Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad: The Perfect Easy Potluck & BBQ Side Dish
Get ready to elevate your next outdoor gathering with this incredible Asian Ramen Noodle Salad! This vibrant and flavorful salad is an absolute showstopper, guaranteed to be a huge hit at any BBQ, picnic, or potluck. What makes it so irresistible? It’s all about the delightful contrast of textures and a harmony of fresh, zesty flavors. You’ll love the satisfying crunch from the dry ramen noodles mixed with crisp coleslaw, bright green onions, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds. Sweet mandarin oranges and fresh parsley add a refreshing touch, all brought together by a light, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that’s simply addictive.
I recently rediscovered my love for this ramen noodle salad during a fantastic 4th of July weekend in Ohio. It was a beautiful time filled with everything summer should be: picnics, BBQs, refreshing swims in the lake, boating adventures, and even a fun run (though I was happily cheering from the sidelines!). My son, Will, ran his first mile and absolutely loved it. It was a joy-filled weekend with family and friends, and of course, an abundance of delicious summer food. This ramen noodle salad made a couple of appearances, reminding me just how much I adore its simplicity and fantastic taste.
Alongside this stellar ramen salad, we also enjoyed my Broccoli Slaw Recipe, adding another healthy and flavorful option to our spread. What makes this Asian Ramen Noodle Salad truly special is its perfect balance of fresh, crunchy vegetables, savory noodles, and a bright, light dressing. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it the ideal dish to whip up for a holiday feast or to bring to any potluck where you want to impress without the fuss. If you’re a fan of vibrant, crunchy salads, you’re in for a real treat!
Why This Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this ramen noodle salad should be at the top of your recipe list:
- Unforgettable Crunch: The star of the show! Dry ramen noodles provide an amazing, unique crunch that holds up beautifully, especially if dressed right before serving.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time (under 15 minutes!), this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Add extra veggies, different nuts, or your favorite protein.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile and satisfying texture appeal to almost everyone, making it an instant hit at any party or family meal.
- Fresh & Flavorful: Packed with fresh vegetables, sweet mandarin oranges, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a refreshing alternative to heavier side dishes.
- Portable: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, and BBQs, as it travels well and can be assembled on-site for optimal freshness.
If you’re looking for more delicious salad ideas, be sure to explore all my salad recipes here. And for fellow ramen enthusiasts, you might also enjoy my Spicy Ramen Noodle Recipe, Easy Ramen Noodle Soup, or this Easy Chicken Ramen Noodle Stir Fry.
Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful salad comes together with a handful of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this fantastic dish:
For the Salad:
- Coleslaw Mix: To save valuable time and effort, I highly recommend using a pre-bagged coleslaw mix. These typically contain a blend of shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and sometimes carrots. If you prefer a homemade touch, feel free to shred your own fresh cabbage (green and red) using a food processor for a perfectly uniform cut.
- Ramen Noodles: This recipe calls for two packages of dried ramen noodles. The key here is to use them *uncooked*. Break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure that satisfying crunch throughout the salad. You can discard the seasoning packet—we’ll be making our own delicious dressing!
- Green Onions: Both the white and green parts of the green onions are chopped and added to the salad. They provide a mild, fresh onion flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
- Nuts & Seeds: We’re using a crunchy combination of sliced almonds and sunflower seeds. These add healthy fats, protein, and another layer of texture, making the salad even more interesting to eat.
- Fruit: Mandarin oranges are a fantastic addition, bringing a burst of sweetness and a juicy, citrusy flavor that beautifully complements the savory elements of the salad. Canned mandarin oranges, drained well and cut in half, work perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley: A quarter cup of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a touch of freshness that truly elevates the overall flavor profile.
For the Dressing:
The homemade dressing is simple yet incredibly flavorful, balancing sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil forms the base of our dressing, providing a rich and fruity flavor. If you prefer a milder taste or have a different oil on hand, avocado oil or even a neutral vegetable oil can also be used successfully.
- White Wine Vinegar: This is crucial for adding a bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the oil and balances the sweetness. Red wine vinegar is also a suitable alternative if you don’t have white wine vinegar.
- Honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness that complements the other flavors in the dressing beautifully. It helps create a well-rounded and appealing taste without being overly sugary.
- Sugar: A tablespoon of granulated sugar further enhances the sweetness and helps to create a slightly thicker, more syrupy consistency for the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: A pinch of both salt and freshly ground black pepper is essential for seasoning and bringing out all the delicious flavors in the dressing.
Please see the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.
How to Make this Asian Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Preparing this incredibly flavorful and crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is delightfully simple. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for last-minute meal prep or entertaining. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Salad Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine your pre-bagged coleslaw mix, the dry ramen noodles (crushed into smaller pieces), chopped green onions, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, drained and halved mandarin oranges, and the fresh parsley. Toss all these ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and evenly distributed. This step creates the vibrant and textural foundation of your salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing. In a separate salad dressing container or a small bowl, pour in the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, and granulated sugar. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Using a whisk, thoroughly combine all the dressing ingredients until they are well emulsified and the sugar is dissolved. This ensures a smooth and balanced dressing that will coat every element of your salad beautifully.
Step 3: Combine and Serve. Just before you are ready to serve the salad, gently pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything carefully until all the components are evenly coated with the delicious dressing. This last-minute addition is key to maintaining the delightful crunch of the ramen noodles. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors and textures!
