🥗 Easy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe – Crunchy, Tangy, and Simple!

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If you’re in need of a quick and satisfying salad, look no further than Ramen Noodle Salad. This easy recipe combines crunchy ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing to create a light yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main dish. It’s a fantastic choice for potlucks, barbecues, or even as a light lunch.

Not only is this salad easy to prepare, but it’s also super customizable. You can adjust the ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. Let’s get started with this easy, delicious, and versatile ramen noodle salad!

🔧 Recipe Preparation Equipment

To prepare this Ramen Noodle Salad, you’ll need:

  • Large bowl for mixing the salad
  • Whisk for making the dressing
  • Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
  • Measuring spoons for accurate dressing ingredients
  • Strainer (if needed for draining)

🛒 Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 2 packs of ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or almonds (optional, for added crunch)

For the dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

🍽️ How to Make Easy Ramen Noodle Salad

Making this ramen noodle salad is super simple and takes just a few minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Ramen Noodles

Begin by cooking the ramen noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the ramen noodles. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the noodles are softened, but still firm (al dente). Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the noodles are cooling, chop up your vegetables. Shred the cabbage, slice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, and slice the green onions. Set the vegetables aside.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste. Taste the dressing and adjust as needed, adding more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled ramen noodles with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the noodles and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Add Crunch and Chill

If you like some extra crunch, sprinkle sunflower seeds or almonds on top. Toss again and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.

🌈 Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this easy ramen noodle salad to your taste:

🥩 Add Protein

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even grilled tofu for a heartier dish. This makes the salad more substantial and perfect for lunch or dinner.

🌶️ Add Heat

For a spicy kick, toss in some sliced jalapeños or drizzle with sriracha sauce. You can also add red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat.

🥒 Add More Veggies

Feel free to add any veggies you love, such as bell peppers, peas, corn, or radishes. You can even include herbs like cilantro or mint to add freshness.

🍋 Add Lime Zest

For a citrus twist, try adding some lime zest or a squeeze of lime juice to the dressing.

🧑‍🍳 Cooking Notes

  • Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Ramen noodles cook quickly, so make sure not to overcook them. They should be al dente, as they will soften further when mixed with the dressing.
  • Dressing Adjustments: You can tweak the dressing ingredients to suit your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For more tang, increase the rice vinegar or add a splash of lemon juice.
  • Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors only improve as it sits!

🍴 Serving Suggestions

This ramen noodle salad is perfect for a variety of occasions:

  • Potlucks and Picnics: It’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.
  • Grilled Foods: Pair this salad with grilled chicken, burgers, or seafood for a complete meal.
  • Light Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy this salad as a quick and refreshing meal on its own, or add a protein for a fuller dish.
  • Barbecues: Serve it alongside other BBQ staples like grilled meats, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.

💡 Helpful Tips

  • Cold Ramen: Ensure you cool the ramen noodles thoroughly before mixing them with the vegetables and dressing. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy.
  • Crunchy Toppings: For extra texture, consider adding crispy fried onions or crumbled crackers on top before serving.
  • Change Up the Dressing: If you want a lighter dressing, swap out the mayo and use Greek yogurt instead.

⏱️ Prep & Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)

📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Vitamin C: 20% DV
  • Potassium: 6% DV

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this ramen noodle salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and add any crunchy toppings just before serving.

Q: Can I use any type of ramen noodles?

Yes, you can use any ramen noodle brand. Just be sure to discard the seasoning packet, as the dressing provides plenty of flavor.

Q: Can I substitute ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand. You can also use different nuts or seeds for crunch.

✅ Conclusion

This easy ramen noodle salad is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy noodles, fresh veggies, and tangy dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great base for customization—add protein, more veggies, or spice it up to suit your preferences. Give this simple yet delicious recipe a try and enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a tasty snack!

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