Fresh Asian Crunch: A Zesty Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

My latest culinary adventure with this crunchy asian ramen noodle salad delivers a punch of unexpected flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp vegetables and toasted noodle bits create a delightful texture contrast you’ll adore.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this simple yet stunning dish.

Pantry staples transform into something magical through clever mixing and minimal cooking.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that feel both familiar and fresh.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under twenty minutes.

Dive right in and let your taste buds celebrate this delicious adventure!

What You’ll Need for Ramen Noodle Salad

• Ramen Noodles: Uncooked noodles that will be toasted for a crunchy texture and added to the salad.
• Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage and carrots that provide a fresh and crisp foundation for the salad.

• Almonds, Sunflower Seeds: Nuts and seeds that add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.

• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that bring bright, aromatic notes to the overall dish.
• Olive Oil, Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Honey, Sesame Oil: Dressing ingredients that create a balanced, tangy, and slightly sweet Asian-inspired flavor profile.

How to Make Crunchy Asian Ramen Salad

Step 1: Crunch Those Ramen Noodles

Break the ramen noodle block into small pieces. Grab a skillet and heat it over medium flame without adding any oil.

Toss the noodle fragments into the dry pan and stir continuously. Toast them until they turn a light golden color and develop a nutty aroma, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

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

Step 2: Build Your Vibrant Salad Base

• Shredded coleslaw mix
• Cooled toasted ramen noodles
• Sliced almonds
• Roasted sunflower seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Gently toss all ingredients to distribute them evenly.

Step 3: Whip Up The Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Rice vinegar
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Honey
• Toasted sesame oil

Ensure all components are thoroughly integrated.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.

Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything carefully, making sure each ingredient gets coated with the flavorful dressing. For the best texture, serve immediately.

If you prefer a slightly softened salad, let it rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Ramen Noodle Salad

• Toast ramen noodles carefully to prevent burning, watching the skillet closely for even golden color.
• Customize the salad by adding protein like shredded chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Prepare dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and save preparation time.
• Use freshly chopped herbs for brighter, more vibrant taste and better overall texture in the salad.
• Keep nuts and seeds crisp by adding them just before serving to maintain their satisfying crunch.

Flavor Variations for Ramen Noodle Salad

• Gluten-Free Ramen Remix: Swap traditional ramen for rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti, using tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain the Asian flavor profile.
• Protein Power Salad: Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal that boosts nutritional value and keeps you full longer.
• Vegetable Boost Version: Include additional crisp vegetables like shredded carrots, sliced red bell peppers, or edamame to increase nutrient density and color variety.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes into the dressing for those who enjoy a zesty, warm undertone in their salad.

What Goes Well with This Crunchy Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's Asian-inspired flavors and cuts through the crunchy texture.
• Complement with Light Beer: Choose a Japanese rice lager or a wheat beer with subtle citrus notes to balance the nutty, tangy elements of the ramen salad.
• Match with Sparkling Water Mocktail: Create a zesty mocktail with lime, mint, and sparkling water to echo the salad's bright, fresh ingredients and provide a clean, palate-cleansing experience.
• Enhance with Chilled Green Tea: Brew a cool, slightly grassy green tea that mirrors the salad's Asian profile and offers a subtle, refreshing counterpoint to the dish's bold flavors.

Storing Crunchy Ramen Salad for Later

Seal leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep crunchy toppings like toasted ramen and nuts separate to prevent sogginess.

Not recommended due to the fresh vegetables and crispy noodle texture that will become mushy when thawed.

Before serving chilled leftovers, sprinkle fresh toasted ramen noodles and almonds on top to revive the original crispness.

If desired, gently warm the salad at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to slightly soften the vegetables and blend flavors.

FAQs

• Why toast the ramen noodles?

Toasting adds a nutty flavor and provides extra crunch to the salad, transforming plain noodles into a delicious, crispy element that elevates the entire dish.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients separately and mix just before serving to maintain the crunchiness. The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients from coleslaw mix, nuts, seeds, and a light dressing. The recipe offers a good balance of vegetables, protein, and complex carbohydrates.

• Can I substitute ingredients?

Absolutely! You can swap almonds for cashews, use different seeds, or replace cilantro with parsley based on your preference or dietary needs.

Why Ramen Noodle Salad Is So Popular

• Crunch Celebration: Transforms boring ramen into a texture-packed salad with toasted noodles, almonds, and sunflower seeds that deliver satisfying crispiness in every bite.
• Quick Prep Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills, with simple steps like toasting noodles and whisking dressing, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.
• Flavor Adventure: Combines Asian-inspired ingredients like rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a vibrant, tangy dressing that elevates the entire salad experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works brilliantly as a potluck side dish, picnic contribution, or light lunch that appeals to both adults and kids with its fun, crunchy components.

Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Asian Ramen Noodle Salad brings together crisp vegetables and tangy dressing in a quick, refreshing dish. Crunchy noodles and vibrant mix of ingredients will delight you with bold flavors that dance across your palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green and red cabbage, and carrots)
• 2 packages (3 ounces/85 grams each) ramen noodles
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

Nuts and Seeds:

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Crush ramen noodle packages while still sealed, breaking them into small, uneven fragments to ensure varied texture.
2. Toast noodle pieces in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly until achieving a light golden hue and releasing a nutty aroma.
3. Allow toasted noodles to cool completely on a flat surface, which prevents moisture and maintains their crisp texture.
4. Combine shredded coleslaw mix with cooled noodle fragments in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
5. Incorporate sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, whole almonds, and sunflower seeds into the vegetable mixture, distributing ingredients evenly.
6. Craft the dressing by whisking rice vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a separate container until ingredients emulsify smoothly.
7. Drizzle prepared dressing over salad components, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating without crushing delicate ingredients.
8. For optimal crunch, serve immediately or refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and slightly soften the vegetables.

Notes

• Customize the crunch by experimenting with different nuts like cashews or peanuts for varied texture and flavor profiles.
• Swap traditional ramen noodles with gluten-free alternatives to make the salad suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Create a vegan version by replacing honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and using tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing components separately and combining just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and prevent soggy noodles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 382 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg