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This ramen noodle salad is a fun, tasty mix of crunchy noodles, fresh veggies, and a sweet and tangy dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Have you ever tried turning those packets of ramen noodles into something other than soup? Well today we’re diving into the delicious world of Ramen Noodle Salad!

Crunchy ramen noodle salad is perfect for picnics, family reunions, or any time you want something light yet satisfying.

I love the colors in it, too! It’s such a beautiful dish that it lights up any meal spread. It’s nice when your food tastes and looks great at the same time.

I’ll tell you right now that it’s kid-friendly, too. Lily munched away on this stuff. She piled her plate high and didn’t eat the sandwiches we had at all. HA!

It’s easy to make, and the best part? It’s super versatile, so you can add or swap ingredients to match your mood or the occasion.

The flavors go right along with all kinds of other additions. I’ve got a great list of them down below, so check them out!

Let’s get into why this ramen noodle salad is going to be your new go-to dish!

Some of our other favorite salad recipes we have on our site include: Easy Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe, Best Easy Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, and The BEST Creamy Macaroni Salad with Peas Recipe.

up close image Ramen Noodle Salad in large bowl

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Super Easy: With simple prep work, this salad comes together in no time.
Crunchy Goodness: The uncooked ramen noodles provide a satisfying crunch that’s irresistible.
Flavorful Dressing: The homemade dressing is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Vegetable oil
Ramen noodles
Sliced almonds
Tri-color coleslaw mix
Fresh snow peas
Red bell pepper
Yellow bell pepper
Mandarin oranges
Diced water chestnuts
Green onions
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sesame seeds (optional)

For the dressing:

Vegetable oil
Granulated sugar
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Toasted sesame oil
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder

ingredients needed to make Ramen Noodle Salad

HOW TO MAKE RAMEN NOODLE SALAD:

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the oil once hot. Add the crushed noodles and almonds. Cook, often stirring, until toasted and lightly golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Place on a plate to stop cooking and set aside.
Make the dressing next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, lemon juice, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a large bowl, add the slaw, snow peas, bell peppers, mandarin oranges, water chestnuts, green onions, cilantro, and the noodle almond mixture.
Add the dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately with a sesame seed garnish if using.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

DO I HAVE TO COOK THE RAMEN NOODLES?

Nope! In this delicious salad, the ramen noodles are used uncooked.

Breaking them into smaller pieces before tossing them into the salad ensures they add the perfect crunch. This method is a key ingredient in making this Asian recipe stand out.

The crushed ramen noodles, bring so much flavor to the dish without the need for cooking. It doesn’t matter if you grab a pack of chicken-flavored ramen or another flavor because we will not be using the flavoring packet in the recipe.

It’s a classic recipe twist that makes this salad a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and the main reason it’s such a simple yet delicious salad.

CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?

Absolutely, this easy recipe for Asian coleslaw or Asian salad can be prepared ahead of time, which is great for family gatherings.

The best way to keep it fresh and ensure the crunchy ramen noodles maintain their satisfying texture is to add them, along with the toasted almonds, just before serving. This technique prevents them from soaking up the Asian dressing too early and losing their crunch.

Making the salad ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, just ensure to keep the crunchy elements like the crushed ramen noodles and almonds separate until it’s time to serve for that perfect salad experience.

Ramen Noodle Salad served on white wooden table top

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ANY ADDITIONS?

You betcha! A good salad can always have things added to it.

Edamame beans for a protein boost
Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
Peas for a pop of color
Napa cabbage for a different texture
Daikon radish for a slight sharpness
Fresh bean sprouts for more crunch
Sliced avocado for creaminess
Grilled chicken for a hearty main dish
Chopped peanuts for extra nuttiness
Sesame seeds for garnish and a nutty flavor

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

If you’re looking to make it healthier or you’ve got dietary needs, I’ve got you covered.

Soy sauce instead of salt for an Asian flavor
Apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar for a different tang in the dressing
Honey instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetness
Sunflower seeds instead of almonds for variety
Olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a different taste
Red cabbage or purple cabbage instead of cole slaw mix for color and crunch

overhead image Ramen Noodle Salad in bowl

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Keep the salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

If you are not going to eat the entire salad at one time, I suggest keeping the ramen noodles and almonds separate and only adding them to each serving bowl. This way they stay nice and crunchy, store the extra noodles and almonds in an airtight container at room temperature.

Freezer: It’s best not to freeze this salad to preserve the texture of the ingredients.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Toast the Noodles: Lightly toasting the noodles and almonds brings out a nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
Dressing First: Mix the dressing first to let the flavors meld together while you prep the other ingredients.
Chill Before Serving: Cooling the salad for a bit before serving enhances the flavors.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.
Keep Crunchy Ingredients Separate: If not serving immediately, keep the noodles and almonds aside and add just before serving.

a fork holding up a bite of Ramen Noodle Salad in air

Ramen Noodle Salad is not just delicious; it’s a fun way to enjoy a classic favorite in a new form.

It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to special gatherings, and its versatility means you can enjoy it again and again without getting bored.

So, grab those noodle packets and fresh veggies, and let’s make a salad that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!

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If you’ve tried this RAMEN NOODLE SALAD, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe