There’s a certain joy that comes from taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something refreshing and satisfying. Picture the vibrant colors of freshly shredded green and red cabbage, paired with the crispness of carrots and the delightful crunch of toasted almonds. When I first created this Easy Ramen Noodle Salad, it was an impromptu escape from the humdrum of takeout meals, and little did I know that it would quickly become a family favorite.
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a summer barbecue or as a light lunch paired with grilled chicken, it brings a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that satisfies your cravings without the heaviness of fast food. Plus, in just a few short steps, you can create a colorful bowl of goodness that delights both the eyes and the palate. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s guaranteed to brighten up your table and inspire you to embrace homemade cooking once again!
Why is this Easy Ramen Noodle Salad a must-try?
Delicious flavors combine in this vibrant salad, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Quick and simple, you can whip this up in no time! Healthy crunch from fresh vegetables meets the satisfying texture of ramen and almonds, creating a dish that’s as delightful as it is nutritious. Perfectly versatile, enjoy it as a light lunch, side dish, or even a potluck favorite. And if you’re looking for more inventive ways to use cabbage, don’t miss out on our crunchy cabbage slaw!
Easy Ramen Noodle Salad Ingredients
Transform your meals with this Easy Ramen Noodle Salad!
For the Salad
• Shredded green cabbage – adds a refreshing crunch that serves as the salad’s foundation.
• Shredded red cabbage – offers vibrant color and a slightly sweeter flavor for balance.
• Shredded carrots – incorporates a natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
• Ramen noodles – provide a satisfying crunch; be sure to reserve the seasoning packets for the dressing.
• Sliced green onions – offer a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
• Toasted slivered almonds – contribute a nutty crunch that complements the textures beautifully.
For the Dressing
• Vegetable oil – gives the salad a silky texture and helps bind the flavors together.
• Rice vinegar – introduces a tangy note that enhances the salad’s brightness and freshness.
• Sugar – balances the acidity of the vinegar while highlighting the salad’s sweet elements.
Get ready to enjoy this delightful Easy Ramen Noodle Salad that will surely become a staple on your dining table!
How to Make Easy Ramen Noodle Salad
-
Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. This colorful medley not only looks inviting but also provides a fresh, crunchy base.
-
Add Noodles and Almonds: Gently fold in the broken ramen noodles and toasted slivered almonds. This step adds a satisfying texture to the salad, making each bite a delightful experience.
-
Whisk Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and the reserved seasoning packets from the ramen noodles. Ensure it’s well combined for optimum flavor enhancement.
-
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat everything evenly. You want every ingredient to sparkle with flavor!
Optional: Garnish with additional green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Ramen Noodle Salad ingredients are perfect for meal prep! You can chop the vegetables (shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions) and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before serving, which keeps them fresh and crunchy. To maintain the salad’s quality, wait to add the ramen noodles and toasted almonds until you’re ready to mix everything together, as this will prevent them from becoming soggy. For the dressing, you can whisk it together and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in advance; simply give it a good shake before pouring it over the salad. When you’re ready to enjoy your Easy Ramen Noodle Salad, just combine all the prepared components, toss, and savor the delightful crunch!
What to Serve with Easy Ramen Noodle Salad?
Imagine a bright, colorful meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing, perfect for any occasion.
-
Grilled Chicken: Juicy, tender grilled chicken complements the salad’s crunch while adding protein, creating a balanced meal.
-
Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with crisp vegetables echo the salad’s bright flavors, making for a delightful pairing.
-
Teriyaki Salmon: The sweet, savory glaze of teriyaki salmon harmonizes beautifully with the salad’s tangy dressing and crunchy texture.
-
Sesame Crusted Tofu: For a plant-based option, crispy sesame tofu adds heartiness and an extra layer of flavor that matches splendidly.
-
Coconut Rice: Whipped coconut rice provides a creamy and fragrant contrast that enhances the salad’s freshness without overpowering it.
-
Chilled Cucumber Soup: Light and refreshing, this soup adds a smooth texture that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s crunch.
-
Iced Green Tea: A glass of icy green tea makes a refreshing drink choice, balancing the savory flavors of the salad with its mild taste.
-
Fruit Sorbet: Serve a scoop of fruity sorbet for dessert to cleanse the palate; its sweetness is a delightful end to the meal.
Expert Tips for Easy Ramen Noodle Salad
-
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, crisp vegetables to ensure the best flavor and texture. Wilting cabbage can dull the vibrant crunch that makes this salad shine.
-
Crunchy Noodles: Add the ramen noodles just before serving to maintain their crunch. If mixed too early, they can become soggy, losing that delightful texture.
-
Dressing Balance: Tailor the dressing to your taste. If you prefer a tangier salad, increase the rice vinegar; for sweetness, add a touch more sugar.
-
Personalize It: Feel free to customize this Easy Ramen Noodle Salad with additional ingredients like bell peppers or snap peas for extra flavor and color.
-
Storing Leftovers: If you’re planning for leftovers, store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve. This preserves the freshness of the salad and prevents it from becoming mushy.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Ramen Noodle Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover Easy Ramen Noodle Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the vegetables fresh and crisp, so you can enjoy it later!
Dressing: If you have leftover dressing, keep it in a separate container in the fridge for up to a week. Mixing it only when ready to serve preserves the salad’s delightful texture.
Freezer: It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the texture of the cabbage and ramen noodles will not hold up after thawing. Enjoy it fresh!
Reheating: No reheating is necessary for this salad; serve it cold or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Easy Ramen Noodle Salad Variations
Transform this salad to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Swap traditional ramen noodles for gluten-free rice noodles or a crunchy veggie alternative like spiralized zucchini.
- Nut-Free: Omit the toasted almonds and replace them with sunflower seeds for a delicious texture without the allergens.
- Creamy Dressing: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing for a creamy, tangy spin that adds richness.
- Sweet & Spicy: Incorporate a touch of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing for a delightful heat that balances the sweetness.
- Protein Boost: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or edamame for a heartier dish that keeps you satisfied longer.
- Flavor Enhancer: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to introduce a fragrant layer, elevating the freshness of every bite.
- Crispy Texture: For added crunch, consider throwing in crispy fried shallots or crushed tortilla chips right before serving.
- Seasonal Twist: In the colder months, add roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for a warm, seasonal vibe that complements the salad perfectly.
Easy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe FAQs
What types of cabbage should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the best taste and texture, use fresh, crisp green and red cabbages. Look for vibrant colors and avoid any heads with dark spots, as they may be old or spoiled.
How long can I store leftover Easy Ramen Noodle Salad?
You can keep your leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain that delightful crunch, make sure to store the dressing separately, as it keeps the vegetables fresh for longer.
Can I freeze Easy Ramen Noodle Salad?
It’s best to skip freezing this salad. The texture of the cabbage and crunchy ramen will become mushy once thawed, which isn’t very appetizing. Instead, enjoy it fresh for the best flavor experience!
What should I do if my ramen noodles become soggy?
If your noodles get soggy, try adding more fresh ramen noodles to the salad just before serving. This way, you can restore that delightful crunch! Just remember to mix in the seasoning separately for continued flavor.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind when making this salad?
Very! If you’re serving this salad to someone with nut allergies, simply omit the toasted slivered almonds or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds for that desired crunch. Additionally, for gluten-free options, seek out gluten-free ramen noodles at your local store!
Can I add more ingredients to personalize this salad?
The more the merrier! Feel free to add other colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or even edamame for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the dressing quantities accordingly for a balanced taste.
Delicious Easy Ramen Noodle Salad You’ll Crave Again!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.
- Gently fold in the broken ramen noodles and toasted slivered almonds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and the reserved seasoning packets from the ramen noodles.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.