Ramen noodle salad is one of my favorite quick dishes for a relaxing weekend lunch. I stumbled upon this recipe during a potluck, and its unique mix of textures and tastes won my heart instantly. With crunchy ramen, crisp slaw, and a tangy dressing, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying.
Incorporating store-bought ingredients, it's simple enough for weekdays, yet impressive enough for gatherings. The vibrant veggies paired with a sweet and savory dressing make this dish irresistible, turning an ordinary salad into something special. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and the burst of flavors in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect if you need a speedy meal. Most of the work is just mixing, with minimal cooking involved.
- Flavorful Dressing: The combination of vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar creates a tangy and sweet dressing that ties the salad together beautifully.
- Versatile Ingredients: Adjust this dish to your liking by swapping or adding ingredients without compromising on taste.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This salad serves as a great side dish for barbecues or family dinners.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Preparing in advance lets the flavors meld wonderfully, making this ideal for the next day.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Sliced almonds – ¼ cup. They add a nutty crunch to your salad.
- Olive oil – ½ cup. Forms the base for the dressing, providing a smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Rice vinegar – ¼ cup. Gives a mild tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons. Adds a savory depth to the dressing.
- Sugar – ½ cup. Balances the tartness of the vinegar with sweetness.
- Prepackaged coleslaw mix – 1 (14 ounce) package. Provides a crisp texture and a variety of vegetables.
- Prepackaged broccoli slaw mix – 1 (12 ounce) package. Adds extra crunch and nutritional value.
- Ramen noodles – 2 packages (beef or oriental flavor). Used for their crunch and savory flavor.
- Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or raw chopped peanuts – ¼ cup. For an added layer of nutty flavor and texture.
How to Make Ramen Noodle Salad
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Spread your sliced almonds on a baking sheet and roast them for about 8 minutes, until they're fragrant but not golden. Afterward, take them out and let them cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While your almonds are toasting, make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar until everything is dissolved and smooth. Set aside for later.
Step 3: Mix the Slaw
Combine the coleslaw and broccoli slaw in a large bowl. Before opening the ramen noodle packages, break the noodles into smaller pieces inside the bag. Add these to your slaw mixture, keeping the seasoning packets for your dressing.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add your cooled almonds and chosen seeds to the slaw mix. Blend the reserved seasoning packets into your prepared dressing and pour it over the slaw mixture. Mix thoroughly until all components are well coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve cold for the best taste and texture.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Breaking the Noodles – To avoid a mess, crush the ramen noodles inside the unopened package before adding them to the salad.
✓ Toasting Techniques – Keep an eye on the almonds while toasting; they can quickly turn from golden to burnt. Stir occasionally for even browning.
✓ Dressing Consistency – For a less sweet dressing, reduce the amount of sugar slightly to suit your taste.
✓ Make Ahead – Prepare this salad the night before to give the flavors time to meld together for a more flavorful dish the next day.
✓ Ingredient Variations – Experiment with different nuts and seeds to find your perfect crunchy balance.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- The combination of crunchy ramen and nuts alongside crisp slaw creates a satisfying textural contrast that delights with every bite. This variety keeps each mouthful interesting.
- The dressing, a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar, strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. It complements the fresh vegetables and ties all components together harmoniously.
- Using prepackaged slaw mixes not only saves time but ensures consistency in every preparation. The vegetables in these mixes are fresh and complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramen Noodle Salad
If you prefer a different texture, you could replace the ramen noodles with cooked soba noodles or even a crunchy cereal like rice cereal, though it will alter the dish's traditional crunch.
Let the salad sit longer after mixing the dressing. This allows the noodles and veggies to absorb the flavors and soften, making each bite flavorful and perfectly textured.
This salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
If the almonds burn, they can have a bitter taste. Start over with fresh almonds, and watch them closely while toasting, as nuts burn quickly if left unattended.
This salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or beef. Its crisp and tangy flavors also complement a variety of seafood dishes if you're serving it as part of a larger meal.
Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package Prepackaged coleslaw mix (14 ounce)
- 1 package Prepackaged broccoli slaw mix (12 ounce)
- 2 packages Ramen noodles (beef or oriental flavor)
- ¼ cup Sliced almonds
- ¼ cup Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or raw chopped peanuts Optional
- ½ cup Olive oil
- ¼ cup Rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- ½ cup Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F.
- Spread sliced almonds on a baking sheet and roast them for about 8 minutes, until fragrant but not golden. Let them cool afterward.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar until dissolved and smooth. Set aside.
- Combine coleslaw and broccoli slaw in a large bowl.
- Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces inside the bag and add them to the slaw mixture, keeping the seasoning packets for the dressing.
- Add cooled almonds and selected seeds to the slaw mix.
- Blend the reserved seasoning packets into the prepared dressing and pour it over the slaw mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor blending. Serve cold.
Notes
- For a less sweet dressing, reduce sugar to taste.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts and seeds.
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