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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Crush ramen noodle packages while still sealed, breaking them into small, uneven fragments to ensure varied texture.
- 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.
- Allow toasted noodles to cool completely on a flat surface, which prevents moisture and maintains their crisp texture.
- Combine shredded coleslaw mix with cooled noodle fragments in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
- Incorporate sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, whole almonds, and sunflower seeds into the vegetable mixture, distributing ingredients evenly.
- Craft the dressing by whisking rice vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a separate container until ingredients emulsify smoothly.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over salad components, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating without crushing delicate ingredients.
- 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