Name: Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 16 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 cups green cabbage; 2 cups red cabbage; 1 cup carrots; 2 pkgs ramen noodles; ½ cup Green Onions; ½ cup almonds; ½ cup Vegetable Oil; ⅓ cup rice vinegar; 2 tbsp sugar

This ramen noodle salad is an exciting mix of crunchy textures, vibrant colors, and tangy flavors. It's a sure-shot crowd-pleaser that can lighten up any meal and is also ideal for picnics or potlucks. You can make it in advance, and it stays fresh for hours, making it perfect for those busy days.

Photos of Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

All the ingredients used in this recipe are commonly found in any supermarket. However, keep an eye out for ramen noodle packets. They are usually found in the Asian food aisle. You can choose any flavor you prefer as we will be using the seasoning packets in the dressing. If you cannot find red cabbage, substitute it with green cabbage.

Ingredients for Ramen Noodle Salad

Green cabbage: It is the base of the salad giving it a nice crunchy texture.

Red cabbage: It adds a beautiful color contrast and has a slightly different flavor than green cabbage.

Carrots: They add a bit of sweetness and color to the salad.

Ramen noodles: They give the salad its unique texture and taste.

Green onions: They provide a mild onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Almonds: They offer a nice crunch and are a good source of protein.

Vegetable oil: It forms the base of the dressing.

Rice vinegar: It gives the dressing a tangy flavor.

Sugar: It balances out the tanginess of the vinegar.

One reader, Bevin Meade says:

This ramen noodle salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crunchy veggies, savory noodles, and zesty dressing is simply irresistible. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it - you won't be disappointed!

Bevin Meade

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Ramen Noodle Salad

How to prepare the vegetables: Shred the green and red cabbage, julienne the carrots, and thinly slice the green onions.

How to toast the almonds: Place the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant.

How to make the dressing: Whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and ramen noodle seasoning packets until well combined.

How to store the salad: If preparing in advance, store the salad in the fridge for up to 8 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How To Make Ramen Noodle Salad

Colors, textures, and flavors make a perfect salad. This ramen noodle salad recipe is loaded with veggies and crunchy noodles tossed in oriental dressing.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 1 minute

Total: 16 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4cupsgreen cabbageshredded
2cupsred cabbageshredded
1cupcarrotsshredded
2pkgsramen noodlesnoodles broken into chunks, seasoning packets reserved
½cupgreen onionssliced
½cupalmondstoasted, slivered
½cupVegetable Oil
⅓cuprice vinegar
2tbspsugar

Instructions

Place the cabbages, carrots, ramen noodles, green onions, and almonds in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and ramen noodle seasoning packets.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately, or cover and store in the fridge for up to 8 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 309.16kcal
Fat: 22.33g
Saturated Fat: 3.00g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 14.22g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.01g
Carbohydrates: 24.00g
Fiber: 3.90g
Sugar: 7.08g
Protein: 5.20g
Sodium: 420.05mg
Calcium: 66.48mg
Potassium: 300.00mg
Iron: 1.73mg
Vitamin A: 145.36µg
Vitamin C: 31.11mg

Expert Technique Tip for Elevating Your Ramen Noodle Salad

To add an extra crunch to your ramen noodle salad, you can toast the almonds before adding them to the salad. Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the almonds, and cook, stirring frequently, until they're golden and fragrant. This will enhance their flavor and make your salad even more delicious.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Ramen Noodle Salad

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This will save time when assembling the salad later.

Use pre-shredded cabbage: Buying pre-shredded cabbage and carrots will save time on prep work.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch of the salad and store it in the fridge for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Invest in a good quality vegetable chopper: Using a vegetable chopper can significantly reduce the time spent on chopping vegetables.

Organize your ingredients: Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients and tools you need. This will help streamline the cooking process and save time.

Substitute Ingredients For Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

ramen noodles - Substitute with soba noodles: Soba noodles are a great alternative to ramen noodles, offering a nutty flavor and a firmer texture. They also provide a healthier option as they are made from buckwheat flour.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil, adding a rich and fruity flavor to the salad.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and tangy flavor to the salad dressing.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener instead of sugar, adding a unique depth of flavor to the salad dressing.

Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Ramen Noodle Salad

Elevate the plating: Arrange the salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that the colors and textures of the ingredients are showcased beautifully.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and vibrant edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish.
Utilize chopsticks: Consider serving the salad with chopsticks to add an element of authenticity and provide a unique dining experience.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds to enhance the flavor profile and add a delightful crunch.
Present in a modern bowl: Serve the salad in a sleek, modern bowl that complements the vibrant colors of the ingredients and adds a contemporary flair to the presentation.
Incorporate a drizzle of sesame oil: Add a drizzle of fragrant sesame oil to the salad just before serving to impart a subtle, nutty aroma and elevate the overall flavor profile.
Use a minimalist plating approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the natural beauty of the ingredients to take center stage while maintaining a refined and polished presentation.
Consider a decorative citrus twist: Introduce a decorative twist of citrus zest to add a burst of freshness and a visually striking element to the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Ramen Noodle Salad

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients.
Whisk: A utensil used for mixing and blending ingredients.
Vegetable peeler: Used for peeling the skin off vegetables.
Large pot: Used for boiling water and cooking the ramen noodles.
Skillet: Used for toasting the almonds and ramen noodles.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients.
Salad tongs: Used for tossing and serving the salad.
Small bowl: Used for whisking together the dressing ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Guidelines for Ramen Noodle Salad

This ramen noodle salad is best served immediately after tossing with the dressing, as the noodles will absorb the liquid and soften over time.
If you need to make the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving to maintain the texture of the noodles and vegetables.
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the noodles will continue to soften and the salad may become slightly watery.
It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the cabbage and other vegetables will lose their crisp texture and become soggy upon thawing.
If you want to prepare the components in advance, you can:
- Chop the cabbages, carrots, and green onions and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Toast the almonds and store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prepare the dressing and store it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake before using.
When you're ready to serve, crush the ramen noodles, toss all the ingredients together in a large bowl, and drizzle with the dressing.

