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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Base Preparation: Pulse coleslaw mix and crushed ramen noodles in a food processor to create a dynamic textural foundation, ensuring a uniform, fine consistency.
- 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.
- Herbal Infusion: Gently incorporate fresh cilantro leaves, distributing them evenly to introduce a vibrant, aromatic complexity to the salad’s flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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