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Crunchy, zesty, and always a crowd-pleaser, Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will elevate any meal. This salad has become my go-to dish for potlucks or a quick lunch fix. The combination of crisp coleslaw, toasted almonds, and the unmistakable crunch of ramen noodles, all tossed in a tangy honey dressing, creates a harmony that keeps everyone coming back for more.
The first time I shared this Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad at a friend’s picnic, it vanished within minutes, sparking a frenzy of requests for the recipe. Since then, I’ve made sure to stock up on ramen noodles just for this dish. The kitchen aroma that fills the air while toasting the almonds is simply irresistible, setting the stage for something truly special. My kids even love cracking up the ramen noodles as part of our little tradition before every barbecue, adding a touch of fun to the preparation process.
Whether paired with grilled chicken burgers, pulled pork, or enjoyed on its own with added protein like grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken, this salad is versatile and always a hit. Get ready to experience a playful classic that beautifully combines fast-casual ingredients with a homemade touch. Remember, for that perfect crunch, combine the ingredients right before serving, and don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite veggies or nuts for a personal twist on this beloved Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad.
Quick Benefits
- Crunchy Texture: The ramen noodles and toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch to the salad, enhancing its overall texture.
- Versatile Dish: This salad can be enjoyed as a side dish with various mains or as a main dish by adding protein like shrimp or shredded chicken, making it a versatile option for different occasions.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients and dressing in advance, but for the best texture and flavor, assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crunch of the noodles and veggies.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients like nuts or veggies based on preferences or dietary restrictions, allowing for a personalized touch to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad Recipe Recipe
- Irresistible Texture: The combination of crisp coleslaw, toasted almonds, and crunchy ramen noodles creates a delightful texture that you will love.
- Tangy Honey Dressing: The tangy honey dressing perfectly complements the salad ingredients, adding a zesty kick that enhances the flavors.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for potlucks or quick lunches, making it a convenient go-to dish for busy days.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this salad by swapping ingredients like using Napa cabbage or roasted sunflower seeds, making it versatile to suit your preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing in advance and assemble it just before eating to maintain the crunchiness of the noodles.
- Playful and Flavorful: Inspired by East Asian cuisine, this salad offers a playful twist on classic flavors, combining fast-casual ingredients with bold homemade dressings.
- Perfect as a Side or Main: This salad can be served as a side dish with grilled proteins or as a light main course by adding shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
- Family-Friendly: Making this salad can be a fun activity for the whole family, like cracking up the ramen noodles, creating lasting memories around food.
Ingredients for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad Recipe
Salad
- 130 grams matchstick carrots
- 50 grams sliced green onions
- 170 grams dry ramen noodles, broken into pieces, seasoning packets discarded
- 400 grams coleslaw mix
- 95 grams slivered almonds, toasted
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 60 millilitres rice vinegar
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 millilitres sesame oil
- 120 millilitres olive oil
- 30 millilitres honey
- Salt, to taste
Pro Tips for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad Recipe
Pro Tip 1: For the crispiest ramen noodle salad, toss the noodles with the veggies and almonds just before serving to maintain their crunchiness. This will prevent the noodles from getting soggy from the dressing if left sitting for too long.
Pro Tip 2: To enhance the flavors of the salad, consider using red cabbage or snap peas as colorful alternatives to the coleslaw mix. These variations can add a different texture and taste to the dish while keeping it visually appealing.
Pro Tip 3: Get creative with your choice of nuts by using toasted cashews, peanuts, or sunflower seeds instead of almonds. These alternatives will provide a similar crunchy texture and add a unique flavor profile to your ramen noodle cabbage salad.
How to Make Crunchy Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Dressing
In a mason jar with a tight lid, combine olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Shake well to blend. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Components
Break the dry ramen noodles into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Add coleslaw mix, matchstick carrots, sliced green onions, and toasted slivered almonds, discarding the ramen seasoning packets.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well. Serve immediately for a crisp texture, or let sit briefly for a softer noodle consistency.
Storage Tips
To store the finished Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad, it is best to keep the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can be stored for up to one day, but keep in mind that the ramen noodles will soften over time. To maintain the crunchy texture of the noodles, it is recommended to dress the salad just before serving rather than in advance.
