You know those days when you need a dish that’s not only delicious but also super refreshing? That’s exactly why I can’t get enough of this Oriental Ramen Salad! It’s just bursting with vibrant colors and flavors that make your taste buds dance. Seriously, one bite, and you’ll be hooked! The combo of crunchy veggies, nutty almonds, and chewy ramen noodles tossed in a tangy dressing is perfection. Plus, it’s so versatile! Whether I’m having friends over for a casual barbecue or just need something quick for lunch, this salad fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and trust me, it disappears faster than you can say “ramen”! So, let’s dive into making this refreshing gem that’s sure to brighten up your table!
Ingredients for Oriental Ramen Salad
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful Oriental Ramen Salad! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 packs of ramen noodles: Any flavor is fine, but I usually go for the classic chicken or beef and just toss the seasoning packets. These will be your salad’s chewy base!
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: I love using green cabbage for its crunch, but feel free to mix in some purple cabbage for color!
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Freshly shredded adds that sweet crunch, but pre-packaged works too if you’re short on time.
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions: These add a hint of sharpness and color. Don’t skip them!
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds: They bring a lovely nutty flavor and crunch that I can’t get enough of!
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds: For added texture and a little extra nutrition.
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (optional): This makes it heartier if you’re into that!
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami goodness that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: This helps to keep everything moist and delicious.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: For that tangy kick that balances everything out.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors!
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A little goes a long way in adding that authentic Asian flavor.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, so you can whip this salad up in no time!
How to Prepare Oriental Ramen Salad
Getting this Oriental Ramen Salad ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful dish that your friends and family will rave about. Trust me, the hardest part is waiting for it to chill in the fridge! Here we go:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes just about 3-5 minutes. Once they’re tender, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This is super important to keep them from getting mushy!
- While the noodles are cooling, grab a large bowl and toss in the shredded cabbage, carrots, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, and sunflower seeds. If you’re adding cooked chicken, go ahead and mix that in too!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil until smooth. This dressing is what really brings everything together, so don’t skip this step!
- Pour the dressing over the veggie mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Then, gently fold in the cooled ramen noodles, being careful not to break them.
- Finally, cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those fantastic flavors to meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a super quick and easy dish to whip up, perfect for busy days!
- The flavors are bright and refreshing, making it a standout at gatherings.
- You can customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings!
- It’s packed with crunchy veggies and healthy ingredients, so you can feel good about enjoying it.
- Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it fits any occasion!
Tips for Success with Oriental Ramen Salad
To make sure your Oriental Ramen Salad turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to match your taste. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar; if you want more tang, a splash of extra rice vinegar does wonders!
For an extra crunch, try adding some crispy fried onions or even a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving. You can also switch up the nuts—walnuts or cashews work beautifully! If you’re looking for a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.
And remember, this salad is a great make-ahead dish. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so don’t hesitate to whip it up a day in advance!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a heads up! The nutritional information for this Oriental Ramen Salad can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some general estimates, keep in mind that these numbers might not be 100% accurate. Always check the labels on your products for the most precise information, especially if you’re tracking your intake closely!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had a chance to mingle. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for ramen noodles? If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use rice noodles or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter version. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How long can I store leftover salad? You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the noodles may soften as they sit, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I add other vegetables? For sure! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or even edamame for extra color and crunch. Get creative with what you have on hand!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Yes, it’s a fantastic meal prep option! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain that crunchy texture.
Print
Oriental Ramen Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Refreshing Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad with a mix of ramen noodles and oriental flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 packs of ramen noodles
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
- If using chicken, add it to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Add the cooled ramen noodles and toss gently to combine.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Oriental Ramen Salad, Asian Salad, Ramen Noodle Salad