Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

Crunchy, bright, and a riot of flavor in every bite, Ramen Noodle Salad is genuinely one of those crowd-pleasing recipes that always disappears first at gatherings! This colorful medley of crisp slaws, toasted almonds, nutty seeds, and just the right punchy-sweet dressing creates the most irresistible mix of textures and tastes. If you’ve been looking for a salad that everyone—from picky kids to salad skeptics—will devour, this is the one to bring out. Plus, using packaged ingredients and a simple homemade dressing means you get maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Ramen Noodle Salad is your new essential for any potluck, picnic, or weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every part of Ramen Noodle Salad is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in taste, texture, and color. Each ingredient does some heavy lifting, from adding crunch to balancing the tangy-salty dressing. Here’s what goes into this unforgettable salad:

• Sliced almonds: Provide a nutty crunch that’s unbeatable when toasted for just the right amount of time.
• Olive oil: The base of the dressing, giving it a silky texture and a clean, light richness.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy undertone that perks up the entire dish without overpowering.
• Soy sauce: Lends the dressing a savory, umami-packed depth—absolutely essential here!
• Sugar: Balances out the vinegar and soy sauce, giving the dressing a sweet lift that ties everything together.
• Cole slaw mix: A convenient way to get a hearty crunch and vibrant color, making the salad base extra eye-catching.
• Broccoli slaw mix: Brings even more crunch and a fresh, mild broccoli flavor—feel free to use two bags if you love broccoli.
• Ramen noodles (beef or soy sauce flavor): The star ingredient, adding an iconic crisp and absorbing all the delicious dressing flavors.
• Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or raw chopped peanuts: Choose your favorite for extra crunch and a hint of nutty richness.

How to Make Ramen Noodle Salad

Step 1: Toast the Almonds

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F. Spread the sliced almonds in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. Toast them for about 8 minutes—keep a close watch! Almonds should be fragrant and lightly toasted, not deeply golden. This step deepens their flavor and makes their crunch absolutely addictive.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While the almonds are in the oven, it’s time to whip up the tastiest homemade dressing. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything is well blended. Set this aside; you’ll level it up with the ramen seasoning soon!

Step 3: Toss the Slaws

Grab your largest mixing bowl and combine the prepackaged cole slaw mix with the broccoli slaw mix. This combination creates a rainbow of greens and a mouthwatering crunch in every forkful. If you want extra broccoli goodness, don’t hesitate to use two broccoli slaw mixes in place of the regular slaw.

Step 4: Prep the Ramen Noodles

Before you tear open those ramen packages, give each a few good squeezes to break the noodles into bite-sized pieces (no bigger than half an inch). Once broken, open and dump the noodles into your slaw mix. Set the seasoning packets aside for now—you’ll need them for the dressing, not the salad directly.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Ingredients

Scoop your cooled toasted almonds and your choice of seeds or peanuts into the slaw and noodles. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient is perfectly mingled. The combination of slaws, seeds, and almond pieces makes every bite exciting.

Step 6: Finish the Dressing and Toss

Now, sprinkle the contents of those reserved ramen seasoning packets into your dressing and whisk it in. This secret addition brings classic ramen nostalgia and a salty, savory punch. Pour the entire dressing over your slaw mix, then toss well so that every shred and crunch gets coated in sweet, tangy, umami-filled goodness.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Here comes the hardest part: patience! The salad needs to be covered and refrigerated for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. This time lets the noodles soften just enough while soaking up all the irresistible flavors. Serve Ramen Noodle Salad chilled, straight from the fridge, for maximum refreshment and crunch.

How to Serve Ramen Noodle Salad

Garnishes

To add that extra wow-factor, sprinkle the top with additional toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onion, or a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving. These simple touches brighten the dish and offer pops of color and zing that complement all the savory, crunchy goodness.

Side Dishes

Ramen Noodle Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, summer BBQs, or as a zesty companion to Asian-inspired mains. Try it alongside teriyaki chicken, sticky tofu, or spicy shrimp skewers for a full feast. Its bold flavors also make it a standout at picnic spreads or as the main attraction in a lighter lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, serve individual portions in mason jars for on-the-go lunches or picnic baskets. It also looks stunning on a large platter, garnished with plenty of fresh herbs and extra nuts. For a potluck, set it out in a bright salad bowl lined with extra slaw leaves to really make those colors pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Ramen Noodle Salad left, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The salad stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, and some say it gets even tastier as the flavors have more time to mingle!

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing, as the crisp slaw and noodles lose their satisfying crunch once thawed. For best results, enjoy Ramen Noodle Salad freshly made or refrigerated rather than frozen.

Reheating

No reheating needed! In fact, Ramen Noodle Salad is meant to be served cold, making it the ultimate make-ahead dish for hot days or quick lunches. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and enjoy it straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

For that iconic crunch and nostalgic flavor, standard ramen noodles are best. However, you could experiment with other instant noodle varieties or even gluten-free rice ramen if needed. Just stick to noodles that can handle a bit of marination without getting mushy.

What’s the best way to make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Simply use soy sauce flavor ramen (or any other vegetarian-friendly packet) and check that your flavor packets are meat-free. You could also use a vegan-friendly ramen brand and swap honey for sugar if desired.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Absolutely! Try shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or thinly sliced steak for a heartier meal. For a vegetarian spin, toss in cubes of baked tofu or edamame for extra substance and color.

How far in advance can I make Ramen Noodle Salad?

The salad can be made up to a day ahead and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. It’s actually even more delicious after a few hours, as the flavors meld and the noodles soften slightly without getting soggy!

Is there a way to reduce the sugar in the dressing?

Definitely. Feel free to decrease the sugar to your taste, or use honey, agave, or a sugar substitute if preferred. The sugar is there to balance the tang and saltiness, so adjust gradually until you find your perfect blend.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Ramen Noodle Salad before, this is the perfect time to give it a whirl! It’s easy, ultra-satisfying, and always vanishes in a flash. I guarantee it will become a new favorite on your family table or at your next potluck. Dive in, get creative, and watch everyone light up when you serve this unforgettable salad!

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