Name: Ramen Noodle Asian Salad: Crunchy, Tangy u0026amp; Addictive
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 (3 oz) ramen noodles, crushed; 1 (14 oz) coleslaw mix; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper; 1 cup edamame; ½ cup sliced almonds; 3 green onions; ¼ cup cilantro; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp ginger; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp black pepper

Here’s a salad that actually gets people excited – crispy ramen noodles, fresh veggies, and a sweet-savory dressing that makes this the most requested potluck dish you’ll ever bring. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors that somehow tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long).

Why This Recipe Works

Textural Magic: Crunchy noodles + crisp veggies = perfect mouthfeel
Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually improves as it sits (unlike sad, soggy salads)
Dressing That Clings: Coats every ingredient without being gloppy
Budget Conscious: Uses affordable ingredients with big flavor payoff
Crowd-Pleasing: Equally loved by kids and adults at any gathering

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 (3 oz) packages ramen noodles (any flavor), uncooked & crushed
1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup shelled edamame
½ cup sliced almonds
3 green onions, chopped
¼ cup cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

⅓ cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp grated ginger
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups/spoons
Ziplock bag (for crushing noodles)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Crunchy Elements

Place uncooked ramen noodles in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin into small pieces (some powder is fine). In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently. Tip: Watch closely – nuts burn fast!

Step 2: Combine Salad Base

In a large bowl, mix coleslaw mix, carrots, bell pepper, edamame, green onions, and cilantro. Add the crushed noodles (reserve seasoning packets for another use). Tip: Keep almonds separate until serving to maintain crunch.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and pepper until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness/tang as needed. Tip: For smoother dressing, blend ingredients briefly.

Step 4: Dress and Rest

Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) before serving. Tip: This resting time softens noodles slightly while keeping them crunchy.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted almonds and give one final gentle toss. Serve chilled with extra dressing on the side.

Tips and Tricks

Crunch Control: For extra crispy noodles, add them right before serving instead of marinating
Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken or cooked shrimp for a complete meal
Spice It Up: Add ½ tsp chili garlic paste or sriracha to dressing
Nut Alternatives: Substitute sunflower seeds or cashews for almonds
Veggie Swaps: Try snap peas, cucumber, or broccoli slaw for variety
Make-Ahead Magic: Store dressing separately for up to 3 days
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check ramen packaging

Recipe Variations

Thai Peanut: Add 2 tbsp peanut butter to dressing + garnish with crushed peanuts
Mango Twist: Mix in 1 cup diced mango and use lime juice instead of rice vinegar
Sesame Ginger: Double the ginger and add 1 tbsp tahini to dressing
Spicy Kimchi: Add ½ cup chopped kimchi + 1 tsp gochujang
California Style: Include avocado slices and swap almonds for sunflower seeds

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use cooked ramen noodles?
A: Not recommended – the uncooked noodles provide essential crunch. Cooked noodles turn mushy.

Q: How long does this keep in the fridge?
A: Best within 24 hours, though still tasty for 2 days (noodles soften over time).

Q: Can I make this vegetarian/vegan?
A: Already vegetarian! For vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave.

Q: My dressing is too thick – how to thin it?
A: Add 1 tbsp water or orange juice at a time until desired consistency.

Summary

This ramen noodle salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser – crunchy, fresh, and bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep that actually stays exciting.