This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, preparing a quick lunch, or serving a side dish at dinner, this salad stands out with its vibrant colors and delicious sesame vinaigrette. The combination of crunchy ramen noodles, fresh veggies, and sweet mango makes it not just tasty but also visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Flavorful Twist: The sesame honey vinaigrette adds a unique flavor that elevates the classic salad experience.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich edamame, it’s both healthy and satisfying.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main or side dish; it’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: This allows ample space to mix all ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the vinaigrette ingredients smoothly.
- Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables like avocado and mango precisely.
Ingredients
This delicious Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad recipe is tossed with a simple sesame vinaigrette…and tastes absolutely delicious!
For the Salad Base
- 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
- 2 (3-ounce) packages of ramen noodles, crumbled (you will not use the seasoning packet)
- 1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- 1 mango, peeled, pitted, and julienned (or diced)
- 1/2 cup thinly-sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions (scallions)
For the Sesame Honey Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil, or any cooking oil)
- 1/4 cup honey (or your desired sweetener)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- pinch of salt and black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, combine the following:
1. Measure out 1/2 cup of avocado oil.
2. Add 1/4 cup honey to the bowl.
3. Pour in 1/4 cup rice vinegar.
4. Mix in 2 teaspoons soy sauce and 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil.
5. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
6. Whisk until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the bag of coleslaw mix.
2. Crumble the ramen noodles over the top.
3. Stir in the cooked edamame.
4. Gently fold in the diced avocado and julienned mango.
5. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and green onions.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture:
1. Toss everything gently until well coated with the dressing.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 4: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving:
1. Transfer to serving bowls or plates.
2. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later use!
How to Serve Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a side, there are plenty of options to elevate this delicious salad.
As a Standalone Meal
- This salad makes for a fulfilling lunch or dinner option. Its combination of flavors and textures is both satisfying and refreshing.
With Grilled Chicken
- Adding grilled chicken strips enhances the protein content, making it perfect for a hearty meal.
As a Side Dish for BBQs
- Pair this salad with grilled meats at your next barbecue. Its crunch complements smoky flavors beautifully.
In a Wrap
- Use lettuce leaves to wrap the salad for a fun and portable meal. This makes it great for picnics or on-the-go lunches.
Topped with Crispy Tofu
- For a vegetarian twist, add crispy tofu cubes. They provide an excellent contrast to the crunchy noodles.
How to Perfect Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Creating the perfect Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad requires attention to detail and fresh ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your salad shines.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture. Make sure your coleslaw mix and other vegetables are crisp.
- Toast Almonds: Toasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor. Simply heat them in a pan for a few minutes until golden.
- Customize Your Vinaigrette: Feel free to adjust the sesame honey vinaigrette to your taste. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge allows flavors to meld together nicely.
- Add Protein: Incorporate proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added nutrition and satisfaction.
- Serve Immediately: To maintain the crunchiness, serve the salad right after mixing it with dressing.
Best Side Dishes for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: These add a light and flavorful protein element that complements the salad well.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls offer additional crunch and are easy to share at gatherings.
- Miso Soup: A warm miso soup balances the coolness of the salad and adds depth to your meal.
- Edamame Beans: Serve steamed edamame on the side for extra protein and fiber that aligns with Asian flavors.
- Teriyaki Chicken Wings: The sweet and savory profile of teriyaki wings pairs wonderfully with the salad’s crunchiness.
- Cucumber Kimchi: This spicy side adds an exciting kick that contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors in the salad.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brings sweetness and an appealing texture to your plate that everyone loves.
- Rice Paper Rolls: Filled with herbs and veggies, these rolls offer freshness alongside your noodle salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:
Ignoring the sesame vinaigrette: Not using a good dressing can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to prepare the sesame honey vinaigrette properly for the best taste.
Overcooking the ramen noodles: Cooking them too long can make them mushy. Follow the package instructions closely and only cook until al dente.
Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables will compromise freshness. Always opt for fresh produce, like avocados and mangoes, to enhance flavor.
Not letting the salad chill: Serving it immediately can prevent flavors from melding together. Allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for a bit helps improve the taste.
Forgetting about portion sizes: Overestimating servings can lead to waste. Measure out your ingredients accurately to make just enough for your gathering.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep the sesame vinaigrette separate until ready to serve for maximum crunchiness.
Freezing Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture of the ingredients.
- If you must freeze, only freeze cooked ramen noodles and keep everything else separate.
- You can store cooked noodles in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the salad crispy.
Microwave: Heat on low power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. Use caution not to overheat.
Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, stir gently until heated through. This method allows you more control over texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?
Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a refreshing dish made with coleslaw mix, crunchy ramen noodles, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a delicious sesame honey vinaigrette.
Can I customize my Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?
Absolutely! You can add proteins like chicken or tofu, swap out vegetables based on your preference, or even use different nuts or seeds for added crunch.
How long does Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad will last up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, keep dressing separate until serving.
What other dishes pair well with this salad?
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, Asian-inspired dishes, or even as a side for picnics and barbecues due to its light and crunchy nature.
Final Thoughts
The Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its combination of textures and flavors, it makes a perfect side dish or light meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste!
Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that beautifully combines textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With its crunchy ramen noodles, crisp veggies, sweet mango, and a delightful sesame honey vinaigrette, this salad is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect as a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a star at your next picnic or potluck, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences. The simplicity of preparation—ready in just 10 minutes—makes it a go-to recipe for busy days.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 16-ounce bag coleslaw mix
- 6 ounces of ramen noodles (2 packages)
- 1 cup cooked edamame
- 1 avocado
- 1 mango
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup green onions
- For the vinaigrette: avocado oil, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients: avocado oil, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with crumbled ramen noodles and cooked edamame.
- Gently fold in diced avocado and mango along with sliced almonds and green onions.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 348
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 303mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg