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