Name: Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 3 h 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 cup seeded sesame seeds (or sunflower seeds or raw chopped peanuts); 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 14-ounce package prepackaged cole slaw mix; 1 12-ounce package prepackaged broccoli slaw mix (or two packages for a stronger broccoli flavor); 2 packages Ramen Noodles (beef or oriental/soy sauce flavor), broken into small pieces no bigger than 1/2 inch, seasoning packets reserved

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 24 reviews

If you’re looking for a vibrant and crunchy dish that bursts with flavor and texture, this Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine crisp broccoli and cabbage slaws mingling with crunchy broken ramen noodles, toasted almonds, and a tangy, sweet dressing kissed by soy sauce and rice vinegar. It’s a refreshing salad that’s not only incredibly easy to make but also perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply jazzing up your weeknight dinners. Once you try this Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with three layers of shredded vegetables: the bottom layer with white cabbage pieces, the middle layer with pale green shredded broccoli stems, and the top layer scattered with thin orange carrot strips and small purple cabbage pieces, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe relies on a few simple yet powerful ingredients, each bringing its own unique flair to the bowl. From crunchy slaws to toasted nuts and a perfectly balanced dressing, every component works harmoniously to create a salad that sings with color, texture, and flavor.

Sliced almonds (1/4 cup): Toasted to bring out their nutty aroma and add delightful crunch.
Olive oil (1/2 cup): The smooth base for the dressing, adding richness without overpowering.
Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Offers a bright, tangy punch that wakes up the palate.
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds that unmistakable savory depth enhancing all other flavors.
Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances acidity with a gentle sweetness for harmony in the dressing.
Prepackaged cole slaw mix (1 14-ounce package): Delivers fresh, crisp cabbage for a classic salad base.
Prepackaged broccoli slaw mix (1 12-ounce package): Brings a slightly peppery crunch and vibrant green color.
Ramen noodles (2 packages, beef or oriental flavor): The star ingredient—broken into pieces to add addictive crispiness.
Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or raw chopped peanuts (1/4 cup): Adds texture and a nutty surprise in each bite.

How to Make Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Almonds

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. Spread the sliced almonds evenly on a baking sheet and bake them for about 8 minutes until you begin to smell their warm, nutty fragrance. Be careful not to let them turn golden brown, as we want a light toast that amplifies their flavor but keeps them fresh. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While the almonds toast, it’s time to whip up the dressing. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Whisk them together until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is well blended. This dressing is the magic that ties all the ingredients together, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes to every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Slaw Mixes

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in both the broccoli slaw and cole slaw mixes. Mixing these two slaws creates a wonderful base with contrasting textures and colors, giving the salad its hearty crunch and fresh veggie goodness.

Step 4: Add the Ramen Noodles

Before opening the ramen noodle packages, break the noodles into smaller pieces, about half an inch each. This is key to ensuring the noodles mix evenly throughout the salad and provide bite-sized crunch in each forkful. Toss the broken noodles into the slaw mixture, but hold onto the seasoning packets for the next step.

Step 5: Fold in Nuts and Seeds

Once your almonds have cooled, add them along with your choice of sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or raw chopped peanuts to the slaw and noodle mix. These nuts and seeds add a welcome layer of nutty flavor and an extra crunch that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 6: Mix the Seasoning with the Dressing

Open those seasoning packets you set aside earlier and whisk the contents into your dressing bowl. This concentrates the ramen flavor right into the tangy, sweet dressing, elevating every mouthful of the salad.

Step 7: Combine Everything and Chill

Pour the enriched dressing over the slaw, noodle, and nut mixture. Mix thoroughly so each ingredient gets coated with that fantastic dressing. For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours or even overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and the noodles to soften slightly while still keeping their crunch.

How to Serve Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

A clear glass bowl contains a layered noodle salad resting on a white marbled surface. The base layer inside the bowl consists of mixed shredded vegetables including pale green cabbage, orange carrot strips, and some purple cabbage, creating a colorful leafy foundation. On top of this, a thick mound of uncooked, curly, pale yellow ramen noodles dominates the center. To the right of the noodles, there is a small pile of light brown sunflower seeds, and on the front left side, thinly sliced almond flakes are scattered, their pale beige color contrasting against the noodles. The overall look is fresh and textured, with the bowl's clear sides showing the layers inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this salad is how versatile garnishes can be. Freshly chopped green onions or cilantro add a fresh zing, while a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds amps up the nutty character. For a pop of color, thinly sliced red bell peppers or shredded carrots work wonders. These additions not only elevate the look but also add layers in flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or Asian-inspired entrees like teriyaki salmon or ginger beef. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside crispy tofu or vegetable stir-fry. Its bright and crunchy nature complements bold, savory mains beautifully without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fresh presentation. It also works wonderfully as a filling for wraps or a topping for rice bowls, bringing vibrant texture and flavor wherever it goes. If you’re bringing it to a gathering, a large colorful salad bowl garnished with extra almonds on top will instantly invite everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the ramen noodles may soften over time, so for the best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy within the first couple of days.

Freezing

Because this salad features fresh vegetables and crunchy noodles, freezing isn’t recommended. Freezing will compromise the crispness and texture of the ramen noodles and slaw. Instead, make smaller batches when preparing in advance or enjoy leftovers cold from the fridge.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. Its vibrant crunch and refreshing flavors shine brightest straight from the fridge. If you prefer, simply let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of prepackaged slaw mixes?

Absolutely! Fresh shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and thinly sliced broccoli stalks make excellent substitutes and can add an even more vibrant and fresh taste to your salad. Just be sure to shred them finely for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this salad gluten-free?

Traditional ramen noodles contain wheat, but you can look for gluten-free ramen alternatives made from rice or other grains. Just check the labels and ensure the seasoning packets are also gluten-free to keep your salad safe.

Can I customize the nuts and seeds in the recipe?

Yes! Feel free to swap almonds for walnuts, cashews, or even pumpkin seeds. The crunch and nuttiness are key, but you can tailor it depending on your preferences and what you have on hand.

How long should I let the salad chill before serving?

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours. This allows the dressing to soak into the slaw and noodles, and the almonds and seeds to meld with the other layers of taste.

Can I make the salad vegan?

Definitely! Just opt for ramen noodles without animal-based seasoning and use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making this recipe easy to adapt.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe — it’s crunchy, colorful, and layered with flavor in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a vibrant lunch, this salad never disappoints. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it become an instant favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!