Description
This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a delightful mix of toasted nuts and seeds, crunchy crushed ramen noodles, and a vibrant Asian-inspired dressing. Perfectly balanced with a fresh coleslaw base and a hint of ginger and garlic, it’s an easy-to-make and refreshing salad that works well as a side or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ramen and Seeds Mix
- 2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, any flavor (discard seasoning packet)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
Dressing
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salad Base
- 4 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Toast Nuts and Seeds: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare Ramen Noodles: Place the ramen noodles into a resealable plastic bag. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet, gently crush the noodles into smaller pieces, creating a crunchy texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, thinly sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro if desired, toasted nuts and seeds, and the crushed ramen noodles. Toss everything together to mix well.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Serve cold for a crisp and refreshing dish.
Notes
- Discard the seasoning packets from ramen noodles to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Toasting the nuts and seeds enhances their flavor and adds crunch.
- Crushing the ramen noodles just before mixing keeps them crunchy in the salad.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Refrigerating the salad before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