How To Reheat Leftover Ramen Noodle Salad

The best way to reheat leftover ramen noodle salad is to separate the noodles from the vegetables and dressing. Place the noodles in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until they're warm and slightly softened.
If the vegetables have become soggy, you can crisp them up by spreading them out on a baking sheet and placing them under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Once the noodles and vegetables are warmed, toss them together in a large bowl. If the salad seems dry, you can whisk together a small amount of vegetable oil, rice vinegar, and sugar to create a quick dressing and pour it over the salad.
For a crunchy texture, you can also add a handful of fresh almonds or green onions to the reheated salad.
If you prefer a cold salad, you can simply remove the leftover ramen noodle salad from the fridge, give it a good stir, and add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors before serving.

Fascinating Facts About Ramen Noodle Salad

The Ramen Noodle Salad recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients such as grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame. This dish is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, as it contains a mix of green and red cabbage, and carrots. Additionally, the ramen noodles add a unique and satisfying crunch to the salad.

Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is Ramen Noodle Salad Cost-Effective?

This ramen noodle salad recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With affordable ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and ramen noodles, it offers a budget-friendly option for feeding a family. The use of pantry staples like vegetable oil and rice vinegar further enhances its cost-effectiveness. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delightful flavors. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying and economical meal.

Is Ramen Noodle Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

This ramen noodle salad recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes a variety of vegetables such as green and red cabbage, carrots, and green onions, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy ingredients:

Ramen noodles are typically high in sodium and low in nutrients
The dressing contains a significant amount of oil and sugar, which can contribute to excess calorie intake
Almonds, while nutritious, are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the ramen noodles for a more nutrient-dense alternative, such as whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles
Reduce the amount of oil in the dressing by half and replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, edamame, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Use a smaller portion of almonds or replace them with a lower-calorie crunchy element, such as toasted sesame seeds or crushed rice crackers
Incorporate a lean protein source, like grilled chicken or tofu, to make the salad more satiating and balanced

By making these adjustments, you can transform this ramen noodle salad into a more nutritious and well-rounded meal that still satisfies your taste buds.

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on the Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

This ramen noodle salad recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and almonds with the savory ramen noodles creates a satisfying dish. The dressing, with its perfect balance of tangy rice vinegar and subtle sweetness, ties everything together beautifully. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a refreshing side or a light meal on its own. The ease of preparation and the ability to make it ahead of time make it a convenient option for any occasion. Overall, it's a winning recipe that is sure to impress!

Enhance Your Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus: Try grilling some asparagus with a balsamic glaze for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Mango Salsa: Whip up a fresh and tangy mango salsa to serve alongside the ramen noodle salad for a burst of tropical flavor.

Coconut Rice: Prepare some fragrant coconut rice to complement the Asian-inspired flavors of the ramen noodle salad.

Delicious Alternatives to Ramen Noodle Salad

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful sauce before threading them onto skewers and grilling to perfection.

Braised Beef Stew: Slow-cook tender beef with a medley of vegetables and herbs for a hearty and comforting stew.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: Blend together ripe mangoes and creamy coconut milk, then freeze into refreshing popsicles for a tropical treat.

Chicken Tortilla Soup: Simmer shredded chicken, tomatoes, and spices in a savory broth, then top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh avocado for a satisfying soup.

Berry Crumble: Combine fresh berries with a buttery crumble topping and bake until golden and bubbly for a delightful dessert.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Ramen Noodle Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms, filled with a creamy and flavorful filling that will leave them wanting more.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing caprese skewers, featuring juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, adorned with fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of strawberry sauce. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors.

Why trust this Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe:

This #recipe# is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining crunchy ramen noodles with a vibrant mix of green and red cabbage and sweet, earthy carrots. The dressing, made with a blend of vegetable oil, tangy rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from sugar, perfectly complements the salad. The addition of green onions and toasted almonds adds a delightful depth to the dish. Trust in the harmony of these #ingredients# to create a refreshing and satisfying #ramen noodle salad# experience.

What do you think about this Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you've tried it or have any tips to make it even better!

FAQ:

Can I use other types of noodles for this salad?

Yes, you can definitely use other types of noodles for this salad. Feel free to experiment with different types such as soba noodles or rice noodles for a unique twist.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 8 hours before serving. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Of course! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this salad a complete meal. Just prepare your protein of choice separately and add it to the salad when serving.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by using vegan-friendly ramen noodles and ensuring that the seasoning packets and dressing ingredients are all plant-based.

Can I customize the dressing?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dressing to your taste. You can adjust the sweetness, acidity, or even add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil for extra flavor.