Ways to Modify This Asian Ramen Salad Recipe
One of the best things about this Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is its incredible versatility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and adapt it to your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to modify this recipe:
- Add Beans for Plant-Based Protein: For an extra boost of fiber and plant-based protein, consider adding a can of rinsed and drained white beans (like cannellini) or chickpeas. They’ll add a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crunch.
- Vary the Nuts & Seeds: While almonds and sunflower seeds are classic, feel free to experiment with other crunchy additions. Toasted sesame seeds, pine nuts, chopped cashews, walnuts, or peanuts would all be delicious. You could even do a mix for a more complex flavor.
- Incorporate More Vegetables: This salad is a great vehicle for extra veggies! Try adding shredded carrots (matchstick style is great), thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color), finely diced red onion for a sharper bite, or crisp celery for added freshness. Broccoli slaw mix is also a fantastic substitution for regular coleslaw.
- Boost with Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs truly take any salad to the next level. Beyond parsley, consider adding fresh basil for a sweet, aromatic touch, or fresh cilantro for a bright, citrusy note that pairs wonderfully with Asian flavors.
- Add Protein for a Main Dish: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding your favorite cooked protein. Grilled chicken breast, thinly sliced beef or steak, shredded pork, succulent shrimp, or flaky salmon would all be excellent choices. Tofu or edamame also work well for a vegetarian option.
- Experiment with Dressing Ingredients: The dressing is already delicious, but you can always tweak it! A minced garlic clove or a dash of garlic powder will add an aromatic depth. A teaspoon or two of toasted sesame oil will lend a wonderfully nutty, authentic Asian flavor. For a different tangy note, swap white wine vinegar for rice vinegar.
- Other Creative Additions: Don’t limit yourself! Marinated artichoke hearts (drained), roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade), sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), or briny capers could introduce exciting new dimensions to your salad.
Serving Suggestions for Your Ramen Noodle Salad
This versatile Asian Ramen Noodle Salad pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes, making it a perfect accompaniment for almost any meal. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- BBQ & Grilled Meats: It’s a natural fit for grilled chicken, pork ribs, steak, or juicy burgers. The fresh, tangy flavors cut through the richness of grilled meats.
- Asian-Inspired Mains: Serve it alongside stir-fries, teriyaki chicken, grilled salmon with soy glaze, or even spring rolls for a complete Asian-themed meal.
- Picnics & Potlucks: As mentioned, it’s a star at any casual gathering. Pair it with other classic picnic foods like sandwiches, fruit platters, and potato salad.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own for a refreshing and satisfying lunch, especially if you add a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Soups & Sandwiches: Serve a smaller portion as a fresh side to a hearty soup or a gourmet sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is incredibly convenient and can be partially prepared in advance, making meal planning a breeze. To ensure the best texture and flavor, here are some helpful tips:
- Make Ahead (Undressed): You can prepare all the solid salad ingredients (coleslaw, ramen, onions, nuts, seeds, oranges, parsley) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separately, whisk together all the dressing ingredients and store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Dress Just Before Serving: The most crucial tip! To maintain the irresistible crunch of the ramen noodles, always wait until right before you are ready to serve the salad to combine it with the dressing. If the dressing sits on the noodles for too long, they will soften and become soggy, losing their signature crispness.
- Storage of Leftovers: If you have any dressed salad leftover, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the noodles will soften over time. While still tasty, the texture won’t be as crunchy as freshly dressed salad. It’s usually best consumed within 1-2 days.
- Scaling the Recipe: This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for a crowd (12 cups). If you’re cooking for a smaller group, it can easily be cut in half without any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use cooked ramen noodles?
No, for this specific recipe, the ramen noodles are meant to be used dry and uncooked. They provide the unique, crispy texture that makes this salad so popular. Cooking them would result in a completely different, softer salad. - What if I don’t have white wine vinegar?
Red wine vinegar is a good substitute. For a more authentic Asian flavor profile, you could also use rice vinegar, which has a milder, slightly sweeter acidity. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Shredded carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or even finely diced cucumbers would be delicious additions. Feel free to customize with your favorite crunchy veggies. - How do I prevent the ramen noodles from getting soggy?
The trick is to add the dressing just before serving. Mix the dry ingredients and prepare the dressing separately, then combine them within 15-30 minutes of serving for optimal crunch. - Is this salad gluten-free?
No, traditional ramen noodles contain wheat and are not gluten-free. However, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free ramen noodles (available in many health food stores) or by substituting the ramen with other crunchy gluten-free elements like broken rice crackers or roasted nuts.
Other Delicious Salad Recipes You’ll Love:
Vegetarian
Asian Cucumber Noodle Salad
Salad
Chickpea Salad Recipe
Vegetarian
Edamame Chickpea Feta Salad
Salads
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
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Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
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Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 – 16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix
- 2- 3 ounce ramen noodle packages, discard the seasoning
- 5 green onions, green parts chopped
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup of mandarin orange slices, cut in half
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil {you can also use vegetable oil or any cooking oil}
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl combine the coleslaw, ramen noodles, green onions, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, mandarin oranges and fresh parsley and toss to combine.
-
In a salad dressing container combine the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, sugar and the dash of salt and pepper and mix.
-
Gently pour the dressing over the ramen salad and toss to combine.
Notes
- If you aren’t eating your salad right away I would wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve the salad. I noticed that if you let the dressing sit on the salad for too long the noodles start to get soggy–I like the noodles to have some crunch.
- You can use a variety of other ingredients in this for example a broccoli slaw would work nicely, matchstick carrots, radishes and cucumbers would also make a nice addition.
- This recipe makes a large amount of salad for a crowd. If you don’t need that much salad the recipe can easily be cut in half.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.