This Easy and Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a fun dish that combines crispy noodles, fresh veggies, and a tasty dressing. It’s quick to make and super colorful!
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a picnic. I love how the crunchiness of the noodles adds a special touch. Plus, it’s a great way to use up veggies in the fridge—win-win! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Use instant ramen noodles and just throw away the seasoning packets. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free ramen. You can also use rice noodles if you prefer a different texture!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is perfect for this recipe because it stays crunchy. If you don’t have green cabbage, try using red cabbage for color or napa cabbage for a slightly different flavor.
Almonds: Sliced almonds add great crunch. However, if you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are fantastic alternatives, giving you that crunch without the nuts!
Vinegar: White vinegar adds brightness, but rice vinegar has a milder taste. Apple cider vinegar could also work if you want a fruity hint. Adjust amounts to your taste!
How Do You Get Perfectly Toasted Nuts and Seeds?
Toasting nuts and seeds enhances their flavor and gives a warm, nutty taste to your salad. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a dry skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the almonds and sesame seeds.
- Stir constantly to prevent burning, and keep an eye on them; they can toast quickly!
- When they are golden brown and fragrant (about 3-5 mins), remove them from the skillet and let them cool.
This simple step makes a big difference in flavor, so don’t skip it!
Easy and Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 (3 oz) packages ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (rice vinegar works well too)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes breaking up the noodles and toasting the nuts, then quickly mixing the dressing and tossing everything together. Fast, fresh, and full of crunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crunchy Noodles and Almonds:
Start by breaking the dry ramen noodles into bite-sized pieces—no need to cook them! In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds and sesame seeds. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Once done, set them aside to cool.
2. Make the Dressing:
While the nuts are cooling, grab a small bowl and whisk together the vegetable oil, white vinegar, granulated sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. This dressing will bring all the flavors together!
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, sliced green onions, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and broken ramen noodles. These ingredients will create a colorful, crunchy salad base!
4. Add Dressing and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the salad mix and gently toss everything together, making sure each piece is coated. The ramen noodles will soften just a bit but will still provide that satisfying crunch!
5. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh chives over the top for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best crunch, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving. Just remember to toss it again before serving to mix the dressing back in!
Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, easy-to-make ramen noodle salad! It’s perfect for any occasion or as a delightful side dish! 🎉🥗
FAQ about Easy and Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other crunchy veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or cucumber to add more color and flavor. Just make sure they are cut thinly for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This recipe is already pretty close! Simply ensure that the soy sauce you use is vegan (most are) and that all your ingredients do not contain any animal products. You’re good to go!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the noodles may lose some crunch over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead. However, mix the salad just before serving to keep the noodles crunchy. If you need to prep early, add the ramen noodles and dressing only when ready to eat.
