Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

Introduction

Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad quickly became one of my favorite go-to recipes for gatherings and casual family dinners. The first time I made it, my family devoured it in minutes, and I couldn’t believe how simple and flavorful it was. The crunch from the toasted ramen noodles, the slight sweetness of the dressing, and the freshness of the coleslaw mix combine to create a salad that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s a dish that everyone loves, and the best part is that it’s ready in no time at all. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main, it never fails to impress.

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Why You’ll Love Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

1. Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days when you need something flavorful and filling.
2. Incredible Crunch: The toasted ramen noodles add a satisfying crunch that makes this salad stand out.
3. Refreshing and Flavorful: The combination of the crunchy ramen, fresh cabbage, and tangy dressing creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
4. Versatile: This salad works well as a side dish for BBQs, picnics, or a light lunch, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or tofu.
5. Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, protein, or even a touch of heat to make it your own.

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 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

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey (or sugar)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles:
   • Break the uncooked ramen noodles into small pieces.
   • Toast the ramen noodles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Let the toasted noodles cool to room temperature.
2. Mix the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, toasted ramen noodles, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Toss the ingredients together to combine.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil until well combined and smooth.
4. Toss and Serve:
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything until evenly coated.
   • Serve immediately for the maximum crunch, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200 kcal

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting noodles)
• Total Time: 20 minutes

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How to Serve

• As a Side Dish: This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• For Lunch: Enjoy as a light, refreshing lunch, especially during the warmer months.
• At a BBQ or Picnic: Bring this salad to your next BBQ or picnic for a flavorful, crunchy addition.
• With Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef strips to turn this salad into a more substantial meal.
• For Meal Prep: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, though the noodles may lose some of their crunch.

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Additional Tips

1. Toast the Noodles: Be sure to toast the ramen noodles in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and give them that perfect crunch.
2. Customize the Vegetables: Add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumber for extra texture and flavor.
3. Add Protein: For a more filling salad, top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
4. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
5. Store Separately: If you’re preparing this salad in advance, store the dressing and salad separately to keep the noodles crunchy until serving time.

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FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
   Yes, you can substitute the ramen noodles with other crunchy noodles like chow mein noodles or even broken-up rice noodles.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing and noodles just before serving to preserve their crunch.
3. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
   Rice vinegar works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste.
4. How do I toast the almonds and sunflower seeds?
   Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
5. What if I don’t like cilantro?
   You can substitute cilantro with fresh parsley or simply leave it out if you prefer.
6. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
   Yes, you can store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good whisk before using it.
7. Can I make this salad gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free ramen noodles or other gluten-free noodles, and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.
8. Is this salad vegetarian?
   Yes, this salad is vegetarian as long as you keep it free from animal protein additions.
9. Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
   Cashews or walnuts would be great substitutes for sliced almonds, offering their own unique crunch and flavor.
10. Can I add fruit to this salad?
    Yes, diced apples, mandarin oranges, or dried cranberries would add a nice touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

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Conclusion

Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of crunchy noodles, toasted nuts, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing creates a delicious salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side, a light lunch, or a party dish, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with texture, making it a great recipe to keep in your regular rotation. Try it today and watch it become your new favorite salad!

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