Description
A vibrant and crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad combining fresh vegetables, crisp ramen noodles, and a tangy, sweet dressing for a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish or light meal. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, this salad balances crisp textures and bright flavors with a delightful Asian-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 pounds tri-color coleslaw mix
- 8 ounces fresh snow peas, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained well
- 8 ounces diced water chestnuts, drained well
- 4 green onions, sliced (green parts only)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, crushed
- 1 & 1/2 cups sliced almonds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Crunchy Elements: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the crushed ramen noodles and sliced almonds. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until the noodles and almonds are golden brown and toasted. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Combine Vegetables and Fruits: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the tri-color coleslaw mix, sliced snow peas, red and yellow bell peppers, drained mandarin oranges, diced water chestnuts, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to mix thoroughly but without bruising the mandarin oranges.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup vegetable oil, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable and fruit mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is coated evenly with the dressing.
- Add Crunchy Ingredients: Just before serving, add the toasted crushed ramen noodles and almonds to the salad. Toss lightly to incorporate the crunchy ingredients without losing their crispness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad if desired and serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness. Alternatively, refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving, adding the crunchy noodles and almonds last to maintain texture.
Notes
- To maintain maximum crunch, add the toasted ramen noodles and almonds just before serving.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours in advance but keep crunchy elements separate until serving.
- Feel free to substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar for a different tangy flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and consider using pumpkin seeds.
- Adjust sugar in dressing according to taste preference for sweetness.
