Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ramen Noodle Salad is a fun twist on traditional salad recipes, using crunchy ramen noodles for added texture and flavor. The dressing is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, making each bite an explosion of taste. The salad is also customizable—add or remove ingredients to suit your preferences, and it's ready in just minutes. This dish is great for any occasion, and its simple ingredients make it budget-friendly too!

Ingredients

• 2 packs of ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet)

• 1 cup shredded cabbage (you can also use coleslaw mix)

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• ¼ cup chopped green onions

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds

• ¼ cup slivered almonds

Dressing:

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the noodles: Break the ramen noodles into small pieces. Place the ramen noodles in a large bowl. Discard the seasoning packet, as you won’t need it for this recipe.

2. Toast the nuts and seeds: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the sunflower seeds and slivered almonds until they are golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Set them aside to cool.

3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the salad: Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions to the bowl with the noodles. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.

5. Finish the salad: Just before serving, add the toasted sunflower seeds and slivered almonds to the salad and toss again.

6. Serve: This salad can be served immediately, or you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: You can make this salad heartier by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu.

• Add fruit: Toss in some chopped apples, oranges, or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.

• Swap the nuts and seeds: If you prefer, you can use different nuts or seeds, such as cashews or pumpkin seeds.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to add the toasted nuts and seeds right before serving, as they can lose their crunch if stored too long.

• Reheating: Since this salad is served cold, it doesn’t need reheating. Just take it out of the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked ramen noodles in this salad?

Yes, you can use cooked ramen noodles, but make sure to cool them completely before adding them to the salad to avoid wilting the veggies.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to add the toasted nuts and seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch.

3. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas to enhance the flavor and texture.

4. Can I use a different kind of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

5. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, the salad is already vegan, but make sure to use a plant-based soy sauce and double-check that the ramen noodles don’t contain any animal products.

6. What can I use instead of sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with more vegetable oil, but it will lack the distinctive nutty flavor that sesame oil provides.

7. How can I make this salad more filling?

To make the salad more filling, add a protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas.

8. How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, wait until just before serving to add the dressing and crunchy toppings. This keeps everything fresh.

9. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, you can add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil to the dressing to give the salad some heat.

10. Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the noodles and vegetables will change once thawed.

Conclusion

Ramen Noodle Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, side dish, or party appetizer. With crunchy noodles, vibrant veggies, and a tangy dressing, it’s easy to customize to your liking. Whether you enjoy it as is or add extra protein or vegetables, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.