This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines crisp veggies, crunchy noodles, and a tangy, savory dressing. Perfect for a quick, refreshing side dish or a light meal, it’s a salad that’s bursting with texture and taste. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this salad is a great addition to any meal or can even be enjoyed on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is all about balance—crunchy, fresh vegetables paired with the savory dressing and the unexpected crunch of ramen noodles. The addition of mandarin oranges adds a touch of sweetness, while the toasted almonds and sunflower seeds provide an extra crunch. It’s easy to make, and the flavors develop as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics. With just 10 minutes of prep, this salad comes together quickly and will impress anyone who tries it!
Ingredients
- 1 pack ramen noodles, crumbled (discard seasoning)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup mandarin oranges (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the crumbled ramen noodles, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with mandarin oranges before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Add Protein: You can easily turn this into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Crispy Tofu: Instead of adding protein like chicken or shrimp, try adding crispy fried tofu for a vegetarian option.
- More Veggies: Feel free to add more colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The noodles may soften over time, but the flavors will continue to develop.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer a warmer version, you can serve it at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use any other type of noodles instead of ramen?
Yes! If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use rice noodles or soba noodles as a substitute for the ramen noodles.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and the flavors will deepen. However, it’s best to add the mandarin oranges just before serving to keep them fresh.
3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing in advance and store it in a jar or container in the fridge for up to a week.
4. Is this salad vegan?
Yes, the salad is naturally vegan. Just make sure the honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar if you want to keep it completely plant-based.
5. Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Yes! You can add other fruits like apple slices, pineapple, or even dried cranberries for a sweet and savory twist.
6. Can I substitute the sunflower seeds with something else?
If you don’t have sunflower seeds, you can use pumpkin seeds, toasted walnuts, or even chopped cashews for a similar crunch.
7. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) instead of regular soy sauce for a completely gluten-free version.
8. How can I add more flavor to this salad?
To boost the flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a handful of fresh cilantro for extra aromatic flavor.
9. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots?
Yes, using pre-shredded cabbage and carrots can save you time and make the preparation even quicker.
10. Can I add a protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu make great additions to this salad for a more filling meal.
Conclusion
This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is the perfect combination of fresh, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s quick and easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or picnic. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving it at a gathering, this salad is sure to become a favorite for its vibrant colors and bold flavors.
Print
Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is a vibrant, quick, and flavorful dish packed with crunchy vegetables, savory dressing, and the unexpected crunch of ramen noodles. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it’s ready in just 15 minutes and is ideal for picnics, meal prep, or any occasion!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
-
- 1 pack ramen noodles, crumbled (discard seasoning)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the crumbled ramen noodles, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with mandarin oranges before serving.
Notes
- Add Protein: Turn this salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Spicy Version: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Crispy Tofu: Instead of chicken or shrimp, add crispy fried tofu for a vegetarian option.
- More Veggies: Add bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 05 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
