When it comes to vibrant, engaging, and refreshing dishes, the Best Ramen Noodle Salad stands out as a delightful choice. With its unique combination of crunchy ingredients and flavorful dressing, this salad not only satisfies the palate but also adds a colorful twist to any meal. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a potluck gathering, this recipe is both easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Why We Love This Best Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
This ramen noodle salad has a special place in many hearts due to its versatility and ease of preparation. The combination of crispy ramen noodles, nutty sunflower seeds, and crunchy slivered almonds brings together an appealing texture that you simply can’t resist. The bright flavors from fresh green onions and the tangy dressing elevate the overall experience, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for both casual family dinners and more elaborate gatherings. Plus, it’s a breeze to customize, allowing you to add or substitute your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re embracing a vegetarian lifestyle or simply craving something refreshing, this ramen noodle salad is an excellent choice.
Ingredients for Best Ramen Noodle Salad
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze. Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful salad:
- 2 packages (3 ounces each) chicken-flavored ramen noodles, broken into pieces (be sure to save the seasoning packets)
- 0.5 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 0.5 cup slivered almonds
- 1 package (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Best Ramen Noodle Salad Directions
Making the Best Ramen Noodle Salad is as simple as following a few easy steps. Let’s dive into the yummy process:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This step will set you up for the crispy noodle topping that adds such a delightful crunch to your salad.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broken pieces of ramen noodles, raw sunflower seeds, and slivered almonds. These will be toasted to enhance their flavors and add a satisfying crunch to your salad.
- Bake the Mixture: Spread the noodle mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Bake this mix in your preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the noodles and nuts to be fragrant and golden brown. Once they achieve that perfect color, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Vegetables: As your mixture cools, take a large serving bowl and combine the coleslaw mix with the chopped green onions. These fresh ingredients will add a vibrant color and refreshing taste to your salad.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, the reserved ramen seasoning, white vinegar, white sugar, and ground black pepper. This dressing is what ties everything together, giving your salad a delectable flavor boost.
- Combine Everything: Once the noodle mixture has cooled, add it to the serving bowl containing the coleslaw and green onions. Pour your homemade dressing over the entire mix and toss it all together. Ensure that everything is well coated in the dressing, so every bite is bursting with flavor!
- Serve or Chill: Your glorious ramen noodle salad is ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it immediately for a fresh and crunchy experience or chill it in the refrigerator for a bit to let the flavors meld together even more.
How to Serve Best Ramen Noodle Salad
Serving your Best Ramen Noodle Salad is a straightforward affair. As you present it, consider using a large, attractive bowl to showcase the colorful medley of ingredients. This salad shines on its own but can easily complement a variety of mains. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or a flavorful stir-fry for a satisfying meal.
For casual gatherings, provide individual portions in smaller bowls, allowing guests to enjoy their own serving. If you’ve prepared a larger batch, it’s perfectly fine to keep it in the refrigerator and serve it as leftovers. This salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed straight from the fridge, making it a great option for meal preps. You might also consider garnishing each serving with additional green onions or nuts for extra flair and crunch.
Expert Tips: Best Ramen Noodle Salad
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to play around with this recipe! Add your favorite ingredients like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even edamame for a twist. The more colorful, the better!
- Toast the Noodles/Fats Separately: If you want an extra crispy effect, try toasting the noodles and nuts in separate pans rather than together; this ensures even toasting without burning.
- Taste Test the Dressing: Before combining everything, do a taste test of the dressing. You can adjust the levels of vinegar or sugar according to your preference—this is your chance to tailor it to your liking.
- Chill Before Serving: If time allows, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a delicious experience.
How to Store Best Ramen Noodle Salad
Storing your Best Ramen Noodle Salad is simple and will keep it fresh for later enjoyment. You’ll want to take the following steps:
- Use an Airtight Container: After preparing the salad, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will help maintain the salad’s freshness and crunch.
- Refrigerate: Store your salad in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the ramen noodles may soften as they sit in the dressing, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two.
- Separate the Dressing: If you anticipate leftovers and want to maintain maximum crunchiness, consider storing the noodle mixture and the dressing separately. Combine them right before you’re ready to serve.
Variations of Best Ramen Noodle Salad
One of the best parts about the Best Ramen Noodle Salad is its flexibility; you can make it your own with various tweaks. Here are some delightful variations you might consider:
- Protein Addition: For a heartier version, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or diced tofu! This would round out the salad with a boost of protein, making it suitable as a complete meal.
- Different Nuts & Seeds: Swap out sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds or try walnuts for a different flavor profile. Each type of nut adds its unique crunch and essence to the salad.
- Vegan Twist: To make your salad vegan-friendly, simply replace the chicken-flavored ramen noodles with plain or vegetable-flavored ramen, remove any animal product-based add-ins, and enjoy!
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, stir in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha into the dressing. This adds a nice kick that contrasts wonderfully with the other flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the Best Ramen Noodle Salad special?
The Best Ramen Noodle Salad stands out due to its combination of flavors and textures. With crunchy noodles and nuts, fresh green veggies, and a zesty dressing, every bite is delightful!
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to add the ramen noodle mixture just before serving to keep it crispy.
Is this ramen noodle salad vegetarian?
Yes, it can be vegetarian if you use the vegetable-flavored ramen noodles instead of chicken-flavored ones. Plus, make sure to check any other optional ingredients you add.
How can I make this ramen noodle salad gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free ramen noodles or substitute them with gluten-free pasta. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
What are the best toppings for Best Ramen Noodle Salad?
Consider adding additional toppings like cilantro, sesame seeds, or crispy wontons for more flavor and texture. Each topping brings a new dimension to the dish!
Best Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2 packages chicken-flavored ramen noodles, broken into pieces Be sure to save the seasoning packets
- 0.5 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 0.5 cup slivered almonds
- 1 package 16 ounces coleslaw mix
- 3 green onions, chopped
Dressing
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broken pieces of ramen noodles, raw sunflower seeds, and slivered almonds.
- Spread the noodle mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- In a serving bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the chopped green onions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, the reserved ramen seasoning, white vinegar, white sugar, and ground black pepper.
- Once the noodle mixture has cooled, add it to the serving bowl with the coleslaw and green onions. Pour the dressing over and toss well to combine.
Serving
- Serve the salad immediately for a fresh experience or chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.
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