Ramen Noodle Salad is the kind of vibrant, crunchy side dish that turns heads at any gathering. With its satisfying texture and bold, tangy dressing, this salad is a refreshing take on slaw that’s anything but ordinary. It combines crunchy coleslaw mix and matchstick carrots with toasted almonds and broken ramen noodles for a dish that’s light yet incredibly satisfying. What makes it truly stand out is the homemade dressing—a flavorful blend of olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil—that infuses every bite with sweet, savory, and slightly nutty notes.
This salad is a go-to for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues because it’s not only easy to make but also holds up well over time. The dry ramen noodles soften slightly as they soak in the dressing, creating a pleasant chewiness that contrasts with the crisp vegetables and toasted almonds. It’s delicious as-is, but it also plays well with additions like shredded chicken, mandarin oranges, or edamame for a heartier main dish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Ramen Noodle Salad is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Bold, tangy-sweet dressing with a hint of sesame
• Crunchy textures from cabbage, carrots, and toasted ramen
• Easy to make ahead and great for feeding a crowd
• Customizable with proteins or extra veggies
Ingredients
Ramen Salad
14 ounces coleslaw mix
2 (3-ounce) packages dry ramen noodles, broken into small pieces (seasoning packets discarded)
1 cup matchstick carrots
½ cup sliced green onions
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Ramen Salad Dressing
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
Seal the jar and shake well until the dressing is emulsified and the honey is fully dissolved.
Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
Preheat a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the slivered almonds and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant.
Transfer the almonds to a plate to cool while you prepare the salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, matchstick carrots, and sliced green onions.
Break the dry ramen noodles into small, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a rolling pin, and add them to the bowl.
Add the cooled, toasted almonds to the salad as well.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure all the veggies, noodles, and almonds are coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the ramen to soften slightly.
Serve as a refreshing side dish or top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
Tips for Success
• Use fresh ingredients: Crisp coleslaw mix and fresh carrots add the most crunch and flavor.
• Toast the almonds: This quick step enhances the nuttiness and gives the salad extra depth.
• Break the ramen into uneven chunks: Varying sizes provide an enjoyable texture contrast.
• Let the salad sit briefly: This softens the noodles slightly without making them soggy, giving the salad a more cohesive texture.
• Add protein for a full meal: Shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled steak strips, or even crispy tofu can turn this into a complete main dish.
Storage Options
Ramen Noodle Salad can be made ahead, but keep a few tips in mind:
• If making ahead: Combine all dry ingredients and keep the dressing separate. Toss together just before serving to maintain the crunch.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The noodles will continue to soften, but the flavors will still be great.
• Not freezer-friendly: This salad relies on the crunch of fresh vegetables and dry noodles, which don’t hold up after freezing.
• Meal prep tip: Portion out individual servings in containers and keep the dressing on the side to mix just before eating.
With its bright flavors, addictive crunch, and beautiful presentation, Ramen Noodle Salad is a versatile dish that can easily go from casual lunch to party table centerpiece. Once you try it, it’s likely to become a regular in your recipe lineup—both for its simplicity and its crave-worthy taste.
