Crunchy, crisp, and candy Ramen Noodle Salad is a traditional you’ll discover at potlucks and yard barbecues all throughout the Midwest! I’ve given it a extra fashionable spin, nevertheless it nonetheless packs in that nostalgic taste you’re keen on.
If you’ve by no means had the pleasure of attempting this ramen noodle salad, now’s the time! It’s a Midwestern traditional, and one I grew up consuming. It was my mother’s go-to dish to make for each household gathering, particularly in the summertime months when its cool, crunchy texture is a pleasant break from the same old creamy casseroles, excellent for serving with Grilled Burgers and scorching canines. I took her recipe and elevated it, however the elements that make it so common (the ramen and the mandarin oranges!) are nonetheless there.
What Makes This Ramen Noodle Salad Such a Hit
There’s quite a bit to like about this salad! Here’s why it’s one in all my favorites.
- The crunch issue. This salad options crispy cabbage, almonds, and ramen noodles. All that crunch provides a satisfying texture that makes this salad an superior distinction to grilled meats and potluck staples.
- Make-ahead pleasant. If you’re internet hosting a celebration or bringing one thing together with you, this dish is nice for making forward of time since cabbage stands up quite a bit higher than lettuce to storage. (That’s why we like it for Creamy Coleslaw too!)
- Sweet, juicy mandarin oranges. Canned mandarin oranges aren’t a daily on my procuring record, however they’re SO good on this salad, including a mellow citrus taste and a pleasant sweetness.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a fast record of the elements you’ll must make my modernized model of ramen noodle salad. Scroll all the way down to the recipe card to search out the ingredient portions and recipe directions.
Ramen Noodle Salad:
- Cabbage – I take advantage of a mix of purple and inexperienced as a result of it makes the salad extra colourful, however you should utilize a single selection in case you desire.
- Carrots – You can shred the carrots or minimize them into matchsticks for somewhat extra crunch.
- Green onions – For onion taste with out being overpowering.
- Cilantro – Adds a contemporary, herbaceous notice. Leave it out in case you’re not a fan of the flavour.
- Raw almonds – You can swap in sunflower seeds for a nut-free choice.
- Ramen noodles – Dry and damaged into items. Discard the seasoning packet—we don’t want it right here!
- Mandarin oranges – Drain these nicely so that they don’t add liquid to the salad.
Dressing:
- Rice wine vinegar – This can also be labeled as rice vinegar, nevertheless it’s the identical factor.
- Tamari – Soy sauce works instead if that’s what you have got available.
- Olive oil – Or avocado oil, in case you desire it.
- Honey – Rather than including sugar, I just like the pure sweetness of honey on this ramen salad.
- Toasted sesame oil – This provides a nutty taste to the dressing.
- Garlic – Adds depth and savory taste.
- Sriracha – You can skip this or modify the quantity to make the salad kind of spicy.
- Salt – To season.
How to Make Ramen Noodle Salad
This potluck favourite is tremendous straightforward to make! Here’s what you’ll must do.
- Toast the ramen and nuts. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the ramen items and almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool.
- Make the dressing. Whisk the vinegar, tamari, olive oil, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic, sriracha, and salt in a small bowl.
- Assemble. Add the cabbage, carrots, inexperienced onions, cilantro, ramen, almonds, and mandarin oranges to a big bowl. Add the dressing, toss to coat, then serve.
Tips and Variations
These ideas will enable you to make certain your ramen noodle salad seems excellent!
- Finish simply earlier than serving. If you’re making this recipe prematurely, I like to recommend including the toasted ramen, almonds and oranges proper earlier than serving. This retains the crunchy elements crunchy and helps hold the mandarin oranges intact.
- Add protein for an entire meal. Consider including shredded or cubed hen, cooked shrimp, or crispy tofu to make this salad a meal for a weeknight dinner. This Honey Garlic Grilled Shrimp could be superb!
- Experiment with dressings. Try alternate options like Thai Peanut Sauce, Sesame Ginger Dressingor a store-bought choice.
- Try completely different add-ins. Edamame, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, cucumbers, diced crimson bell pepper—there are such a lot of methods you may put your individual spin on this recipe!
How to Store Leftovers
To retailer leftovers, switch the ramen noodle salad into an hermetic container and refrigerate for two to three days. The noodles will soften, supplying you with a special texture. Before serving once more, toss the salad to redistribute the dressing.
Description
Crunchy, crisp, and candy Ramen Noodle Salad is a traditional! I’ve given it a extra fashionable spin, nevertheless it nonetheless has that acquainted taste you’re keen on.
Ramen Noodle Salad:
Dressing:
Toast Ramen:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Add damaged ramen noodles and almonds to a 13×11 baking sheet.
- Toast for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove and let relaxation.
Dressing:
- To a small bowl add rice wine vinegar, tamari, olive oil, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic, sriracha and salt to style. Whisk till nicely mixed. Set apart.
Assemble Salad:
- To a big bowl, add inexperienced cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, inexperienced onions, cilantro, toasted ramen & almonds, manadrin oranges and lastly dressing. Toss to coat every little thing nicely and serve instantly.
Notes
Tips: Add the toasted ramen, almonds and oranges proper earlier than serving so that they keep crunchy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 532 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 g