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, you can combine all the vegetables, almonds, and noodles in a container and store them separately from the dressing. When ready to serve, simply dress the salad with the honey dressing for a fresh and crunchy experience. Additionally, consider doubling the dressing recipe to have extra on hand for quick weekday salads or to refresh leftovers.
For a different twist on the Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad, you can try variations such as using roasted sunflower seeds instead of slivered almonds for a nut-free option or substituting Napa cabbage for the coleslaw mix for a more traditional Asian flavor. Remember, the key to enjoying this dish is to combine the ingredients just before eating to preserve the delightful crunch of the ramen noodles and vegetables.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are looking to make some ingredient substitutions for the Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad, consider using roasted sunflower seeds instead of slivered almonds if you need to avoid nuts due to allergies. Napa cabbage can also be used in place of the coleslaw mix to give the salad a more traditional Asian flair. Additionally, if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can use white wine vinegar as a substitute, though the flavor might be slightly sharper.
For a different twist, you can try using red cabbage or snap peas as alternatives to the coleslaw mix to add color, texture, and a unique bite to the salad. When it comes to the crunchy element, toasted cashews, peanuts, or sunflower seeds can be delicious substitutes for the almonds, offering a similar crunch and flavor profile. Remember to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the noodles and vegetables and to store any leftover dressed salad in the fridge for up to a day, keeping in mind that the noodles may soften over time.
Serving Suggestions
For a fun and creative twist on serving this Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad, consider assembling individual mason jar salads. Layer the coleslaw mix, matchstick carrots, green onions, and toasted almonds in each jar, leaving room at the top for the broken ramen noodles. Pack the dressing separately and pour over the salad just before serving for a portable and vibrant meal option.
Another serving suggestion for this delicious salad is to use it as a filling for lettuce wraps. Simply spoon the Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad onto large lettuce leaves, wrap them up like tacos, and secure with toothpicks. The combination of crunchy veggies, flavorful dressing, and crispy noodles makes for a delightful hand-held meal that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch option.
FAQs for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad Recipe
Can I make this ramen noodle salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and dressing in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the noodles.
What are some alternatives to the slivered almonds in this recipe?
You can try toasted cashews, peanuts, or sunflower seeds as tasty substitutes for the slivered almonds, adding a similar crunch and flavor.
Do I need to cook the ramen noodles before adding them to the salad?
No, you can simply break up the dry ramen noodles and toss them in the salad. Their crisp texture adds a signature crunch when combined with the dressing and vegetables.
What are some alternative ingredients I can use in this ramen noodle salad?
You can try using red cabbage or snap peas as alternatives to the coleslaw mix, matchstick carrots, and green onions. Additionally, you can substitute roasted sunflower seeds for the slivered almonds if nut allergies are a concern.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad is a vibrant and versatile dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a potluck, a quick lunch, or a family barbecue, its zesty crunch and irresistible textures are sure to delight your taste buds. The blend of crisp coleslaw, toasted almonds, and crunchy ramen noodles tossed in a tangy honey dressing creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Remember, the key to keeping this salad at its best is to assemble it just before serving to maintain the crunch of the noodles. Feel free to customize this dish by swapping ingredients like Napa cabbage or sunflower seeds to suit your preferences or dietary needs. With its playful origins and bold flavors, Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad is a delightful fusion of East Asian inspiration and American creativity that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of this delicious salad!
Crunchy Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad Recipe
“Crunchy Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad with a zesty honey dressing and toasted almonds, perfect for potlucks or quick lunches.”
Prep Time15 Minutes
Cook Time5 Minutes
Total Time20 Minutes
CuisineFusion
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings (One large bowl)
Ingredients
Salad
- 130 grams matchstick carrots
- 50 grams sliced green onions
- 170 grams dry ramen noodles, broken into pieces, seasoning packets discarded
- 400 grams coleslaw mix
- 95 grams slivered almonds, toasted
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 60 millilitres rice vinegar
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 millilitres sesame oil
- 120 millilitres olive oil
- 30 millilitres honey
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Salad Dressing: In a mason jar with a tight lid, combine olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Shake well to blend. Season with salt and black pepper.
-
Assemble the Salad Components: Break the dry ramen noodles into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Add coleslaw mix, matchstick carrots, sliced green onions, and toasted slivered almonds, discarding the ramen seasoning packets.
-
Dress and Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well. Serve immediately for a crisp texture, or let sit briefly for a softer noodle consistency.
