If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that’s both quick and easy to prepare, this Quick Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is just what you need. Packed with colorful veggies and topped with a delightful crunch, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a hassle-free dinner. The combination of textures and flavors will have you coming back for more.
Steps
- Begin by crushing the ramen noodles into small pieces and set aside the seasoning packets for later use.
- Toast the crushed ramen noodles, sesame seeds, and sliced almonds in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and allow to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix with chopped green onions.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together vegetable oil, vinegar, sugar, and the reserved ramen seasoning packets until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, tossing to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Add the toasted ramen, almonds, and sesame seeds to the salad, and toss once more to distribute the crunchy elements evenly throughout.
- Allow the salad to sit for a while to let the flavors meld together, or serve immediately if preferred.
Ingredients
- 1 package of ramen noodles (3 ounces), crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 small bunch of green onions, chopped
- 1 package (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Seasoning packet from ramen noodles
FAQ
- Can I use the seasoning packets that come with ramen noodles in this salad?
- Yes, the recipe incorporates the seasoning packets, making use of them in the salad’s dressing.
- Should the salad be served immediately or can it sit for a while?
- The recipe does not specify if the salad should sit for flavors to develop or be served right away. However, some adjustments to taste might be needed if served immediately.
- What can I do if the salad tastes too vinegary?
- If the vinegar flavor is too strong, consider adding more sugar to balance it out or using rice wine vinegar instead of white vinegar for a milder taste.
- How can I make the salad less oily?
- To reduce the oiliness, you might want to decrease the amount of oil in the dressing or choose a lighter oil option.
- Are there any recommended substitutions for the cabbage coleslaw mix?
- You can substitute the cabbage coleslaw mix with napa cabbage for a different texture and flavor profile.
Tips
- Consider using napa cabbage instead of a standard coleslaw mix for a more cohesive blend of flavors.
- Swap white vinegar with rice wine vinegar to achieve a milder and slightly sweeter taste.
- Add a little extra sugar to balance the tartness of the vinegar and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Serve the salad after allowing it to sit for a while, giving the flavors more time to meld together.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – Useful for washing and drying cabbage or coleslaw mix.
- Mandoline Slicer – For thinly slicing cabbage or other vegetables.
- Mixing Bowl Set – For mixing the salad and tossing ingredients.
- Baking Sheet – For toasting ramen noodles and almonds.
- Whisk – For mixing dressing ingredients.
