Crispy Crunch Asian Noodle Salad
This award-winning Asian-inspired salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone begs for at gatherings! With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the crunchy ramen noodles to the nutty sesame seeds, this salad is vibrant and refreshing. Revamped for a healthier twist, you can enjoy it as a main dish by adding protein like chicken or shrimp. A brilliant leftover idea transforms any extra salad into a delicious wrap with your choice of sandwich meat and veggies, maximizing every bite. This recipe is as versatile as it is tasty, making it ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or a delightful weeknight dinner. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and let this salad transport your taste buds to an Asian wonderland!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coleslaw mix
12 ounces (or shred a head of cabbage)
Oriental-flavor instant ramen noodles
2 (3 ounce) packages (unopened, for uncooked crunchy pieces)
Green onion
1 bunch (chopped)
Sesame seeds
4 ounces (toasted (optional))
Slivered almonds
4 ounces (toasted)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (or sesame oil)
White wine vinegar
1/3 cup (or cider vinegar)
Sugar
1/4 cup (or Splenda granular)
Instructions
1
Start by toasting the sesame seeds and slivered almonds. Spread them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in short intervals (about 30 seconds each) until they are golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning. Allow them to cool completely.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage) with the toasted sesame seeds and almonds. Toss lightly to mix.
3
Prepare the dressing by whisking together the ramen noodle spice packets, chopped green onions, vegetable or sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar in a separate bowl. Shake or stir the mixture until fully combined.
4
Refrigerate the salad mixture and dressing separately for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Before serving, break the raw ramen noodles into small pieces and mix them into the cabbage mixture. Avoid cooking the noodles to retain their crunch.
6
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and noodle mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly.
7
For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked shredded chicken or thawed salad shrimp to the salad before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
15g
Carbs
3.125g
Protein
1g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Crunch Asian Noodle Salad?
It is an award-winning Asian-inspired salad featuring crunchy ramen noodles, toasted sesame seeds, and a vibrant dressing.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian, making it a great option for diverse groups.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What type of ramen noodles should I use?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce packages of Oriental-flavor instant ramen noodles.
Do I need to cook the ramen noodles?
No, the noodles are broken into small pieces and added raw to provide a signature crunch.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Yes, you can add cooked shredded chicken or thawed salad shrimp before serving.
What kind of vinegar is best for the dressing?
You can use either white wine vinegar or cider vinegar.
Which oils are recommended for the dressing?
Vegetable oil is standard, but sesame oil can be used for a deeper nutty flavor.
How do I toast the sesame seeds and slivered almonds?
Spread them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until golden brown.
Is there a sugar-free option for the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with Splenda granular if desired.
Should the dressing be stored separately?
Yes, refrigerate the salad mixture and the dressing separately for at least 30 minutes before combining.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely, it is a crowd-pleaser specifically noted for being ideal for potlucks and BBQs.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe uses 8 main ingredients.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 18.75g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
It contains 3.125g of protein per serving.
What can I do with leftover salad?
Leftovers can be used to make a wrap by adding sandwich meat and extra vegetables.
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
Yes, you can shred a head of cabbage as a direct replacement for the 12-ounce coleslaw mix.
What flavor are the ramen spice packets used?
The recipe utilizes the spice packets from Oriental-flavor ramen.
When should I add the ramen noodles?
Add the broken ramen noodles just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
What are the ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing includes ramen spice packets, green onions, oil, vinegar, and sugar.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
Yes, it contains 4 ounces of slivered almonds.
Are there sesame seeds in this dish?
Yes, it calls for 4 ounces of toasted sesame seeds.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires one bunch of chopped green onions.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains 15g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for quick preparation.
How much fiber is in each serving?
The salad provides 1g of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There is 2.5g of sugar in each serving.
How long should the flavors meld in the fridge?
At least 30 minutes of refrigeration is recommended for both the salad and the dressing.
What makes this salad crunchy?
The crunch comes from the toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and raw ramen noodle pieces.
Can I use cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar?
Yes, cider vinegar is a recommended alternative in the ingredients list.