Sesame Crunch Ramen Coleslaw
This vibrant and crunchy Sesame Crunch Ramen Coleslaw is a delightful twist on a classic salad, infused with a hint of Asian flavors that make it truly irresistible. The combination of fresh green onions, crispy coleslaw mix, and toasty almonds creates an explosion of textures, while the ramen noodles add a satisfying crunch. Toss it all together with a savory sesame dressing that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Ideal as a refreshing side dish or a light meal when topped with grilled chicken, this coleslaw is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green onions
3 (chopped)
Coleslaw mix
1 (16 ounce) bag (ready-to-use)
Toasted sesame seeds
3 tablespoons (toasted)
Toasted almonds
1 cup (sliced or chopped)
Chicken-flavored ramen noodles
1 (3 ounce) package (broken into pieces)
Oil
1/4 cup (vegetable or sesame oil)
White vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Sugar
1/4 cup (granulated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Ramen seasoning packet
1 (reserved from ramen noodles)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped green onions, coleslaw mix, toasted sesame seeds, toasted almonds, and crumbled ramen noodles.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined.
3
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4
Serve immediately for the best crunch or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Add grilled chicken on top for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sesame Crunch Ramen Coleslaw?
Sesame Crunch Ramen Coleslaw is a vibrant and crunchy salad that combines fresh coleslaw mix, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crumbled ramen noodles with a sweet and tangy Asian-inspired dressing.
What kind of ramen noodles should I use?
The recipe calls for one 3-ounce package of chicken-flavored ramen noodles. You will use both the dried noodles and the seasoning packet.
Do I need to cook the ramen noodles?
No, the ramen noodles are used raw. You simply crumble them into small pieces to add a distinct crunch to the salad.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
White vinegar is used to provide a sharp, clean tang to the dressing.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil for a neutral flavor or sesame oil to enhance the Asian-inspired profile of the dish.
How do I toast the sesame seeds and almonds?
You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but it is best to toss them together just before serving to maintain the crunch of the noodles.
How long will the leftovers stay crunchy?
The ramen noodles will begin to soften after about an hour of being mixed with the dressing. For maximum crunch, serve immediately.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, it uses a chicken-flavored seasoning packet which often contains animal products. To make it vegetarian, use a soy sauce flavored ramen or a vegetable seasoning packet.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes, adding grilled chicken on top is a highly recommended way to turn this coleslaw into a complete, filling meal.
What is in the dressing?
The dressing consists of oil, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste preference, though the 1/4 cup helps balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What type of coleslaw mix should I buy?
A standard 16-ounce bag of ready-to-use coleslaw mix (usually containing shredded cabbage and carrots) works perfectly.
Should I use sliced or chopped almonds?
Either sliced or chopped toasted almonds will work; they both provide excellent texture and nutty flavor.
Can I use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, rice vinegar is a great substitute and will offer a slightly milder, sweeter acidity that complements the Asian flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the texture will be softer.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. It is savory, sweet, and tangy. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey can be substituted for sugar in the dressing for a different depth of sweetness.
Are there other vegetables I can add?
Edamame, shredded radishes, or sliced bell peppers would be excellent additions to this salad.
What flavor is the ramen seasoning?
This recipe specifically suggests using the chicken-flavored seasoning packet that comes with the ramen.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped green onions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, standard ramen noodles are made from wheat. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen and a certified gluten-free seasoning.
Can I use olive oil?
While you can use olive oil, a lighter vegetable oil or sesame oil is preferred for the flavor profile of this specific salad.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-mixed?
Whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved before pouring it over the salad.
Can I add fruit to this salad?
Mandarin oranges or diced mango would pair very well with the sesame and vinegar flavors.
Is this a good side dish for BBQs?
Yes, it is an excellent side dish for gatherings because it is refreshing and provides a unique texture compared to traditional coleslaw.
What is the serving size?
The recipe yields 4 servings, which is typically about 1 to 1.5 cups per person.
Can I omit the salt?
You can reduce the salt, but keep in mind the ramen seasoning packet already contains a significant amount of sodium.
Can I use sunflower seeds instead of almonds?
Yes, toasted sunflower seeds are a great alternative for those with nut allergies or for a different flavor.