If you’re craving a salad that bursts with texture, flavor, and just the right amount of zest, the Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe is your new best friend. This salad combines crispy toasted ramen noodles, fresh coleslaw mix, nutty almonds, and a tangy-sweet dressing that comes together in a snap. Every bite is a delightful harmony of crunch and savory goodness, making it perfect for potlucks, quick lunches, or anytime you want a salad that feels like a celebration of textures and tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe is built on simple, everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the table, whether it’s crunch, freshness, or flavor depth. Using fresh veggies, toasted nuts, and a few staple pantry goodies means you get a salad that’s vibrant, tasty, and easy to put together.
- Ramen noodles: Break and toast them to add a golden, irresistible crunch to your salad base.
- Coleslaw mix: A colorful blend of shredded cabbage and carrots that provides crispness and vibrant hues.
- Sliced almonds: Toast these for a rich, nutty crunch that elevates every mouthful.
- Sunflower seeds: Small but mighty, they add an extra layer of crunch and earthy flavor.
- Green onions: Fresh and peppery, they bring a mild bite that brightens the salad.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a herbaceous, slightly citrusy note for complexity.
- Olive oil: The base for the dressing, lending smoothness and richness.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Infuses umami depth with a salty savoriness.
- Honey (or sugar): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way to bring warm, nutty aroma and taste.
How to Make Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Ramen Noodles
First things first, break the uncooked ramen noodles into small, bite-sized pieces. Then, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat. This takes just 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn lightly golden. Toasting the noodles not only amplifies their crunch but also adds a wonderful toasted flavor. Once done, set them aside to cool so they stay crisp when mixed with the salad ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Fresh Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, toasted ramen noodles, toasted sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. This step brings together the colorful elements and layers of texture that make this salad so special. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a vibrant and crunchy medley.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
Now, in a small bowl, combine olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended and smooth. This dressing is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that will tie all the crunchy, fresh ingredients together beautifully.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with that delicious dressing. For the best crunch, serve the salad immediately, but if you want the flavors to mingle a bit more, refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Just know that waiting too long might soften those fantastic toasted ramen noodles.
How to Serve Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To add even more flair, feel free to sprinkle extra toasted almonds or sunflower seeds on top just before serving. A few fresh cilantro leaves or thinly sliced green onions make for pretty and flavorful garnishes that invite guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a standalone dish for picnics or lunches but pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or even a simple teriyaki salmon. Its crunchy texture and vibrant flavors provide a refreshing counterpoint to richer or more savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe in individual mason jars layered in pretty sections to showcase all its colors and textures. Alternatively, use lettuce cups for handheld bites, perfect for casual gatherings or parties where guests love a bit of DIY flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, to preserve the crispness of the ramen noodles, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because the fresh veggies and toasted noodles will lose their texture and become soggy. It’s definitely a fresh-eat option best enjoyed soon after preparation.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature to keep every crunch and flavor note intact.
FAQs
Can I use instant ramen seasoning packets in this salad?
It’s best to discard the seasoning packets because they can make the salad too salty and overpower the fresh, balanced flavors of this dish. The dressing provides all the seasoning you need.
What can I substitute for the coleslaw mix?
If you don’t have coleslaw mix, finely shredded green cabbage and grated carrots work perfectly and maintain that crisp texture and vibrant color.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this salad?
Absolutely! This salad is naturally vegetarian and can be vegan by simply using maple syrup or agave instead of honey in the dressing. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that suits many dietary needs.
How long do toasted ramen noodles stay crunchy?
Toasted ramen noodles stay crunchy for a few hours when kept dry. Once mixed with dressing or refrigerated, they start to soften within 20-30 minutes, so it’s best to toss right before eating.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or edamame are fantastic protein additions that complement the texture and flavor of the salad without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fresh, exciting, and comforting all at once. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or just treating yourself to a speedy lunch, this salad brings a joyful crunch and balanced flavors that are hard to resist. Give it a try and enjoy every vibrant, crunchy bite!
Print
Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining toasted ramen noodles, fresh coleslaw mix, and a tangy-sweet Asian-inspired dressing. With toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, and fresh herbs, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that’s perfect as a refreshing side or light main course.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 packages (3 oz each) ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green and red cabbage, and carrots)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey (or sugar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Toast Ramen Noodles: Break the uncooked ramen noodles into small pieces and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they become lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow them to cool completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix, cooled toasted ramen noodles, toasted sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix gently to combine all components evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), and sesame oil until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crunch, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit almonds and sunflower seeds or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
- Use honey for a natural sweetness or sugar as an alternative based on preference.
- Serve immediately for crunchiest texture; refrigeration softens the noodles slightly but enhances flavor melding.
- This salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats or as a light vegetarian meal.
