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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Deconstruct the ramen noodle package, breaking the noodles into bite-sized fragments using a rolling pin or your hands.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle the crushed ramen noodle pieces into the vegetable medley, ensuring an even distribution of textural elements.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is luxuriously coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Allow the salad to rest and meld flavors in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, enabling the ingredients to absorb the dressing’s complexity.
- 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