This colorful ramen noodle salad is a crunchy delight! With crispy veggies, tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of nuts, it’s the perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage is crunchy and slightly sweet, perfect for salads. If you can’t find it, you can use regular green cabbage or bok choy as alternatives, but the texture will be a bit different.
Ramen Noodles: Use any instant ramen noodle pack but ditch the seasoning. If you’re gluten-free, consider using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta for a similar texture.
Sliced Almonds: They add a nice crunch. If you want a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work just as well. I actually enjoy mixing these for added flavor!
Green Onions: These bring a mild onion flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can swap them for chives or leave them out altogether.
Olive Oil: This is the base of the dressing. You can use avocado oil or sesame oil for a different taste. I love using toasted sesame oil in Asian-inspired dishes for an extra kick.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Ramen Noodle Salad?
The key to a great ramen noodle salad is letting it rest after mixing. This allows the flavors to mingle beautifully. Here’s how to do it well:
- After tossing the salad with the dressing, ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the ramen noodles absorb the dressing, making them more flavorful.
- For the best taste, prepare the salad a few hours ahead, but add the ramen noodles right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas. Enjoy your salad!
How to Make The Best Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 head of Napa cabbage, shredded
- 1 package of ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- 1 cup of green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup of shredded carrots (optional)
- 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ramen noodle salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes getting all the ingredients ready and mixed, and then let the salad sit for about 15 minutes to soak in the flavors. It’s a quick and tasty dish to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Salad Base:
Start by taking a large bowl and adding the shredded Napa cabbage, chopped green onions, sliced almonds, and shredded carrots if you’re using them. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—this is the crunchy base of your salad!
2. Adding the Ramen Noodles:
In another bowl, break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces. You can do this with your hands or use a rolling pin. Once they’re broken up, add them to the vegetable mixture. This will give the salad a delightful crunch!
3. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and the sugar starts to dissolve. This dressing is what brings your salad to life!
4. Combining Ingredients:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This step is key to blending those great flavors!
5. Letting It Sit:
Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. You can cover it and keep it in the fridge during this time.
6. Serving Your Salad:
Your ramen noodle salad is now ready! You can serve it chilled or at room temperature according to your preference. Enjoy this refreshing dish on its own or alongside your favorite main course!
Can I Use Regular Noodles Instead of Ramen?
Yes! While ramen noodles add a unique texture, you can substitute them with other types of noodles like egg noodles or soba. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted according to the noodle type to avoid overcooking!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this ramen noodle salad vegan, simply substitute honey or sugar with a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup, and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can customize this salad by adding or substituting vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them with the other ingredients!
How to Store Leftover Ramen Noodle Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the salad starts to get soggy, you can refresh it by adding a splash of vinegar or a drizzle of olive oil before serving!
