This ramen noodle salad is a quick and tasty dish! It’s packed with crunchy veggies and a zesty dressing that will wake up your taste buds. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Who knew ramen could be this fancy? I love tossing in whatever veggies I have on hand. It’s like a salad party! Plus, it all comes together in just a snap, making it a go-to for busy days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Use any brand you like, just remember to throw away the seasoning packets. If you’re avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free ramen or use rice noodles instead for a different texture.
Cabbage: Napa cabbage gives a nice crunch, but you can also use green, red cabbage, or even a mix. Each brings a unique flavor and color to the dish!
Carrots: Shredded carrots add color and a bit of sweetness. If you want to skip them, try using sliced bell peppers or even cucumbers for a refreshing twist.
Green Onions: These are a must for a fresh kick. If you’re out, finely chopped red onion or shallots can work well in their place.
Nut Toppings: Sliced almonds add great crunch, but feel free to substitute with sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts if you prefer. They both pair nicely!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch in My Salad?
The key to a crunchy ramen noodle salad lies in how you prepare it. Start with uncooked ramen noodles, as they’re nice and crunchy compared to cooked ones. Crushing them gives a fun texture!
- When you combine the ingredients, be sure not to mix the salad too early. Letting it sit for a bit after adding the dressing helps the flavors blend without sogging up your noodles.
- The toasted nuts and seeds also enhance the crunch factor. Toasting them brings out their flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Easy and Delicious Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (3 oz each) ramen noodles, uncooked (discard seasoning packets)
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (Napa or green cabbage)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (optional, can substitute with sliced almonds)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions, divided
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This ramen noodle salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After you’ve mixed everything together, letting it sit for about 10 minutes helps the flavors come together nicely. So, you can have this salad ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by crushing the uncooked ramen noodles into small pieces. You can use your hands or place them in a sealed bag and gently smash them. This will create a fun, crunchy texture for your salad. Set the crushed noodles aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots (if you’re using them), half of the chopped green onions, the toasted sliced almonds, and the toasted sesame seeds. Then, add your crushed ramen noodles to the mix. It’s looking good already!
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves, and everything is well mixed. This dressing will add a zing to your salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Each bite should be packed with flavor!
5. Garnish and Let Rest:
Sprinkle the remaining chopped green onions on top for a fresh finishing touch. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together while the noodles soften just a bit, making it even tastier!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or a light meal. Enjoy all the crunch and zest!
Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and zesty ramen noodle salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ramen Noodle Salad
Can I Use Cooked Ramen Noodles Instead?
It’s best to use uncooked ramen noodles for this salad to ensure the best crunch! If you only have cooked ramen, you can still use them, but note that the salad will have a softer texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is mostly vegan already, but make sure to check your soy sauce for any animal-derived ingredients. You can also substitute honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar for a completely vegan option.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but to keep it crunchy, add the dressing and ramen noodles right before serving. This way, they won’t soften too much and will retain that delightful crunch!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the noodles will continue to soften, so it’s best to consume them sooner rather than later for that crunchy texture!
