Description
A refreshing and crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad featuring crunchy slaw mix, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and a tangy soy-based dressing. This make-ahead salad is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, combining the unique texture of broken ramen noodles with a sweet and savory dressing.
Ingredients
Nuts and Seeds
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup seeded sesame seeds (or sunflower seeds or raw chopped peanuts)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
Salad Base
- 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
Instructions
- Toast Almonds: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Spread the sliced almonds evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes, until they become fragrant but not browned. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make Dressing: While the almonds are baking, combine the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well mixed. Set aside.
- Combine Slaw Mixes: In a large bowl, mix together the prepackaged broccoli slaw and cole slaw until evenly combined.
- Add Ramen Noodles: Before opening the ramen noodle packages, break the noodles into small pieces no larger than 1/2 inch. Add the broken noodles to the slaw mix. Reserve the seasoning packets for the dressing.
- Add Almonds and Seeds: Add the cooled toasted almonds and the sesame seeds (or your choice of sunflower seeds or chopped peanuts) into the slaw mixture. Toss well to combine all ingredients.
- Incorporate Seasoning Packets: Pour the contents of the reserved ramen seasoning packets into the dressing and stir until fully incorporated.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the entire dressing over the slaw mixture and gently toss to coat everything thoroughly.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight. This resting time allows flavors to meld and the noodles to soften slightly.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator and serve chilled as a crunchy, flavorful side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Breaking the ramen noodles into smaller pieces allows for better mixing and makes the salad easier to eat.
- Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch.
- You can substitute the sesame seeds with sunflower seeds or chopped peanuts for a different nutty flavor.
- For a stronger broccoli flavor, try using two packages of broccoli slaw in place of the broccoli and cole slaw mix.
- The salad tastes best after chilling for several hours, which allows the flavors to blend and the noodles to soften slightly.
- This recipe is flexible; feel free to add extra vegetables like shredded carrots or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
