This Asian Ramen Salad is a crunchy delight! It mixes crispy veggies, tasty ramen noodles, and a zingy dressing that makes every bite refreshing and fun.
I love how quick it is to throw together! It’s perfect for lunch or a side dish at dinner. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy slurping up those noodles? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: These noodles are the heart of this salad. You can use any instant ramen you like. If you have gluten-free needs, try rice noodles or soba noodles instead, which are both great alternatives.
Red Cabbage: This gives a lovely crunch and color. If you can’t find red cabbage, green cabbage works just as well. You could even use kale for added nutrients!
Peanuts: They add crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds are fantastic replacements. Just be mindful of the size, as they should be roughly chopped for the best texture.
Fresh Cilantro: This adds a bright, fresh flavor. If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can replace it with fresh parsley or omit it altogether if you prefer.
How Do I Make the Dressing Just Right?
The dressing is key to bringing the flavors together. Start by mixing the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Make sure the honey dissolves completely for consistency.
- Whisk vigorously until everything is fully combined.
- Taste and adjust! Add more lime juice for acidity or honey for sweetness based on your preference.
Let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors blend. This step can truly elevate your salad!
How to Make Asian Ramen Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 packages of ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking and mixing everything, then let it chill for 15 minutes before enjoying. It’s fast, healthy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ramen:
Start by boiling the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and give them a rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. This will help keep them nice and firm. Set them aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and the chopped peanuts. If you’re using cilantro and sesame seeds, add those in too. Give everything a good mix!
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Make sure it’s well combined—you want all those delicious flavors to blend!
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooled ramen noodles to the bowl with the veggies. Then, pour your dressing over the whole mixture. Toss it all together gently so that everything is nicely coated in the dressing.
5. Let it Chill:
Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes. This will allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together. You’ll be amazed at how tasty it gets!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature. Feel free to sprinkle some extra sesame seeds or peanuts on top for added crunch. Dig in and enjoy your refreshing Asian Ramen Salad!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! This salad is very versatile. You can substitute or add other vegetables like cucumbers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes for even mixing and texture.
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can make the salad a few hours in advance, but it’s best to wait until just before serving to add the dressing. This helps keep the noodles and veggies crisp. If you need to prepare the dressing ahead of time, just store it in a sealed container in the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the noodles may soften over time; you can refresh the salad by adding a little more dressing before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free ramen noodles or substitute with rice noodles. Ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free (look for tamari or other gluten-free options) to keep the entire salad gluten-free.
