Crispy Ramen Cabbage Crunch Salad
Indulge in this delightful Crispy Ramen Cabbage Crunch Salad that perfectly balances flavor and texture! A vibrant mix of fresh coleslaw and crunchy ramen noodles comes together with a tangy dressing that's sure to impress your guests. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing side dish at dinner, this salad showcases how simple ingredients can create remarkable taste. The added crunch from slivered almonds and sesame seeds brings an extra layer, while the option to add cooked chicken makes it a satisfying meal. Surprise your friends at your next gathering as they rave about your culinary skills, and share how quick and easy it is to make! Enjoy chilled and ready to please your palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Prepared coleslaw mix
1 (16-ounce package)
Ramen noodles
2 (packages, seasoning packets reserved)
Green onions
4 (sliced)
Black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Salt
1/4 (teaspoon)
Garlic powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
Sesame seeds
1 (teaspoon)
Slivered almonds
2 (tablespoons (optional))
Oil
1/2 (cup)
Granulated sugar
1/4 (cup)
White vinegar
6 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and the crushed ramen noodles.
2
Add the sliced green onions, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, sesame seeds, and, if desired, the slivered almonds.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: oil, granulated sugar, white vinegar, and the two reserved ramen seasoning packets until well blended.
4
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
6
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Ramen Cabbage Crunch Salad?
It is a vibrant, textured salad made from coleslaw mix, crushed dry ramen noodles, and a tangy sweet-and-sour dressing.
Do I need to cook the ramen noodles?
No, the ramen noodles are used dry and crushed to provide a signature crunch to the salad.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the noodles to reach the right consistency.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Yes, adding cooked chicken is a popular way to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly, provided the ramen seasoning packets you use do not contain meat-derived ingredients.
What flavor of ramen noodles works best?
Chicken or Oriental (Soy Sauce) flavors are traditionally used for this recipe.
Can I substitute the white vinegar?
Yes, rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar are excellent substitutes that offer a slightly different tang.
How do I crush the ramen noodles without making a mess?
It is best to crush the noodles while they are still inside their sealed packaging before opening them.
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of a coleslaw mix?
Absolutely. You can use about 16 ounces of finely shredded green and red cabbage.
What type of oil should I use for the dressing?
A neutral-tasting oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil works best for this dressing.
Is the sugar in the dressing necessary?
The sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar; however, you can adjust the amount to your taste or use a sugar substitute.
Can I omit the slivered almonds?
Yes, the almonds are optional. You can omit them or replace them with sunflower seeds or extra sesame seeds.
Does the salad get soggy if left too long?
The noodles will gradually soften the longer they sit in the dressing, but they usually maintain a pleasant texture for up to 24 hours.
How many ramen seasoning packets do I use?
This recipe calls for the two reserved seasoning packets from the ramen packages.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, shredded carrots, bell peppers, or edamame make great additions to the salad.
Should the sesame seeds be toasted?
While not required, toasting the sesame seeds briefly in a pan can enhance their nutty flavor.
Is this salad spicy?
No, the salad is savory and tangy. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dressing.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
You can, though extra virgin olive oil has a strong flavor that might slightly change the traditional taste of the salad.
How should I store the salad?
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What can I substitute for green onions?
Fresh chives or a small amount of finely diced red onion can be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, traditional ramen noodles contain wheat. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen and a GF seasoning substitute.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, it is actually recommended to make it at least 6 hours ahead so the flavors can fully develop.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While serving sizes vary, this recipe typically serves 8 to 10 people as a side dish.
Can I use a low-calorie sweetener?
Yes, a granulated low-calorie sweetener can be substituted for the sugar in the dressing.
What gives the salad its 'crunch'?
The crunch comes from a combination of the raw ramen noodles, cabbage, sesame seeds, and slivered almonds.
Can I add fruit to this salad?
Mandarin oranges or dried cranberries are popular fruit additions that complement the tangy dressing.
Is garlic powder necessary?
Garlic powder adds a savory depth to the dressing, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Why do I need to stir it before serving?
Stirring helps redistribute the dressing and seasoning that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl during refrigeration.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, children often enjoy the sweetness of the dressing and the familiar taste of the ramen noodles.
Is this salad good for picnics?
Yes, it holds up well at room temperature for short periods, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings and picnics.