This no-cook Ramen noodle salad recipe is a must-have for potlucks or quick lunches.
Ramen noodles are crumbled and mixed with shredded cabbage and almonds in a tangy-sweet and savory dressing.
This Salad is Potluck Perfect Because…
- It is super easy to prepare, with no cooking required. Use packaged slaw mix to save time.
- Make ahead: Refrigerate to let flavors develop and noodles soften.
- Asian salad with ramen noodles is a perfect take-along dish.
- Easily customizable, it tastes great with any kind of chopped veggie.
Ingredients for Ramen Salad
Ramen noodles: You can use any flavor of instant ramen; I most often use chicken flavor. Save the seasoning packet; it adds great flavor to the dressing!
Cabbage: Use shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix. While you can cut it thinly with a sharp knife, shredding it with either a food processor or mandolin can make this task easy. Broccoli slaw is another great option. I love adding bean sprouts for a crisp freshness.
Almonds: I love to use slivered almonds. For the best flavor, add them to a dry skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they’re toasted and fragrant. Add or substitute sunflower seeds or sesame seeds for an extra crunch!
Dressing: The dressing is a basic vinaigrette, and adding the seasoning packet from the noodles adds lots of flavor.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
- Finely chop other veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers.
How to Make Ramen Noodle Salad
- In a large bowl, add the cabbage (recipe below).
- Break up the noodles and add them to the cabbage mixture.
- Combine the dressing ingredients with the seasoning packet and shake in a jar to combine.
- Pour dressing over the noodle and cabbage mixture, toss, and refrigerate.
Quick Tip
This recipe does not require cooking the ramen noodles. Mix them well ahead of time, and they’ll soak up some of the sauce and soften.
Storing Ramen Noodle Salad
- Make your ramen noodle salad at least two hours ahead so the noodles can soften in the refrigerator. If you prefer extra crunchy noodles, then assemble just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir them before reserving to refresh the flavors again.
Portable Potluck Salad Recipes
Did you make this Ramen Noodle Salad? Leave us a rating and a comment below.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage, see notes
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced, optional
- 3 green onions sliced
- 2 packages ramen noodles seasonings reserved for dressing
- ¼ cup slivered almonds toasted
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- seasoning from ramen packages
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine coleslaw, red pepper (if using) & green onions.
- Break up the ramen noodles and add them (uncooked) to the cabbage mixture.
- Add all dressing ingredients, including the seasoning packets from the ramen, into a jar with a lid. Shake well to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Top with almonds and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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I may have posted this in the wrong place for you to see it (below the older comments). I noticed that the recipe description mentions bean sprouts, but they are not listed among the recipe ingredients… One can, drained? Thanks.
I sometimes add fresh bean sprouts for a little crunch! You can add about 2 cups or so or leave them out.
I need to get better at posting the great results my family has enjoyed from your recipes! I’ve had this at office potlucks. Now that I’m retired, I am trying many recipes here. This was really good! I followed all directions EXCEPT I used 3/4 cup of virgin olive oil to avoid vegetable oil. I added an extra 1/4 tsp of sugar. BUT this was so good! For protein we added leftover grilled chicken breast.
Thank you for all you do!
Hello Lorraine, I am happy that you enjoyed this recipe and that it turned out even with the changes. You are very welcome. Have a great rest of your day!
Still curious about the sodium content.
It surely is not 40 mg.
Thank you for the answer.
John
Hi John, thanks for reaching out. We use an online calculator. We just recalculated the values and they look a little better!
Best salad