The Best Ramen Noodle Salad is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, offering a unique twist to traditional salads. This dish combines the crunchiness of ramen noodles, the freshness of colorful vegetables, and the nuttiness of sesame seeds and almonds, all brought together by a zesty and savory dressing.
To create this culinary masterpiece, ramen noodles are toasted to a golden crispness, providing a satisfying crunch to every bite. These noodles are then paired with a vibrant medley of vegetables, such as shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions, adding a burst of color and nutritional goodness.
The salad reaches its zenith with the addition of sesame seeds and slivered almonds, contributing a nutty richness that elevates the overall dining experience. The dressing, often a tantalizing combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness, ties the ingredients together, creating a harmonious blend of umami and tang.
Best enjoyed chilled, this Ramen Noodle Salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a refreshing side or a light, standalone meal. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite at picnics, barbecues, or any gathering where a delicious and unique salad is welcomed.
In summary, the Best Ramen Noodle Salad is a culinary adventure that satisfies the palate with its contrasting elements, making it a go-to recipe for those seeking a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional salads.
This recipe was wonderful. I made as printed. I assembled the salad at the Christmas buffet table. There were a lot of choices to be had so the salad was only about half eaten. I brought home leftovers and I do like them the second day. If I make it again, the only change I would make is possibly reduce the amount of olive oil, everything else was great!!
LOVED this. The only changes I made was I used rice vinegar and not white vinegar and added an additional tablespoon of sugar. I refrigerated it for an hour before serving and it was PERFECT. Everyone loved it. thanks!!
I liked that this recipe used the seasoning packets that come with the ramen noodles because what do you do with them later? The submitter didn't state if this was to sit for the flavors to develop, or be served immediately, but it made a lot, so I had some immediately. That may not have been the best decision as it was fine, but my jaws got tired of chewing, and it needed more sugar to balance out the vinegar. All the flavors seemed to stand on their own and I could detect the individual tastes of green onion, the cabbage, the toasted almonds, the vinegar, and the toasted noodles. I liked them all, but I guess I was expecting more of a cohesiveness and a blend of flavors. I think if I subbed out the cabbage coleslaw mix for napa cabbage and then added a little more sugar, and subbed in rice wine vinegar for the white, it would suit my tastes better. It was fine, but I would make some adjustments should I make it again.
Prefer to use Oriental flavored ramen for the seasonings.
My family loves this salad. I always make a double recipe because it’s better the next day. We eat it with grilled chicken and there’s your meal. I’m not terrible for you
I’ve tried it years ago was delicious. When should you put the dressing in salad?
Instead of white vinegar, I use rice vinegar. Much better flavor!
I make it very similar to this, but for the dressing I use 1/3 c. either rice or wine vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 c. oil along with beef packets from beef ramen instead of chicken. The idea of adding sesame seeds or oil would work well with this flavor profile. I also use a milder tasting oil than olive oil...This is a salad I have been making for almost 30 years. I am asked to bring it, or for the recipe quite often, a fan favorite!!!
Great! I did add a little to the sauce. Some soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little more sugar. The party loved it.
✅What are the main ingredients for the Best Ramen Noodle Salad?
Answer: The main ingredients include ramen noodles, cabbage, almonds, sunflower seeds, green onions, bell peppers, sesame seeds, and a flavorful dressing.
✅Can I use any flavor of ramen noodles?
Answer: Yes, you can use any flavor of ramen noodles for the salad. However, many prefer using the noodles without the seasoning packet to control the overall flavor.
✅How do I toast the ramen noodles for the salad?
Answer: Toast the ramen noodles in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. This adds a delightful crunch to the Best Ramen Noodle Salad.
✅Are there any recommended variations for the salad?
Answer: Absolutely! You can customize the salad by adding ingredients like shredded chicken, edamame, or mandarin oranges for additional flavors and textures.
✅Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Answer: While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
✅What type of dressing works best for the Ramen Noodle Salad?
Answer: A simple vinaigrette made with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness works best to enhance the flavors of the salad.
✅How long can I store leftover Ramen Noodle Salad?
Answer: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a day. Keep in mind that the ramen noodles may lose some of their crunch over time.
✅Can I make the salad gluten-free?
Answer: Yes, you can use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure that the soy sauce in the dressing is also gluten-free for a gluten-free version of the salad.
✅What occasions is the Best Ramen Noodle Salad suitable for?
Answer: The Best Ramen Noodle Salad is suitable for various occasions, including picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.
