Tangy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Twist

A vibrant ramen noodle salad brings unexpected freshness to your weeknight dinner routine.

Crunchy vegetables dance around springy noodles in this quick-prep meal.

Cool sesame notes complement the bright, zesty dressing perfectly.

Each forkful delivers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that surprise and delight.

Minimal kitchen time means maximum satisfaction with this clever dish.

Raw vegetables and crisp noodles create a delightful contrast in every bite.

How To Keep Ramen Noodle Salad Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the salad crisp and fresh.
• Keep dressing separate from salad to prevent soggy noodles and maintain crunchiness.
• Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute ingredients and restore texture.
• Serve cold from the refrigerator for the best taste and crispest vegetables.

Side Matches for Ramen Noodle Salad

• Pair Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Bright, zesty white wine cuts through the salad's richness and complements its tangy dressing perfectly.
• Serve Chilled Asian Lager: Light, clean beer enhances the ramen noodle salad's Asian-inspired flavors and refreshes the palate.
• Blend Citrus Iced Green Tea: Subtle, slightly bitter tea balances the salad's sweet and savory elements while providing a cooling contrast.
• Enjoy Cold Sparkling Water with Lime: Effervescent, clean drink cleanses the palate and highlights the salad's crunchy texture and vibrant ingredients.

Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe Playful Combinations to Consider

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace ramen noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free rice vermicelli. Use gluten-free seasoning packets or create a homemade seasoning blend with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap out ramen seasoning packets for nutritional yeast and reduced sodium soy sauce. Replace almonds with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for added crunch and protein.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute cabbage and carrot mix with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Use crushed pork rinds instead of ramen noodles for a crispy texture.
• Asian-Inspired Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sliced tofu to transform the salad into a complete meal. Incorporate sesame oil and ginger into the dressing for enhanced flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are ramen noodles cooked before adding to the salad?

No, the ramen noodles are broken into pieces and added raw, which provides a crunchy texture to the salad.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but add the dressing and almonds just before serving to maintain the crunchiness.

• Is this salad vegetarian?

Yes, the ramen noodle salad is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by using a sugar substitute or agave nectar.

• What type of ramen noodle packets work best?

Any flavor of instant ramen will work, but chicken or oriental flavors tend to blend well with the salad’s ingredients.

Ramen Noodle Salad That’s Crunchy And Tangy

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this vibrant salad in just 15 minutes with minimal chopping and no cooking required, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Texture Explosion: Enjoy a delightful crunch from toasted almonds and crisp ramen noodles that adds exciting contrast to the tender cabbage and carrots.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Transform inexpensive ramen packets into a gourmet-style salad that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, making it an economical meal solution.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to various dietary preferences by swapping ingredients, this salad works great as a side dish, potluck contribution, or light lunch option.

What You Add To Ramen Noodle Salad

• Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crisp and fresh base for the salad, providing texture and nutritional crunch.
• Carrots: Sweet and colorful vegetable that adds vibrant color and extra nutrition.

• Ramen Noodles, Green Onions: Adds hearty texture and mild onion flavor to enhance the salad's taste profile.
• Slivered Almonds: Provides a delightful nutty crunch and rich protein element.

• Ramen Seasoning Packets: Essential for adding depth of flavor and bringing the entire salad together with its savory profile.

Ramen Noodle Salad Directions

Step 1: Chop Colorful Veggies

Grab a large mixing bowl and start shredding green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots into thin, delicate strips.

The vibrant colors will make your salad look absolutely stunning and packed with fresh crunch.

Step 2: Break and Sprinkle Crunchy Elements

Crush the ramen noodles into bite-sized pieces directly over the vegetable mix.

Scatter sliced green onions and toasted slivered almonds across the top for an incredible texture explosion that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Dressing

• Vegetable oil
• Rice vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Ramen seasoning packets

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, tangy liquid that will bring your salad to life.

Step 4: Toss and Blend Flavors

Pour the dazzling dressing over your salad and gently toss everything together.

Make sure each veggie and noodle gets a generous coating of the delicious dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance

You can serve the salad immediately for a crisp experience or refrigerate for an hour.

Chilling allows the flavors to mingle and become even more incredible, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish that will impress everyone.

Smart Advice for Ramen Noodle Salad

• Mix different cabbage varieties for added texture and color depth in your salad.
• Replace ramen seasoning packets with low-sodium alternatives or homemade spice blends to control salt intake.
• Lightly toast almonds in a dry skillet for deeper, nuttier flavor before adding to the salad.
• Add grilled chicken, shredded tofu, or edamame to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Make dressing and chop vegetables in advance to save time and let flavors develop before serving.

Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp Asian-inspired ramen noodle salad delivers a tangy punch of flavor with crunchy vegetables and zesty dressing. Refreshing ingredients combine effortlessly, making this quick dish perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch that satisfies your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 4 cups (946 ml) shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded carrots

Noodles and Nuts:

• 2 packages ramen noodles, broken into chunks
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) toasted slivered almonds

Garnish:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Shred the green and red cabbage into thin, delicate ribbons, then julienne the carrots into slender matchsticks, creating a vibrant, crunchy base for the salad.
2. Crush the ramen noodle blocks into bite-sized fragments, releasing their crisp texture and providing a unique crunch to the dish.
3. Finely slice the green onions on a diagonal, adding a sharp, fresh accent to the vegetable medley.
4. Gently toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma, enhancing the salad’s depth of flavor.
5. Whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, and sugar in a separate container, creating a light, tangy dressing that will bind the ingredients.
6. Sprinkle the reserved ramen seasoning packets into the dressing, stirring thoroughly to ensure a uniform distribution of spices and umami flavor.
7. Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage, carrots, noodles, green onions, and almonds, tossing gently to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
8. For optimal flavor development, allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before serving, letting the ingredients mingle and intensify their taste profile.

Notes

• Choose fresh, crisp cabbage varieties for maximum crunch and texture in your salad.
• Toast almonds carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning them.
• Adjust seasoning packet usage based on sodium preferences, using half or full packet for desired saltiness.
• Prepare salad just before serving to maintain noodle crispness and prevent soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg