Ramen Noodle Salad

Name: Ramen Noodle Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 package fried instant ramen noodles broken into pieces; 1/3 cup slivered almonds; 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or peanuts; 2 tbsp sesame seeds; neutral oil, garlic powder, and sea salt for toasting; 6 cups shredded napa cabbage; 2 cups shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 2 mandarin oranges segmented; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup rice vinegar dressing; 3 tbsp neutral oil dressing; 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil dressing; 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce dressing; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice dressing; 1 tbsp sugar dressing; 1/2 tsp grated ginger dressing

Crunchy cabbage and carrot salad with toasted ramen, almonds, seeds, mandarins, and an orange-sesame dressing — an unreasonable amount of crunch, in the best way.

DifficultyEasyTotal time30 minServes6

Overview

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

Equipment

Baking sheet
Large bowl
Small jar or bowl for dressing

Method

Toast the crunch

Bake the broken ramen, almonds, seeds, a little oil, garlic powder, and salt at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until toasted.

Make the dressing

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients.

Combine the vegetables

Combine both cabbages, carrots, mandarins, green onions, and cilantro.

Toss

Toss with most of the dressing.

Add the crunch

Add half the crispy ramen mixture and toss again.

Top and serve

Scatter the remaining crunchy mixture over the top just before serving.

✦

Tips

NoteKeep the ramen mixture separate until serving so leftovers stay crunchy instead of surrendered.

NoteDressed (undressed?) cabbage keeps 2 days in the fridge; add crunch and dressing to order.

NoteThe dressing doubles well — make extra for grain bowls later in the week.

✦

Nutrition

NoteNutrition varies by ingredient brands and serving size.

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorStore the undressed salad and crunchy topping separately; the dressed salad keeps up to 2 days but loses crunch.

Frequently asked

Can I use raw ramen noodles instead of baking?+

Yes — they'll be crispier toasted, but crushed straight from the packet works in a pinch.

Make-ahead plan?+

Toast the crunch and whisk the dressing up to 2 days ahead; assemble within an hour of serving.

Can I add protein?+

Shredded chicken or edamame both settle right in without changing the vibe.

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Toast the crunch

Make the dressing

Combine the vegetables

Toss

Add the crunch

Top and serve

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