This Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a fun, tasty dish that combines crunchy veggies and crispy ramen noodles with a zippy dressing. It’s quick to make and perfect for picnics or sides!
Honestly, I love how colorful and crunchy this salad is! Every bite is a little party in your mouth. You can even toss in your favorite add-ins—it’s super flexible! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Use plain uncooked ramen noodles, discarding the seasoning packets. If you can’t find ramen, feel free to use any other crunchy noodles or even crushed tortilla chips for a different twist.
Cabbage: I stick to green and purple cabbage for color and crunch, but you could swap in napa cabbage or even coleslaw mix for an easier prep. Use whatever you have on hand!
Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and color. You can also use pre-shredded carrots or even substitute with bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
Almonds: Toasted sliced and slivered almonds give great crunch. If you’re allergic to nuts, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a nut-free alternative!
Vinegar: White vinegar is a must for the tang in the dressing. You can swap it for rice vinegar for a milder taste, or apple cider vinegar if you want a hint of fruitiness.
What’s the Easiest Way to Toast Almonds?
Toasting nuts can really enhance their flavor. It’s simple! Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced and slivered almonds in a single layer.
- Stir frequently for about 5–7 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Keep an eye on them; nuts can burn quickly! Remove from heat and let cool.
This quick method adds a delicious depth to your salad and is worth the extra few minutes!
Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (3 oz each) uncooked ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 ½ cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- ¾ cup slivered almonds (toasted)
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Time Estimate:
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs to sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors really come together. Overall, you’ll need about 45 minutes, including prep and sitting time. Perfect for a quick and delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ramen Noodles:
Take the uncooked ramen noodles and break them into smaller bite-sized pieces while they are still in the package, or place them in a large bowl and break them apart with your hands. It’s a fun step!
2. Combine the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, toss in the green cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions along with the broken ramen noodles. It should look vibrant and colorful—so inviting!
3. Toast the Almonds:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced and slivered almonds. Toast them for about 5–7 minutes, stirring regularly until they are golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning! Once done, let them cool a bit before adding to the salad.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will be your zesty dressing that brings all the flavors to life!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the noodles and veggie mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together with your hands or two large spoons until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
6. Let it Sit:
To enhance the flavors, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the ramen absorb some of the dressing while still keeping its crunch!
7. Final Toss and Serve:
After sitting, give the salad another good toss. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy the delightful crunch, sweetness, and tanginess!
This Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is not only quick and easy but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s lunch, a picnic, or as a side at your next BBQ. Dig in and enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Alternative Noodles?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat ramen noodles or even gluten-free noodles if needed. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and ensure they stay crunchy in the salad!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the crunchiness of the noodles and veggies!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may soften slightly, but it will still be delicious! Give it a good toss before serving again.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding other crunchy veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas to enhance the texture and flavor. Just chop them up and toss them in!
