Quick Tangy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Whipping up a delightful ramen noodle salad brings unexpected excitement to your meal prep routine.

Crisp vegetables and tender noodles dance together in a vibrant bowl of deliciousness.

Crunchy textures and zesty flavors combine for an irresistible lunch or dinner option.

Fresh ingredients create a symphony of taste that feels both comforting and innovative.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with Asian-inspired seasonings, this dish promises to become a fast favorite.

Quick to assemble and guaranteed to impress, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Dive into a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ramen Noodle Salad Flavor Explosion

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Ground beef and simple ingredients make this casserole an economical option that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, delivering delicious results on a budget.
• Kid-Approved Delight: Cheesy, crispy, and packed with familiar flavors, this casserole wins over picky eaters with its irresistible combination of hash browns, ground beef, and crunchy potato chip topping.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward preparation mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a comforting meal with family and friends, making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience.

Ingredients For Ramen Noodle Salad

• Ramen Noodles: A crunchy and unique base that adds texture to the salad.

• Cabbage (Shredded): Provides a crisp and fresh foundation for the salad.
• Carrots: Adds a sweet and colorful crunch to the dish.
• Green Onions: Offers a mild, sharp flavor and fresh garnish.

• Almonds, Sunflower Seeds: Contribute a nutty and satisfying crunch to the salad.

• Sesame Oil: Brings a rich, nutty flavor characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy and light acidic note to balance the salad.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory and umami depth to the dressing.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a subtle sweetness.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and decorative touch to the top of the salad.

Stepwise Ramen Noodle Salad Preparation

Step 1: Crumble Noodle Magic

Break the ramen noodles into tiny, uneven pieces right in the package. Use your hands to crush them into small, crunchy fragments that will add delightful texture to the salad.

Step 2: Veggie Party Prep

• Crisp cabbage
• Vibrant carrots
• Zesty green onions
• Crunchy almonds
• Sunflower seeds

Toss all these ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a colorful veggie celebration.

Step 3: Whip Up Flavor Explosion

• Nutty sesame oil
• Tangy rice vinegar
• Savory soy sauce
• Sweet sugar

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, glossy mixture that promises to elevate your salad.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Sprinkle the crushed ramen noodles over your veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets cozy with the others.

Step 5: Dress and Drench

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Mix thoroughly so every morsel gets a delicious coating of flavor.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate the salad for half an hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance. Before serving, optional sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a final touch of elegance.

Cooking Tips For Ramen Noodle Salad

• Crush ramen noodles before mixing for a crunchier texture that adds delightful bite to the salad.
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and make the dish healthier for diet-conscious eaters.
• Toast almonds and sunflower seeds briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and bring more depth to the salad.
• Prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate for maximum flavor infusion and convenience.
• Swap cabbage with kale or broccoli slaw for a different nutritional profile and exciting variation.

Variations To Try With Ramen Noodle Salad

• Spicy Fusion Ramen Salad: Add sriracha sauce and red pepper flakes to the dressing for a fiery kick. Include diced jalapeños and cilantro for extra heat and freshness.
• Asian Protein Power Salad: Mix in grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or tofu cubes for added protein. Replace almonds with edamame for a different crunch.
• Tropical Ramen Remix: Incorporate diced mango, pineapple chunks, and shredded coconut. Swap rice vinegar with lime juice and add a touch of honey to the dressing for a sweet-tangy flavor.

Complementary Foods For Ramen Noodle Salad

• Crunchy Asian Picnic Delight: Pack this vibrant ramen salad in mason jars for a portable lunch that stays fresh and crisp. Layer ingredients strategically with dressing at bottom to prevent soggy noodles.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this colorful dish to gatherings where guests will love its tangy crunch and unexpected texture. Prepare ahead and watch it disappear quickly at community events.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Hack: Transform this simple salad into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled chicken, shredded tofu, or sliced hard-boiled eggs. Customize with your favorite protein for a speedy, satisfying dinner solution.

Storing Ramen Noodle Salad Properly

• Store the ramen noodle salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, keeping the crisp texture intact.
• Keep the dressing and salad ingredients separately to prevent sogginess, mixing just before serving to maintain the crunch of noodles and vegetables.
• Chop vegetables and crush noodles in advance, storing them in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly later.
• Avoid freezing this salad, as it will compromise the texture of vegetables and noodles, resulting in a mushy consistency when thawed.

FAQs

• Are ramen noodles supposed to be raw in this salad?

Yes, crushing the noodle block while still in its package creates a crunchy texture that adds great contrast to the soft vegetables.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire salad up to 4 hours before serving, but add the crushed noodles just before eating to keep them crisp.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

This recipe offers a balanced mix of vegetables, protein from nuts, and light dressing, making it a nutritious option with good protein and fiber content.

• What can I substitute if I don't have sesame oil?

You can use olive oil or vegetable oil, though sesame oil provides a distinctive nutty flavor that enhances the salad’s overall taste.

Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Japanese-inspired ramen noodle salad combines crisp vegetables and tangy dressing for a refreshing meal. Crunchy noodles and zesty ingredients create a delightful culinary experience you’ll want to savor again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded cabbage
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup (60 g) sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup (30 g) sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) sesame oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Deconstruct the ramen noodle package, breaking the noodles into bite-sized fragments using a rolling pin or your hands.
2. Prepare a voluminous mixing vessel and layer in the crisp cabbage slivers, vibrant carrot ribbons, delicate green onion wisps, crunchy almond pieces, and sunflower seed clusters.
3. Craft a harmonious dressing by whisking together aromatic sesame oil, tangy rice vinegar, umami-rich soy sauce, and a touch of sweetening sugar in a separate container.
4. Sprinkle the crushed ramen noodle pieces into the vegetable medley, ensuring an even distribution of textural elements.
5. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is luxuriously coated with the flavorful sauce.
6. Allow the salad to rest and meld flavors in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, enabling the ingredients to absorb the dressing’s complexity.
7. Before serving, optionally crown the salad with a delicate dusting of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of visual and textural appeal.

Notes

• Toast the ramen noodles and nuts for enhanced nutty flavor and added crunch before crushing them.
• Swap regular sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and deeper complexity.
• For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Prepare the salad ahead of time and let it marinate in the refrigerator for more intense flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg