Asian Ramen Noodle Salad: A Crunchy, Flavorful Delight

When it comes to easy and satisfying meals, Asian ramen noodle salad is a fan favorite. This dish combines crunchy vegetables, savory noodles, and a tangy dressing to create a refreshing and flavorful salad.

Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a party platter, ramen noodle salad is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. It brings a delightful balance of textures and flavors—savory, sweet, and a little bit of tang. It’s the kind of dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a small family or a group of friends at a BBQ.

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, let’s gather the essentials for this delicious dish. Below is a table listing all the ingredients along with their corresponding calorie counts. Remember, the total calories will vary based on the portion size and specific brand of ingredients used.

Ingredient	Amount	Calories
Ramen noodles (uncooked)	1 packet	190
Cabbage (shredded)	2 cups	22
Carrot (shredded)	1 medium	25
Green onions (sliced)	2 stalks	10
Red bell pepper (julienned)	1 medium	25
Almonds (sliced)	1/4 cup	132
Sesame seeds	1 tbsp	52
Olive oil	2 tbsp	240
Soy sauce	3 tbsp	30
Rice vinegar	2 tbsp	8
Honey	1 tbsp	64
Garlic (minced)	1 clove	5
Fresh ginger (grated)	1 tsp	2
Salt	To taste	0
Black pepper	To taste	0

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Asian ramen noodle salad is simple and quick. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious salad in just a few easy steps.

1. Prepare the Noodles: Start by boiling a pot of water. Once boiling, break the ramen noodle block into smaller chunks (you can discard the seasoning packet or save it for another recipe). Cook the noodles for about 3 minutes, just until they are tender but still firm. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from becoming too soft.To try another comforting dish, see Asian Noodle Salad
2. Prep the Vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, shred the cabbage, carrot, and red bell pepper. Slice the green onions and set them aside for garnishing. You can also toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes to bring out their flavor.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. The dressing should be balanced between savory, sweet, and tangy. Taste it and adjust the ingredients as needed.
4. Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooled ramen noodles, shredded vegetables, and toasted almonds. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for added texture and flavor.
5. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the noodles and vegetables to absorb the dressing fully. You can also prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time, making it even more convenient for busy days.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

One of the great things about Asian ramen noodle salad is how flexible it is. You can customize the recipe according to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

1. Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. Grilled chicken breast works particularly well and adds a smoky flavor.
2. Add More Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Sliced cucumbers, edamame, or even snap peas can all add different textures to the salad.
3. Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick. You can also try using spicy sesame oil for a deeper flavor.
4. Noodle Alternatives: If you’re not into traditional ramen noodles, you can swap them for soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
5. Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free soy sauce and noodles. There are many gluten-free ramen noodle brands available that would work well in this recipe.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your meal is always a good idea, especially if you’re mindful of your health goals. Here’s a general breakdown of the ramen noodle salad, based on the ingredients listed above. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

The salad is fairly low in calories but offers a good mix of carbs from the noodles and fiber from the veggies. It also includes healthy fats from the olive oil and almonds. If you decide to add protein like chicken or tofu, the protein count will go up, making it a more filling meal.

Serving Suggestions

Asian ramen noodle salad can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few ideas:

• As a Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef. You can also serve it alongside fish or seafood for a light and healthy meal.
• For Meal Prep: Make a big batch and portion it into containers for an easy lunch throughout the week. It stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• At Parties: This salad makes an excellent dish to bring to parties, potlucks, or BBQs. The bright colors and unique flavor will definitely attract attention, and it’s simple to make in large quantities.
• As a Light Lunch: If you’re looking for a quick meal, this salad is perfect for a light lunch. Pair it with a fruit salad or a bowl of soup for a complete, satisfying meal.

FAQs

Can I use the ramen seasoning packet?

While the seasoning packet is often quite salty, it can be used if you prefer a more traditional flavor. However, we recommend making the dressing from scratch to control the salt and sweetness.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the salad ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, which can make it even tastier. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy noodles.

Can I use cooked noodles instead of raw ramen noodles?

While uncooked ramen noodles add a nice crunch to the salad, you can use cooked noodles if you prefer a softer texture. Just be sure to let them cool before mixing them with the dressing.

Conclusion

Asian ramen noodle salad is the perfect combination of fresh, crunchy, and savory elements that can easily be adjusted to suit any taste or dietary preference. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a flavorful side dish, or a unique addition to a party spread, this recipe fits the bill. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and satisfying flavors make it a go-to dish for any occasion. With the right mix of veggies, noodles, and tangy dressing, this salad is a delightful and healthy option for everyone.