Quick & Crunchy Ramen Salad with Asian Flair
This delightful Asian-inspired salad combines the satisfying texture of ramen noodles with a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a quick and nutritious meal that's perfect for busy days. Tossed in a creamy, spicy mayo dressing, this vegetarian salad bursts with flavor and crunch. You can easily customize it by adding cooked chicken for extra protein or swapping in soy mayo for a vegan version. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is a fantastic way to incorporate vibrant colors and tastes into your diet.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ramen noodles
3 ounces (package (your choice of flavors))
Cabbage
1 cup (shredded)
Scallions
4 (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Carrots
2-3 (shredded or julienned)
Snow peas
to taste (julienned (optional))
Mayonnaise
3 tablespoons (preferably reduced fat)
Sambal oelek
1/2 teaspoon (or more to suit your taste)
Lemon juice
1-2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Peanuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
Cilantro
to taste (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add half of the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles to the water to reduce sodium intake.
2
Carefully add the ramen noodles to the boiling water and cook for only 2 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sambal oelek, and lemon juice to create a zesty dressing. Adjust the amount of sambal oelek based on your desired spice level.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned or shredded carrots, scallions, and snow peas (if using).
5
Once the noodles have cooled to at least room temperature, add them to the bowl with the vegetables and gently toss everything together.
6
Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture, mixing thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
7
To serve, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for a crunchy finish and add fresh cilantro if desired. Season with additional salt or pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main texture of the Quick & Crunchy Ramen Salad?
The salad features a satisfyingly crunchy texture derived from ramen noodles, shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped peanuts.
How long does it take to prepare this ramen salad?
This recipe is very efficient and can be ready in just 15 minutes.
Is this Ramen Salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as it uses noodles, vegetables, and a mayonnaise-based dressing.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this vegan by swapping the traditional mayonnaise for soy-based or other vegan mayonnaise.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein does this salad provide?
The salad provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
What are the primary vegetables in this recipe?
The primary vegetables include shredded cabbage, carrots, scallions, and optional snow peas.
How long should I cook the ramen noodles?
The noodles should be cooked for only 2 minutes in boiling water to maintain their texture.
Should I use the entire ramen seasoning packet?
The recipe recommends using only half of the seasoning packet to help reduce sodium intake.
What is in the dressing for this salad?
The zesty dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, sambal oelek (chili paste), and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is sambal oelek?
Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian chili paste that adds heat and flavor to the dressing.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the amount of sambal oelek to suit your personal spice preference.
What kind of nuts are used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts to add a crunchy finish.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, adding cooked chicken is a great way to incorporate extra protein into this meal.
How much fat is in this ramen salad?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How should the scallions be prepared?
The 4 scallions should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
Do I need to cool the noodles before mixing?
Yes, you should let the noodles cool to at least room temperature before tossing them with the vegetables.
Is cilantro necessary for this recipe?
Cilantro is optional and can be added as a garnish to taste.
How much cabbage is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of shredded cabbage.
What type of mayonnaise is recommended?
While standard mayo works, the recipe suggests using reduced-fat mayonnaise.
How should I prep the carrots?
The carrots can be either shredded or julienned depending on your preference.
Can I use any flavor of ramen?
Yes, you can use any 3-ounce package of ramen noodles regardless of the flavor packet provided.
How do I prepare the snow peas?
If using snow peas, they should be julienned before being added to the salad.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the ingredient amounts are designed for a light meal or side salad portion.
Can I substitute lemon juice?
While the recipe calls for lemon juice, lime juice would also work well with the Asian flavor profile.
Is this a good meal for busy days?
Absolutely, as it takes only 15 minutes to prepare and requires minimal cooking.
How is the dressing applied?
The dressing is poured over the combined noodle and vegetable mixture and mixed thoroughly to coat everything.
Does this recipe include sugar?
The nutritional data provided does not list sugar as a significant component of this recipe.
What is the benefit of adding the seasoning to the boiling water?
Adding half the packet to the water infuses the noodles with flavor while they cook while keeping the sodium content lower than using the full packet.