This Easy Ramen Noodle Salad is a fun and colorful dish packed with crunchy veggies. It’s super simple to make and is perfect for a quick meal or a tasty side!
I love how the crispy noodles mix perfectly with the fresh veggies! It’s great for potlucks, and honestly, I sometimes just eat it for lunch all week. Who can resist that crunch? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Standard instant ramen works great here. If gluten-free is your goal, there are rice ramen options available. You can also use soba noodles or rice noodles for a different texture!
Cabbage: Green cabbage gives a nice crunch, but you can use purple cabbage for a pop of color or even napa cabbage for a milder flavor. Feel free to mix things up!
Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and crunch. You might swap them with bell peppers for a different crunch or even cucumbers for a refreshing touch.
Nuts: Sliced almonds or peanuts are fantastic for crunch. If you have a nut allergy, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a great alternative.
Dressing: For a lighter dressing, you can swap vegetable oil with olive oil or a sesame oil blend. Instead of apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar works perfectly too. You might also reduce the sugar for a tangier taste!
How Can I Ensure the Perfect Crunch in My Salad?
The key to keeping your salad crunchy is in how you prepare it! Crushing the ramen into bite-sized pieces helps mix it evenly with the vegetables. Here are some tips:
- Don’t over-soak the salad! Letting it sit for 15 minutes is enough. This helps flavors build without making the noodles too soggy.
- Consider adding the nuts and seeds right before serving. This keeps them crunchy and fresh.
- Try to use fresh vegetables; older veggies may lose their crunch. Always opt for crispy options!
Easy Ramen Noodle Salad with Crunchy Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 packages (3 oz each) ramen noodles (discard flavor packets)
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Plus, you’ll want to let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to let all those tasty flavors blend together. So, in total, you can have this delicious salad ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crush the Noodles:
Start by placing the ramen noodles in a large bowl. Use your hands or a rolling pin to crush them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them mix nicely with the other ingredients!
2. Mix in the Veggies:
Add the thinly sliced green cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and your choice of nuts to the bowl with the crushed noodles. If you’re using sesame seeds, toss those in too!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the sugar has completely dissolved. This creates a yummy dressing that will bring everything together!
4. Combine Everything:
Carefully pour the dressing over the noodle and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
5. Let it Sit:
Cover the salad and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This is the magic time when all the flavors blend and the noodles soak up the dressing flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s a crunchy, fresh treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for a different crunch or taste. Just ensure they’re thinly sliced or shredded for the best texture!
What If I Want to Make It Vegetarian or Vegan?
This salad is already quite vegetarian-friendly! To keep it vegan, simply check that your soy sauce doesn’t contain any animal products, and enjoy the salad as is!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prep the salad a day ahead, just be sure to add the almonds and sesame seeds right before serving to keep them crunchy! Dress the salad about 1-2 hours before serving for best flavor without sogginess.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 2-3 days, though the noodles may soften a bit. Just give it a good stir before enjoying again!
