Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a side dish for a barbecue, or something to bring to a potluck, this salad fits the bill. The combination of fresh ingredients tossed in a simple sesame vinaigrette elevates this dish to a new level of deliciousness. Enjoy the crunch from the ramen noodles and the sweetness from the mango, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy this salad without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthful Ingredients: Packed with veggies and protein, this salad is as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side, perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
• Flavorful Vinaigrette: The sesame honey vinaigrette adds a unique twist that enhances every bite.
• Great for Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Gathering these tools beforehand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Allows you to easily toss all your ingredients together without making a mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the vinaigrette ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when preparing fresh vegetables like avocado and mango.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping, keeping your kitchen organized.

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 preparing all your ingredients:
* Open the coleslaw mix bag and place it in a large mixing bowl.
* Crumble the ramen noodles into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

In a separate bowl:
1. Combine avocado oil, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until all ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Add all prepared ingredients into the mixing bowl with coleslaw:
* Add crumbled ramen noodles.
* Stir in edamame, avocado, mango, almonds, and green onions.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture:
* Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with dressing.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to serving plates or bowls:
* Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your crunchy ramen noodle salad!

How to Serve Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

As a Main Course

• This salad makes a filling and delightful main dish. Pair it with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.

As a Side Dish

• Serve the Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad alongside Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki chicken or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Lunch Box Option

• Pack individual servings of the salad in lunch boxes for a refreshing midday treat. It stays crunchy and flavorful throughout the day.

Picnic Favorite

• This salad is perfect for picnics! Its portability and delicious taste make it an ideal choice to share outdoors.

Potluck Delight

• Bring this salad to your next potluck. Everyone will love its unique crunch and vibrant flavors!

How to Perfect Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

To ensure your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is always a hit, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and ripe avocados enhance the overall taste and texture of your salad.
• Customize your toppings: Feel free to add proteins like shredded chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the dressing: Customize the sesame vinaigrette’s sweetness or acidity according to your taste preferences.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Keep noodles separate: If making ahead, store the ramen noodles separately until ready to serve to maintain their crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Juicy chicken glazed with teriyaki sauce complements the flavors of the salad perfectly.
2. Steamed Edamame: These protein-packed pods offer a slightly salty contrast to the sweetness of the salad.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh and crispy spring rolls filled with veggies pair well with the crunchy texture of the salad.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth to your meal without overpowering the salad’s flavors.
5. Sesame Crusted Tofu: Crispy tofu coated in sesame seeds makes for an excellent vegetarian option alongside this dish.
6. Cucumber Kimchi: The spicy and tangy notes from kimchi provide an exciting kick that enhances your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the seasoning packet: Many people mistakenly add the ramen seasoning packet, which can overpower the flavors. Instead, use fresh ingredients and a homemade vinaigrette for a balanced taste.
• Overcooking the noodles: If you overcook the ramen noodles, they can become mushy. Boil them just until tender, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale vegetables or old dressing can ruin your salad. Always check for freshness to ensure your salad is vibrant and tasty.
• Skipping the vinaigrette: Some might forget to use a dressing altogether, leading to a bland salad. The sesame honey vinaigrette is key to elevating the flavors in this dish.
• Not letting it chill: Serving immediately can mean missing out on flavor development. Allowing the salad to chill for a bit helps meld all the ingredients together.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve if possible.

Freezing Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in vegetables.
• If necessary, freeze only the noodles and edamame separately.
• Consume frozen portions within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method may alter crunchiness.
• Microwave: Place salad in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until heated through. This can revive some of the crunchiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a refreshing dish that combines crispy vegetables, ramen noodles, and a flavorful sesame honey vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a side or light meal.

Can I customize my Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

Absolutely! You can add different proteins like chicken or tofu, swap out veggies based on your preference, or change up the dressing for new flavors.

How long does Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about three days.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various toppings or dressings based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!