Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

This delicious Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad recipe is a perfect mix of textures and flavors that can brighten up any meal. Whether you are hosting a summer BBQ, having a picnic, or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this salad fits the bill. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any table. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad takes just 10 minutes to make, making it ideal for busy days.
• Bursting with Flavor: The sesame vinaigrette adds a delightful tang that complements the crunchy noodles perfectly.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins for a unique twist.
• Healthy Option: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect as a side dish for gatherings or a main dish for lunch, this salad is sure to impress.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to toss everything together thoroughly without making a mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the vinaigrette smoothly, ensuring all flavors are well combined.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting vegetables easier and safer.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a sturdy surface for chopping.

Ingredients

This delicious Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad recipe is tossed with a simple sesame vinaigrette…and tastes absolutely delicious!

For the Salad

• 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
• 2 (3-ounce) packages of ramen noodles, crumbled (you will 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, or any cooking 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 Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the avocado and mango into bite-sized pieces. Slice the green onions thinly.

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add the avocado oil.
2. Pour in honey.
3. Stir in rice vinegar.
4. Add soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Components

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

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture:
1. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are coated with dressing.
2. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for an even fresher taste.

Enjoy your refreshing Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad!

How to Serve Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want it as a main course or a side, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

As a Light Main Dish

• Serve chilled: This salad is refreshing when served cold, making it perfect for hot days.
• Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp can elevate the dish and make it more filling.

As a Side Salad

• Pair with grilled meats: This salad complements grilled chicken or steak beautifully.
• Serve alongside Asian dishes: It pairs wonderfully with sushi, teriyaki, and other Asian-inspired meals.

For Meal Prep

• Prepare in advance: This salad stores well in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain crunchiness.
• Pack for lunch: It makes an excellent office lunch option that’s easy to transport.

As a Potluck Dish

• Bring to gatherings: This salad is always a hit at potlucks and barbecues due to its unique flavor and texture.
• Serve in a large bowl: Presenting it in an eye-catching bowl can draw attention and encourage others to try it.

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How to Perfect Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

To ensure your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and ripe fruits enhance the flavor significantly.
• Customize the crunch: Feel free to mix in other crunchy toppings like sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas for variety.
• Adjust sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of honey in the vinaigrette.
• Don’t skip the dressing: The sesame honey vinaigrette is essential for bringing all the flavors together—make sure to use it generously.

Best Side Dishes for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Complementing your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken marinated in Asian spices pairs perfectly with the salad’s flavors.
2. Spring Rolls: These fresh rolls filled with veggies offer additional crunch and freshness.
3. Teriyaki Salmon: A sweet and savory salmon dish that enhances the overall taste profile of your meal.
4. Miso Soup: A warm miso soup provides a comforting contrast to the chilled salad.
5. Edamame Hummus: Creamy edamame hummus can spread well on crackers or bread as a tasty appetizer.
6. Cucumber Pickles: These tangy pickles add brightness and balance against the richness of other dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad can be easy, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

• Skipping the dressing: Not using enough dressing can result in a bland salad. Make sure to toss your salad well with the sesame honey vinaigrette for full flavor.
• Overcooking the noodles: Cooking the ramen noodles for too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente texture.
• Neglecting freshness: Using old or wilted ingredients can ruin your salad. Always opt for fresh veggies and fruits for the best taste and texture.
• Using too much oil: Adding excessive oil can make the salad greasy. Stick to the recommended amount in the recipe for a balanced dressing.
• Forgetting to chill: Serving your salad at room temperature can dull its flavors. Chill it in the refrigerator after mixing to enhance freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• item The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• item Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.

Freezing Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• item It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture of fresh vegetables and avocado.
• item If necessary, freeze only cooked noodles separately, but consume within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• item Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat in short intervals (15-30 seconds) until warm; be careful not to overheat.
• item Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad.

What variations can I make with Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

You can customize this salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability.

Can I make Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all ingredients except for the dressing ahead of time. Just add it right before serving to keep everything crunchy.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember to keep the dressing separate until serving.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! The ingredients used are already mostly plant-based, just ensure that your honey substitute is suitable for vegans.

Can I use other types of noodles instead of ramen?

Yes! While ramen gives a unique crunch, you can use other Asian-style noodles like soba or rice noodles as alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Its refreshing flavors and textures make it perfect as a side dish or even a light meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings!