Introduction

Looking for a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish? Look no further than this ramen salad recipe! This dish combines crunchy ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ramen salad is an incredibly versatile and refreshing dish, ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a light dinner. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this mouthwatering ramen salad and discover its delicious variations, nutritional breakdown, and more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ramen salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser with a unique twist. The contrast between the crispy ramen noodles and fresh vegetables creates an exciting texture that keeps you coming back for more. This salad is incredibly versatile—you can add protein, tweak the dressing, or make it even more vibrant with seasonal veggies. With a tangy, slightly sweet dressing made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil, it balances salty and savory flavors. The dish is perfect for meal prep as it holds up well in the fridge and actually gets better after marinating for a few hours.

Its simplicity and flexibility make it a go-to recipe when you need something quick but delicious. Whether served as a side dish or a light main, this ramen salad is both satisfying and refreshing, bringing out the best of fresh produce and savory noodles.

Recipe Details

Originating in the United States in the 1980s, ramen salad recipe gained popularity as a fun, creative way to use dry ramen noodles in a cold dish. The classic version features raw, crunchy cabbage, carrots, and green onions, all tossed together with the ramen noodles. The dressing is a savory blend of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and oil, giving it a burst of umami flavor that complements the noodles perfectly.

Culinary techniques for making ramen salad are straightforward, allowing you to create a tasty dish without much effort. The key is to use the ramen noodles raw, giving them a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softer vegetables. The dressing can be adjusted to your liking, so you have the flexibility to make it as tangy, sweet, or salty as you desire.

Culturally, ramen salad recipe serves as an excellent example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. It draws inspiration from the Asian flavor profile, yet remains a completely American creation, with its adaptability making it an ideal recipe for all kinds of gatherings.

Nutritional Information

Ramen salad recipe is not only delicious but also a great way to include a variety of nutrients in your meal. A typical serving of ramen salad contains approximately:

Calories: 300-350
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g

The primary ingredients—ramen noodles, cabbage, carrots, and green onions—are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. The ramen noodles provide a quick source of energy from carbohydrates. The sesame oil in the dressing is an excellent source of healthy fats, and the soy sauce gives you a bit of sodium for electrolyte balance.

Despite its simplicity, ramen salad is a nutrient-packed dish that provides an excellent balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins. Plus, the vegetables offer a dose of vitamins and fiber, making this salad a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Ingredients

To make this ramen salad recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 packs of ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
1 large carrot (julienned or grated)
1/4 cup green onions (sliced thin)
1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

For the dressing:

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder

When sourcing ingredients, opt for fresh cabbage and carrots, as their texture contributes significantly to the overall crunch and taste of the salad. Fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor, and sesame seeds provide an extra touch of nuttiness.

Equipment Needed

For this ramen salad recipe, you don’t need any specialized equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sharp knife or mandoline: To chop and julienne the cabbage and carrots. A mandoline can help you achieve thin, even slices of vegetables for added texture.
Mixing bowls: For tossing the salad ingredients and mixing the dressing.
Whisk: To ensure your dressing ingredients are well-combined.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy in measuring the dressing components.
Salad tongs: To gently toss the salad without bruising the vegetables.

While these tools are essential, they are all common kitchen tools. If you don’t have a mandoline, you can simply use a knife, but be cautious when slicing the cabbage and carrots thinly.

Pro Tips For Success

Toast the sesame seeds: For an extra pop of flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This enhances their nuttiness, making the salad even more savory.
Add protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These proteins pair wonderfully with the crunchy texture of the salad.
Marinate the salad: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
Adjust the dressing: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more sugar, or if you want it tangier, increase the amount of rice vinegar. This flexibility makes the recipe customizable to your taste.
Crunchy noodles: If you prefer even more crunch, crush the ramen noodles more finely before adding them to the salad. The smaller pieces will add more texture.

Be sure not to skip these steps—they’ll ensure that your ramen salad has the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables: Start by shredding the cabbage into thin strips. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to achieve even, delicate shreds. Grate or julienne the carrot to match the cabbage’s texture. Slice the green onions thinly to add a bit of sharpness to the salad.
Toast the ramen noodles: Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces while keeping them rough and irregular for better texture. In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the noodles for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This will give the noodles a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
Mix the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, and garlic powder until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust as needed for more sweetness or tanginess.
Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, green onions, and toasted ramen noodles. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. The noodles will absorb the dressing, adding even more flavor to every bite.
Chill the salad: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. The longer the salad sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
Serve and garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added texture and flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe Variations

Ramen salad recipe is highly versatile and can be adapted in several ways to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:

Add grilled chicken: Marinate and grill chicken breasts for an added protein boost.
Add avocado: For a creamy texture, add slices of ripe avocado just before serving.
Spicy ramen salad: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing for some heat.
Vegetarian ramen salad: Leave out the meat and top with extra veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or edamame.

These variations are a great way to customize the salad to your preferences or dietary restrictions.

Storage Instructions

Ramen salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles and vegetables will continue to absorb the dressing over time, enhancing the flavor. If you’re storing it for longer than a few hours, it’s best to keep the noodles and dressing separate to maintain the crunchiness of the ramen.

If you wish to freeze it (though it’s not ideal), keep the noodles and vegetables apart from the dressing. When reheating, you may want to add extra dressing to revive the flavors and moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This ramen salad recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it with grilled meats like chicken or steak, or with a bowl of miso soup for a complete meal. It also goes wonderfully with grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. For an Asian-inspired meal, pair it with dumplings or spring rolls for an added layer of texture and flavor.

Presentation is key—serve the ramen salad in a large, colorful bowl and garnish with a few extra sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad actually improves with time, making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare the salad a few hours ahead, or even the night before, to let the flavors meld.
What other vegetables can I use in ramen salad? Feel free to add cucumber, bell peppers, edamame, or even snap peas for extra crunch.
How do I make this salad gluten-free? Simply use gluten-free ramen noodles or substitute them with rice noodles.
Can I make the dressing without sugar? Yes, you can replace the sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar alternative.
Can I add nuts to the salad? Yes, roasted peanuts or cashews would add an extra crunch and flavor to the salad.
Can I use a different oil in the dressing? While sesame oil is key for flavor, you can substitute it with olive oil if you prefer a lighter taste.
Can I use cooked ramen noodles? While raw ramen noodles provide the best texture, cooked noodles can be used in a pinch for a softer salad.
How long can I store the ramen salad? It can be stored for 2-3 days in the fridge. However, the noodles may lose some of their crunch as it sits.
Can I use instant ramen noodles for this salad? Yes, instant ramen noodles are a great alternative. Just be sure to discard the seasoning packet!
How can I make this recipe spicier? Add a bit of Sriracha or chili paste to the dressing for an extra kick!

Conclusion

This ramen salad recipe is not only a quick and easy dish but also a versatile one that can be customized in countless ways. With its crunchy texture, savory dressing, and fresh vegetables, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a picnic or enjoy it as a light weeknight meal, this salad is sure to please. Try it today, and let its bold flavors and textures bring something new and exciting to your table!

Quick & Easy Ramen Salad Recipe