This Easy and Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a fun mix of crispy noodles, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a side dish at picnics!
When I make this, I can’t help but munch on those crunchy noodles! They add such a delightful crunch. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, even on a busy day! 🥗😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: These are the star of the show! If you don’t have traditional ramen, you can use other noodle types like soba or even spaghetti. Just remember to discard the seasoning packets to avoid overpowering flavors.
Almonds: Sliced almonds add crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re nut-free, you can replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar texture without the nuts.
Cabbage: I recommend using either green or Napa cabbage for their crispness. If cabbage isn’t available, shredded carrots, or even a salad mix can work as nice substitutes.
Celery: This is optional for added crunch but it’s a great addition. If you want a different vibe, try diced bell peppers or cucumbers!
Sugar: White sugar is used in this recipe. You might also use honey or maple syrup as alternatives for a different sweetness profile, just adjust to your taste preference!
How Can I Toast Nuts and Seeds Properly?
Toasting nuts and seeds brings out their flavor and adds a delicious crunch to your salad. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by placing a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced almonds and sesame seeds, stirring them often to prevent burning.
- Toast until golden brown and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
- Once done, transfer them to a cool plate to stop the cooking process.
Remember, letting nuts and seeds get too dark can turn them bitter, so it’s better to err on the side of under-toasting than overdoing it!
Easy and Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 (3-ounce) packages of ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or Napa cabbage)
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 5 minutes toasting the nuts and preparing the veggies, then around 15 minutes to mix everything together and let the flavors meld. It’s a quick and easy dish to whip up whenever you need a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toasting the Nuts:
Start by preheating a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and sesame seeds (if you’re using them) to the skillet. Stir frequently to toast them until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool.
2. Preparing the Noodles:
Next, take the ramen noodles and crush them into small pieces (around 1/2 inch). You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and gently hitting them with a rolling pin or your hands, or simply break them up in the package before opening. Once crushed, put them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
Add the toasted almonds and sesame seeds to the bowl with the crushed ramen noodles. Then, toss in the shredded cabbage, chopped green onions, chives, and chopped celery (if you’re using it). This will create a colorful and crunchy base for your salad!
4. Making the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil (if you want), and a bit of salt and pepper. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined.
5. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly so that all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
6. Letting It Sit:
Add a little patience here! Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and lets the noodles soak up some of the dressing while still maintaining their crunch.
7. Serving Time:
Now it’s time to enjoy! You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a light meal or a side dish for gatherings!
Enjoy the refreshing, crunchy textures and delicious sweet-sour dressing that make this ramen noodle salad a perfect easy dish for any meal! 🌟🥗
FAQ for Easy and Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Can I Use Other Noodles Instead of Ramen?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles give a unique crunch, you can substitute them with other types like soba noodles or even thin spaghetti. Just be sure to cook them according to package directions if they require cooking first!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
This salad is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, simply ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugar can be filtered with bone char. Otherwise, all the other ingredients are plant-based!
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the noodles may lose their crunchiness over time. You can refresh it with a little more dressing if needed!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time or even the day before. Just wait to add the nuts until right before serving to keep them extra crunchy. The flavors will blend beautifully if allowed to sit!
