Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures, destined to be the star at your next BBQ, picnic, or potluck. This refreshing salad expertly combines the satisfying crunch of dry ramen noodles with crisp coleslaw, zesty green onions, toasted almonds, hearty sunflower seeds, and segments of sweet mandarin oranges. Finished with a scattering of fresh parsley and coated in a light, tangy-sweet dressing, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.
Summer days are made for enjoying good company, warm weather, and delicious food that’s light, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Just recently, during a wonderful 4th of July weekend in Ohio, our family indulged in countless outdoor activities – from lakeside swimming and boating to cheering on my son, Will, as he completed his first-ever mile run. Amidst all the fun and festivities, one dish consistently made an appearance on our picnic tables: this incredible Asian Ramen Noodle Salad. Its refreshing taste and satisfying crunch quickly reminded me why it’s a long-standing favorite, perfect for any holiday or casual get-together.
What makes this Asian Ramen Noodle Salad truly special is its perfect balance of textures and tastes. The simple yet effective combination of fresh ingredients and a bright dressing creates a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta salads and offers a unique twist that everyone loves. If you’re looking to diversify your summer menu, consider pairing this with my Broccoli Slaw Recipe, another vibrant salad packed with nutritious vegetables and a light dressing.
Craving more refreshing and easy-to-make salads? Be sure to explore all my salad recipes here for inspiration. And if you’re a fan of ramen beyond salads, you might also enjoy my Spicy Ramen Noodle Recipe, a comforting Easy Ramen Noodle Soup, or a quick and flavorful Easy Chicken Ramen Noodle Stir Fry. These recipes showcase the versatility of ramen noodles in various delicious forms.
Essential Ingredients for Your Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
Creating this irresistible Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is remarkably simple, requiring a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients readily available at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balanced composition, offering both delightful crunch and a burst of fresh flavors. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the main components for both the vibrant salad and its light, zesty dressing.
For the Salad:
- Coleslaw Mix: To significantly cut down on prep time, I highly recommend using a pre-packaged coleslaw mix. These typically include shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and sometimes carrots, providing a colorful and crunchy base. If you prefer, you can certainly shred your own cabbage using a food processor for an even fresher touch.
- Ramen Noodles: This recipe utilizes two packages of uncooked ramen noodles, crushed into bite-sized pieces. The key is to use them dry, as they contribute an amazing, unique crunch to the salad. Remember to discard the seasoning packets that come with them, as we’ll be making our own fresh dressing.
- Green Onions: Both the green and white parts of fresh green onions are finely chopped and add a mild, oniony zest to the salad, complementing the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Nuts & Seeds: A generous addition of sliced almonds and sunflower seeds provides an extra layer of delightful texture and a nutty flavor that elevates the overall profile of the salad. These ingredients are fantastic for enhancing the salad’s appeal and nutritional value.
- Fruit: Mandarin oranges, usually found canned in light syrup and drained, are a sweet and juicy component. They introduce a lovely touch of citrusy sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the savory elements of the salad, making each bite more exciting.
- Fresh Parsley: A quarter cup of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color, making the salad look as good as it tastes.
For the Dressing:
The dressing is light, tangy, and perfectly balances the richness of the nuts and the sweetness of the oranges. It’s incredibly easy to whisk together.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil forms the base of this simple yet flavorful dressing. Its fruity notes provide a wonderful foundation. For a slightly different flavor profile, you could also opt for avocado oil or even a neutral vegetable oil.
- White Wine Vinegar: The white wine vinegar is crucial for adding a bright, acidic tang that cuts through the richness and balances the sweetness. If white wine vinegar isn’t on hand, red wine vinegar can be used as a suitable substitute, offering a slightly bolder flavor.
- Honey: Honey acts as a natural sweetener, perfectly complementing the vinegar’s tang and the mandarin oranges’ sweetness. It helps to emulsify the dressing and gives it a smooth consistency.
- Sugar: A tablespoon of granulated sugar further enhances the sweet notes in the dressing, ensuring a well-rounded and appealing flavor profile that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
- Salt & Pepper: A simple pinch of salt and black pepper is all that’s needed to enhance and bring out the natural flavors of all the ingredients, tying the dressing together.
How to Prepare This Irresistible Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
One of the best features of this Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is its straightforward preparation. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a flavorful and impressive dish. Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful salad to life:
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pre-shredded coleslaw mix, the dry ramen noodles (crushed into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier eating and optimal crunch), chopped green onions, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, drained and halved mandarin orange slices, and fresh chopped parsley. Gently toss all these vibrant ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed. This ensures that every forkful offers a medley of flavors and textures.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing. In a separate small bowl or a salad dressing container, combine the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, granulated sugar, and a dash of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and the sugar and honey have dissolved. The goal is a well-emulsified dressing that will coat every part of your salad perfectly.
Step 3: Combine and Serve. Just before you’re ready to serve, pour the prepared dressing evenly over the mixed ramen salad. Gently toss the salad once more to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly coated with the light and tangy dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum crunch from the ramen noodles. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, making it a fantastic last-minute addition to any meal.
Creative Variations: Ways to Customize Your Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
This Asian Ramen Noodle Salad recipe is wonderfully versatile, offering plenty of opportunities for customization to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different additions to make it your own!
- Add Protein for a Heartier Meal: Transform this salad into a complete meal by incorporating your favorite protein. Cooked and shredded grilled chicken, seared beef or steak strips, succulent shrimp, or even flaky salmon would be excellent additions. For plant-based options, consider crispy pan-fried tofu or tempeh.
- Boost with Beans: If you’re looking to add more plant-based protein and fiber, try mixing in some canned and rinsed white beans, black beans, or chickpeas. They add a creamy texture and make the salad even more filling.
- Explore Different Nuts & Seeds: While sliced almonds and sunflower seeds are classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other crunchy delights. Toasted sesame seeds, pine nuts, chopped cashews, walnuts, or even peanuts can bring new dimensions of flavor and texture.
- Load Up on More Vegetables: This salad is a fantastic vehicle for extra veggies. Shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color), crisp red onion for a sharper bite, or crunchy celery can all be wonderful additions. You could also try thinly sliced radishes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs always take a salad to the next level. Beyond parsley, consider adding fresh basil for a sweet, peppery note, or fresh cilantro for a bright, citrusy accent that complements the Asian flavors beautifully.
- Tweak the Dressing: The dressing is already delicious, but you can easily modify it. A dash of minced garlic or grated fresh ginger can add depth. For a nuttier, more intense flavor, a teaspoon of sesame oil works wonders. Swapping white wine vinegar for rice vinegar will give it a more distinctly Asian profile.
- Unique Ingredient Twists: For an elevated gourmet touch, consider adding marinated artichoke hearts, finely chopped roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even capers for a briny kick. These additions can completely transform the salad experience.
Discover More Delicious Salad Recipes:
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Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 – 16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix
- 2 – 3 ounce ramen noodle packages, discard the seasoning
- 5 green onions, green and white parts chopped
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup of mandarin orange slices, cut in half
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (you can also use vegetable oil or any cooking oil)
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, crushed dry ramen noodles, chopped green onions, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, mandarin oranges, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- In a separate bowl or salad dressing container, combine the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined and the sweeteners have dissolved.
- Just before serving, gently pour the dressing over the ramen salad. Toss to ensure all ingredients are coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the noodles at their crispiest.
Notes
- If you aren’t eating your salad right away, I would wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. This is crucial to keep the ramen noodles crunchy. If the dressing sits on the salad for too long, the noodles can start to get soggy.
- Feel free to customize this salad with a variety of other fresh ingredients. A broccoli slaw mix can replace or supplement the cabbage slaw. Matchstick carrots, thinly sliced radishes, or crisp cucumbers would also make wonderful additions, enhancing both flavor and texture.
- This recipe yields a generous amount of salad, perfect for feeding a crowd at a potluck or large gathering. If you anticipate needing a smaller portion, the recipe can easily be cut in half without compromising on taste or quality.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Carbohydrates: 20g,
Protein: 6g,
Fat: 26g,
Saturated Fat: 4g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 16g,
Trans Fat: 0.002g,
Sodium: 245mg,
Potassium: 216mg,
Fiber: 3g,
Sugar: 8g,
Vitamin A: 275IU,
Vitamin C: 8mg,
Calcium: 49mg,
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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