Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, this salad offers a unique blend of textures and flavors. With its colorful presentation and zesty sesame vinaigrette, it’s sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of crunchy ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and a sweet sesame vinaigrette creates a deliciously satisfying taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side or add protein like chicken or turkey to turn it into a hearty main course.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with veggies and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, this salad is not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors from the mango, green onions, and coleslaw mix make this salad visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you prepare the salad quickly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Whisk
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to toss all ingredients together without making a mess.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your veggies, enhancing the final presentation.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining the vinaigrette ingredients smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
• 2 (3-ounce) packages of ramen noodles, crumbled (do not use the seasoning packet)
• 1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 mango, peeled, pitted, and julienned (or diced)
• 1/2 cup thinly-sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions (scallions)

For the Sesame Honey Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1/4 cup honey (or your desired sweetener)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

How to Make Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the coleslaw mix.
2. Stir in the crumbled ramen noodles.
3. Fold in the cooked edamame, diced avocado, julienned mango, sliced almonds, and green onions.

Step 3: Toss with Vinaigrette

Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Serve Immediately or Chill

You can serve the salad right away for maximum crunchiness. Alternatively, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes if you prefer it cold. Enjoy your delicious Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad!

How to Serve Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served as a main dish or a side, its vibrant flavors and textures make it an excellent choice for any meal.

As a Main Dish

• Enjoy it chilled: This salad is perfect served cold, making it a refreshing meal on hot days.
• Add protein: For a heartier option, top with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.

As a Side Dish

• Pair with grilled meats: This salad complements grilled chicken or turkey perfectly, adding a crunch to your meal.
• Serve at potlucks: It’s an ideal dish for gatherings, as it travels well and appeals to many tastes.

In Lunch Boxes

• Perfect for meal prep: Pack this salad in lunch boxes for an easy and nutritious mid-day meal.
• Add fresh toppings: Include avocado slices or extra mango in your lunch box to keep the salad fresh and exciting.

How to Perfect Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

To elevate your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, follow these simple tips. They will ensure that your salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh veggies and fruits to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
• Toast the almonds: Lightly toast the thinly-sliced almonds to bring out their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
• Customize the dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or acidity of the sesame honey vinaigrette according to your taste preferences.
• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving; this lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Mix just before serving: To maintain the crispness of the noodles and vegetables, toss everything together right before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and are easy to grill alongside meals.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a light and crunchy addition.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the savory flavors of the ramen salad beautifully.
4. Cucumber Kimchi: The tangy bite of kimchi offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the salad.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa and vegetables make for a hearty side dish.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can complement the cool crunch of your ramen noodle salad, creating a satisfying meal combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the Vinaigrette: Not preparing the sesame honey vinaigrette can lead to a bland salad. Make sure to mix the ingredients well for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking ramen noodles too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente texture.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted vegetables detracts from taste and texture. Always choose fresh produce for the best results.
• Cutting Veggies Too Big: Large pieces can create an unbalanced bite. Slice your vegetables thinly to enhance overall enjoyment.
• Not Tossing Properly: Failing to toss all ingredients ensures uneven distribution of flavors. Mix everything thoroughly before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the noodles and vegetables.

Reheating Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad.

Can I use different vegetables in my Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.

How can I make my Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad vegan?

Swap honey with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener for a vegan-friendly option.

What can I substitute for edamame in this salad?

You can use cooked chickpeas or black beans as an alternative protein source if you prefer.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until serving to keep the noodles crunchy.

Final Thoughts

The Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it suitable for any meal. With easy customization options, you can tailor it to fit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its versatility!

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Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

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• Author: charlies
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines fresh vegetables with crispy ramen noodles, all tossed in a delightful sesame vinaigrette. This quick and easy salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light dinner option. With its crunch and bright colors, it’s not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or add grilled chicken or turkey for a hearty meal, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
• 2 (3-ounce) packages of ramen noodles, crumbled
• 1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 mango, julienned or diced
• 1/2 cup thinly-sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1/4 cup honey (or your desired sweetener)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with crumbled ramen noodles.
3. Fold in the cooked edamame, diced avocado, julienned mango, sliced almonds, and green onions.
4. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. You can serve the salad right away for maximum crunchiness. Alternatively, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes if you prefer it cold.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Customize your salad by adding other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener. Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch.