Ramen salad is a delightful dish that combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with the savory goodness of ramen noodles. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light weeknight dinner. Its vibrant colors and unique flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion, ensuring your guests will keep coming back for more. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients that make it a healthier option compared to traditional pasta salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this ramen salad can be whipped up in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out or add ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with fresh veggies and protein-rich edamame, this salad is both healthy and satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a winter gathering, ramen salad fits right in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, making it ideal for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your ramen salad seamless. Here are some essential items you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or mason jar (for dressing)
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A must-have for toasting the ramen noodles and almonds to enhance their flavors.
- Mixing bowls: Great for combining all your ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk or mason jar: Useful for quickly mixing the dressing; shaking in a jar saves cleanup time.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently.
Ingredients
A better, healthy version of the original Asian ramen salad with fresh ingredients. Ramen salad is a quick and easy favorite at any potluck!
Ingredients:
– 1 package ramen noodles (3 ounces)
– 2/3 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 1 bag coleslaw mix (16 ounces)
– 1 1/2 cups shelled frozen edamame (thawed)
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 4 scallions (thinly sliced, both white and green parts)
– 1/2 cup canned mandarin orange segments in light syrup (rinsed and drained)
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey (substitute agave if vegan)
– 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Ramen Salad
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Place a rack in the center.
Step 2: Toast the Ramen Noodles
- Crumble the ramen noodles onto a baking sheet.
- Spread them in a single layer alongside the sliced almonds.
- Bake for 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven, add sesame seeds, toss gently, then return to bake for an additional 1 to 3 minutes until fragrant and golden. Watch closely to avoid burning. Set aside once done.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl:
Mix together rice vinegar, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Alternatively:
Shake all ingredients together in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl:
Toss together coleslaw mix, edamame, shredded carrots, scallions, toasted ramen noodles, and almonds.
Drizzle dressing over the top and toss again until everything is well coated.
Finally, sprinkle mandarin orange segments over the top before refrigerating until ready to serve.
How to Serve Ramen Salad
Ramen salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or as a light lunch, here are some creative serving suggestions.
As a Main Dish
- Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Serve on a bed of fresh greens for a hearty meal.
As a Side Dish
- Pair with grilled shrimp for a delightful contrast.
- Serve alongside spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the salad into large lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option.
- Add sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
With Extra Toppings
- Sprinkle additional sesame seeds or chopped nuts for crunch.
- Drizzle with sriracha for a spicy kick.
How to Perfect Ramen Salad
To make the best ramen salad, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is flavorful and appealing.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the salad.
- Toast the noodles: Baking the ramen noodles intensifies their flavor and adds crunch.
- Adjust dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing by adding more honey or vinegar to suit your taste.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish wisely: A sprinkle of green onions or cilantro adds freshness and color.
Best Side Dishes for Ramen Salad
Ramen salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, they provide a refreshing contrast to the salad.
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Sweet and savory, these skewers bring heartiness to your meal.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the cold ramen salad perfectly.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side adds crunch and enhances the Asian theme.
- Edamame Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy hummus gives a unique twist while remaining light and healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ramen Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can enhance your dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using uncooked ramen noodles: Always toast the ramen noodles before adding them to the salad. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Skipping the dressing: A good dressing ties all the ingredients together. Don’t forget to whisk or shake it well before pouring it over your salad.
- Not letting it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together. Serve it fresh for the best taste.
- Overcrowding ingredients: Be mindful not to overload with too many toppings. Stick to the recipe for balance and ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Ignoring freshness: Use fresh vegetables and ingredients for the best texture and taste. Wilted veggies can ruin your Ramen Salad.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Freezing Ramen Salad
- Best not to freeze as the texture of vegetables can become mushy.
- If you must freeze, only freeze the noodles and edamame; store dressing separately.
Reheating Ramen Salad
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F, spread salad in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Ramen Salad that might help you make this delicious dish even better.
How can I customize my Ramen Salad?
You can add proteins like grilled chicken or tofu and mix different vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for variety.
Can I make Ramen Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute honey with agave syrup in the dressing, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
How long does Ramen Salad last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator.
What types of ramen noodles should I use?
You can use traditional instant ramen noodles or any other type of Asian noodles that fit your preference.
Is Ramen Salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, opt for rice noodles instead of traditional ramen noodles and check that your soy sauce is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Ramen Salad is a fantastic dish that’s both fresh and versatile. With its colorful ingredients and crunchy textures, it’s perfect for potlucks or quick meals. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite proteins or seasonal vegetables to suit your taste!
Ramen Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Ramen Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together crunchy vegetables and savory toasted ramen noodles for an unforgettable meal. This quick and easy recipe can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light weeknight dinners. The combination of fresh ingredients, protein-packed edamame, and a tangy dressing creates a delightful flavor profile that will have your guests asking for seconds. Enjoy the healthy alternative to traditional pasta salads while impressing everyone with its colorful presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 package (3 ounces) ramen noodles
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
- 1 1/2 cups shelled frozen edamame (thawed)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup canned mandarin orange segments (rinsed and drained)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey (substitute agave if vegan)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Crumble ramen noodles on a baking sheet with sliced almonds; bake for 5 minutes.
- Add sesame seeds to the baking sheet; bake an additional 1 to 3 minutes until golden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients: rice vinegar, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, edamame, shredded carrots, scallions, and toasted ramen mixture. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
- Top with mandarin orange segments before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
