Cabbage Noodle Salad
A crunchy and flavorful cabbage noodle salad featuring seasoned ramen noodles, fresh cabbage, green onions, and toasted nuts, perfect for light lunches or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles and set aside.
- Crush the ramen noodles.
- Combine the crushed noodles, shredded cabbage, chopped green onions, toasted sunflower kernels, and sliced almonds in a large bowl.
- Mix the ramen seasoning packet with vegetable oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Whisk the dressing until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the salad and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. You can substitute the sunflower kernels with pumpkin seeds if you prefer a different nutty flavor. If you want to make it heartier, add cooked grilled chicken from recipes like Grilled Chicken And Broccoli(Low Carb) or Light 'N' Easy Chicken. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference for a sweeter or tangier dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Cabbage Noodle Salad is perfect as a light lunch or side dish at barbecues and picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially chicken recipes like Smothered Chicken With Vidalias. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a protein-rich dish or as part of a buffet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so it’s ideal to chill it before serving. If the noodles absorb too much dressing, you can add a splash of vinegar or oil when you serve to refresh the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Noodle Salad contains roughly 362 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until shortly before serving to keep the noodles and cabbage crisp. Chilling it in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of ramen noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use rice noodles or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini. Both alternatives will provide a different texture but will work well with the salad's dressing and ingredients.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, simply omit the chicken-flavored seasoning packet or use a vegetable-based flavoring. Ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly, and you can replace the sunflower kernels with roasted chickpeas for added protein and crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).