Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

This delicious Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad recipe combines vibrant flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a light lunch, or looking for a quick side dish, this salad is sure to impress. Its unique blend of crunchy noodles and fresh ingredients tossed in a sesame vinaigrette creates a delightful taste experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sweet mango, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds offers an explosion of flavor.
• Versatile: This salad works great as a side dish or main course and can be tailored to suit your dietary needs.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and healthy fats, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for meal prep or gatherings, making it a stress-free option.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for easily chopping vegetables like mangoes and avocados.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space for chopping your ingredients.
• Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that the sesame vinaigrette is well-combined and smooth.

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Wash the coleslaw mix thoroughly if not pre-washed. Dice the avocado and julienne or dice the mango.

Step 2: Toast the Ramen Noodles

In a dry skillet over medium heat:
1. Add crumbled ramen noodles.
2. Toast them lightly until golden brown for about 3–5 minutes while stirring frequently.

Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl:
1. Combine avocado oil, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk together until fully blended.

Step 4: Mix the Salad

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine coleslaw mix, toasted ramen noodles, edamame, diced avocado, sliced almonds, and green onions.
2. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the salad to serving bowls or a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley before enjoying this refreshing Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad!

How to Serve Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether as a light meal, side dish, or at a potluck, there are many options to enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it chilled for a refreshing lunch option.
• Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

At Parties

• Offer in small cups as an easy-to-eat appetizer.
• Garnish with sesame seeds for added flair.

For Meal Prep

• Store the salad in individual containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.

With Extra Toppings

• Top with crispy fried onions for added texture.
• Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a burst of flavor.

How to Perfect Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

To make your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad truly outstanding, consider these tips that will enhance both taste and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and ripe avocado make the salad taste vibrant and flavorful.
• Toast the almonds: Lightly toasting the sliced almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Customize your veggies: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for variety.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust honey according to your preference for sweetness.
• Add protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.

Best Side Dishes for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious suggestions that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and are easy to grill alongside the salad.
2. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls provide a delightful crunch and pair well with the salad’s textures.
3. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables offer a light and refreshing contrast.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings comforting flavors that balance the salad’s freshness.
5. Teriyaki Tofu: Sweet and savory teriyaki tofu adds an Asian-inspired twist that complements the salad well.
6. Cucumber Kimchi: The tangy and spicy kick from cucumber kimchi enhances the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the seasoning packet: Many people mistakenly use the ramen seasoning packet. To achieve a fresh taste, skip it and make your own dressing instead.
• Overcooking the noodles: It’s crucial not to overcook the ramen noodles. Follow package instructions closely to keep them crunchy and prevent a mushy salad.
• Skipping the vinaigrette: Neglecting to prepare the sesame honey vinaigrette can leave your salad bland. This dressing adds essential flavor, so don’t skip this step.
• Not chilling before serving: Serving the salad immediately might not allow flavors to meld. Letting it chill for a bit enhances taste and texture.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using wilted vegetables can ruin your salad. Always select fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.

Freezing Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of fresh vegetables.
• If necessary, you can freeze only the cooked edamame for up to 6 months.

Reheating Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat while stirring gently; add a splash of oil if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a refreshing dish made with coleslaw mix, ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sesame vinaigrette. It’s a perfect side or main dish for gatherings.

Can I customize my Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

Absolutely! You can add proteins like grilled chicken or tofu, swap out veggies according to your preference, or even try different dressings for variety.

How do I make my own vinaigrette for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

To create your vinaigrette, combine avocado oil, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well until combined.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is great for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately and combine everything before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Certainly! While ramen noodles are traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of noodles like soba or rice noodles for different textures and flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to customize based on your personal preferences. The combination of fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette makes it a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with various ingredients or dressings—your creativity will make each serving unique!