Zingy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe: Fresh Twist on a Classic

Crunchy textures and bold flavors collide in this crispy ramen noodle salad that brings an unexpected twist to traditional salad recipes.

Ramen noodles add a surprising crunch that elevates every single bite.

Packed with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing, this dish breaks all the usual salad rules.

The noodles transform from ordinary to extraordinary with a quick toasting technique that guarantees maximum crispiness.

Fresh ingredients mingle with nutty, toasted ramen for a symphony of taste and texture.

You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary.

This salad promises a delightful culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How To Serve Ramen Noodle Salad Cold

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Arrange the salad in a colorful ceramic bowl with a sprinkle of extra almonds and green onions on top for a beautiful presentation that screams summer potluck.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu cubes to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that keeps you satisfied.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in mason jars with dressing at the bottom, layering ingredients to keep everything crisp and fresh for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Texture Twist: Swap some almonds for crispy wonton strips or crushed pretzels right before serving to add an unexpected crunch that elevates the entire salad experience.

Keep Ramen Noodle Salad Crunchy In Storage

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store this vibrant ramen salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the crisp texture and bright flavors intact.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Keep crunchy elements like almonds and noodles separate from the dressed salad until serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy textures.
• Advance Prep Magic: Chop vegetables and mix dressing up to 24 hours before serving, allowing flavors to develop while saving precious mealtime preparation minutes.
• Quick Flavor Refresh: Before serving leftover salad, give it a quick toss and add a splash of rice vinegar to revive the dressing's zesty profile and reinvigorate the overall taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Simple Ingredients For Ramen Noodle Salad

• Coleslaw Mix: Crunchy foundation that adds texture and freshness with its colorful blend of shredded cabbage and carrots.
• Carrots: Vibrant root vegetable that brings natural sweetness and extra crunch to the salad.
• Green Onions: Sharp, zesty herb that provides a mild onion flavor and bright green color.
• Cilantro: Optional herb that adds a fresh, citrusy note and aromatic complexity.

• Ramen Noodles: Crushed dry noodles that create a unique, crispy texture and act as a playful alternative to traditional croutons.
• Almonds: Nutty, toasted ingredient that delivers a satisfying crunch and rich, earthy flavor.
• Sunflower Seeds: Delicate seeds that contribute a subtle nuttiness and additional crispness.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral base that helps blend and distribute other dressing flavors smoothly.
• Rice Vinegar: Tangy liquid that adds bright, sharp notes and helps balance the dressing.
• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich condiment that brings depth and savory complexity.
• Sugar: Sweetener that rounds out the dressing and harmonizes the different flavor profiles.
• Sesame Oil: Intense, nutty oil that provides a distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.
• Ramen Seasoning Packets: Optional flavor enhancer that can boost the overall taste profile.

Kitchen Gear For Ramen Noodle Salad Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all salad ingredients and tossing everything together.
• Small bowl or jar: Ideal for whisking and mixing the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing components into a well-combined mixture.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing green onions and preparing any additional toppings.

Steps To Build Ramen Noodle Salad Fast

• Crush and Prep Noodles

Break ramen noodles into small pieces directly over your mixing bowl. Crushing them adds a delightful crunch to your salad.

• Mix Veggie Goodness

Toss together crisp coleslaw mix, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, crunchy almonds, sunflower seeds, and optional fresh cilantro into the bowl. Create a colorful base that promises exciting flavors.

• Whip Up Zippy Dressing

In a separate container, blend tangy rice vinegar, rich soy sauce, smooth vegetable oil, hint of sweetness from sugar, and a splash of sesame oil. Shake or whisk until ingredients dance together into a silky mixture.

• Combine and Let Marinate

Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss until every ingredient is beautifully coated. Allow salad to rest for 10-15 minutes, letting flavors mingle and noodles soften slightly.

• Serve and Enjoy

Present your ramen noodle salad chilled or at room temperature. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch that bursts with texture and taste.

Tips For Better Ramen Noodle Salad Flavor

• Quick Chill Method: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and provide a refreshing crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dressing and dry ingredients separately, combining just before serving to prevent noodles from getting soggy.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, shredded tofu, or edamame for extra protein and to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular ramen noodles with gluten-free alternatives and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Spice It Up: Drizzle sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and dynamic flavor profile.

Crispy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade ramen noodle salad brings Asian-inspired zest to summer gatherings. Crisp vegetables and tangy dressing create a refreshing meal perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (16 oz/454 g) bag coleslaw mix
• ½ cup sliced green onions
• 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 2 packages ramen noodles (chicken flavor), crushed
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Seasoning packets from ramen noodles (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Base Preparation: Pulse coleslaw mix and crushed ramen noodles in a food processor to create a dynamic textural foundation, ensuring a uniform, fine consistency.
2. Texture Layering: Fold julienned carrots, finely chopped green onions, sliced almonds, and toasted sunflower seeds into the base mixture, generating a multi-dimensional sensory experience with contrasting crunch and nutty undertones.
3. Herbal Infusion: Gently incorporate fresh cilantro leaves, distributing them evenly to introduce a vibrant, aromatic complexity to the salad’s flavor profile.
4. Dressing Composition: Whisk sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and granulated sugar in a separate bowl, creating a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and umami notes; optionally integrate the ramen seasoning packet for enhanced depth.
5. Final Integration: Pour the dressing over the vegetable-noodle ensemble, delicately tossing to ensure comprehensive coating, allowing the ingredients to marinate and meld for 10-15 minutes before serving chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Boost Noodle Crunch: Toast ramen noodles before crumbling to enhance their crispy texture and prevent sogginess during salad preparation.
• Prevent Flavor Dilution: Add dressing just before serving to maintain the salad’s vibrant crispness and prevent ingredients from becoming waterlogged.
• Customize Protein Options: Easily transform the salad by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a more substantial and protein-rich meal.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap traditional ramen with gluten-free noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce to create a celiac-friendly version of the recipe.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg