There’s something undeniably appealing about a vibrant salad that surprises you with each crunchy bite, and my Asian Ramen Salad is just that! Picture this: the crisp snap of fresh coleslaw mingling with the delightful crunch of baked ramen noodles, all bathed in a zesty dressing that brings the whole dish alive. It’s a refreshing, healthy twist on a classic favorite that you can whip up in no time perfect for those spontaneous potlucks or warm-weather picnics.
After a long week of takeout and fast food, it feels liberating to bring something homemade and colorful to the table, don’t you think? Not only is this salad a feast for the eyes, but it’s also packed with flavors that will amaze your taste buds. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll feel good knowing you’ve treated them to something wholesome yet indulgent. Let’s dive into this simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe that’s destined to become a new staple in your kitchen!
Why is this Ramen Salad a must-try?
Flavorful, Crunchy Delight: This salad boasts a wonderful balance of textures with crispy noodles and crunchy veggies.
Quick Preparation: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect go-to for busy weekend meals.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and nutritious add-ins like edamame, it’s a guilt-free option for any meal.
Versatile: Whether served at potlucks or as a side dish, it suits any occasion and is easily customizable.
Eye-Catching Colors: The vibrant hues of the ingredients make it a visual feast, sure to impress anyone at your table!
Ramen Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Ramen Noodles – Provides crunch and structure; use any brand, but omit seasoning packets for a healthier option.
• Sliced Almonds – Adds nuttiness and texture; substitute with sunflower seeds for nut-free options.
• Sesame Seeds – Imparts a toasted flavor; enhances presentation but can be omitted if preferred.
• Coleslaw Mix – Base of the salad, providing bulk and texture; substitute with broccoli slaw for added nutrients.
• Frozen Edamame – Incorporates plant-based protein; thaw before using, or opt for fresh peas for a variation.
• Shredded Carrots – Adds sweetness and vibrant color; substitute with red bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
• Scallions – Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor; green onions can also be used.
• Mandarin Orange Segments – Sweetness and juiciness; use fresh orange segments when out of season.
For the Dressing
• Rice Vinegar – Base for the dressing, providing acidity; substitute apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – For richness and mouthfeel; can use sesame oil for added flavor.
• Honey – Sweetness to balance flavors; agave syrup can be used for a vegan option.
• Soy Sauce – Adds umami depth; use tamari for gluten-free needs.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Seasoning for balance and flavor enhancement.
How to Make Ramen Salad
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will get your ramen noodles and almonds perfectly crispy!
- Bake Noodles and Almonds: Spread crumbled ramen noodles and sliced almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown and aromatic.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Carefully remove the baking sheet and sprinkle sesame seeds over the noodle-almond mix. Return to the oven for an additional 1-3 minutes until everything is golden and toasty.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, soy sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. This zesty dressing will elevate your salad!
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, thawed edamame, shredded carrots, scallions, and your toasted noodle-almond mixture.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients well. Top with the mandarin orange segments for that perfect sweetness!
- Chill and Enjoy: For the flavors to meld beautifully, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. It’s a refreshing delight!
Optional: For an extra crunch, add more toasted almonds on top right before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Ramen Salad Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this delicious salad to fit your taste preferences!
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a hearty addition that transforms this salad into a satisfying main dish. It’s a great way to incorporate extra nutrients while still enjoying the crunch.
- Kale Upgrade: Swap out the coleslaw for fresh kale or baby spinach for a nutrient-packed twist that adds a peppery flavor. This change not only enhances the salad’s health benefits but also introduces a different texture!
- Crispy Vegetables: Include grilled zucchini or roasted bell peppers for a smoky element that enhances the freshness of your salad. These ingredients add color and delicious, unexpected flavors.
- Nuts About Seeds: Go nut-free by substituting sliced almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Both provide a delightful crunch and cater to those with nut allergies!
- Spicy Addition: Drizzle some sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the dressing for a fiery kick. This will elevate your salad and add a layer of excitement to every bite.
- Fruit Medley: Mix in fresh strawberries or diced apples for a sweet surprise that beautifully contrasts the savory elements in your salad. The added sweetness will tantalize your taste buds!
- Asian Flair: Incorporate shredded napa cabbage for an extra crunch and a nod to traditional Asian slaw. This subtle variation will deepen the flavors while keeping things interesting.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh cilantro or mint for a fragrant burst of flavor that brightens every bite. These herbs add a refreshing twist that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
What to Serve with Crunchy Asian Ramen Salad?
Elevate your meal experience with delightful pairings that will complement this crunchy and vibrant salad.
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Juicy and sweet, this dish enhances the fresh flavors of the salad while adding heartiness.
- Crispy Fried Tofu: A plant-based option that soaks up the tangy dressing, making each bite harmonious and satisfying.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: The sweetness and crispy texture of roasted sweet potatoes will pair beautifully with the zesty salad.
- Miso Soup: A warm, umami-rich soup perfectly balances the cool crunch of your salad, offering a comforting contrast.
- Cucumber Slices with Dip: Refreshing and light, the crunch of cucumbers serves as a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the salad.
- Sparkling Lemonade: This fizzy drink adds a bright and bubbly note, ensuring a lively complement to your meal’s flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A light dessert option bursting with seasonal fruit sweetness will finish your meal with a refreshing touch.
- Sesame Noodles: A twist on noodles that will echo the Asian flavors of your salad, making for a delicious Asian fusion feast.
- Green Tea: This warm beverage can help cleanse your palate, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Ramen Salad components are perfect for meal prep and can save you time on busy days! You can prepare the salad ingredients (coleslaw mix, edamame, carrots, and scallions) up to 3 days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crisp. However, it’s best to hold off on mixing in the baked ramen noodles and almonds until just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, combine the prepped ingredients with the toasted noodles, almonds, and dressing, and you’ll have a bright, flavorful dish ready in minutes!
How to Store and Freeze Ramen Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover Ramen Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Freezer: It’s best not to freeze Ramen Salad, as the texture of the vegetables and noodles will suffer. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience!
Reheating: If you’ve stored the salad ingredients separately, you can quickly toss them together with new dressing before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: This salad can be prepped in advance, but to preserve the crunch of the ramen noodles, mix everything together only a few hours before serving.
Expert Tips for Ramen Salad
• Maintain Crispiness: Add the crispy ramen noodles and toasted almonds just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the baking process; the noodles and almonds can burn quickly if left unattended during the last few minutes.
• Prep Ahead: Mix all ingredients except the ramen noodles, almonds, and dressing up to a day in advance. This makes assembling the ramen salad a breeze!
• Flavor Boost: To enhance the umami taste, consider adding a splash of sriracha or chili oil to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability; bell peppers or cucumbers work wonderfully too!
Ramen Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ramen noodles?
Absolutely! When selecting ramen noodles, choose any brand that suits your taste, but if you’re aiming for a healthier option, omit the seasoning packets. Look for noodles with minimal preservatives for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover Ramen Salad?
You can store any leftover Ramen Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve the salad to maintain its freshness and crunch!
Can I freeze Ramen Salad?
Very! It’s best not to freeze Ramen Salad, as the texture of the vegetables and noodles will suffer significantly. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience! However, if you find yourself with leftover components, you can freeze cooked ramen noodles separately for future use, but not the salad as a whole.
What can I do if my salad turns soggy?
If your Ramen Salad becomes soggy, don’t worry—there are a few fixes! Try draining off excess liquid and mix in fresh, crispy ingredients like additional coleslaw or toasted ramen noodles. For crunch, you can also consider adding extra toasted almonds just before serving.
Are there any dietary considerations for Ramen Salad?
Absolutely! This Ramen Salad is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by using agave syrup in place of honey and tamari for a gluten-free twist. If you have nut allergies, substitute the sliced almonds with sunflower seeds, and be mindful of the soy sauce if gluten is a concern.
Can I add protein to my Ramen Salad?
The more the merrier! You can definitely add cooked chicken or tofu for some extra protein. Simply cube the chicken or tofu and toss it in with your salad ingredients for a heartier meal.
Zesty Ramen Salad: Your New Favorite Crunchy Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake Noodles and Almonds: Spread crumbled ramen noodles and sliced almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for about 5 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the noodle-almond mix and return to the oven for 1-3 minutes until golden and toasty.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together coleslaw mix, edamame, shredded carrots, scallions, and toasted noodle-almond mixture.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Top with mandarin segments.
- Chill and Enjoy: Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.