Cabbage Ramen Salad
A crunchy, flavorful cabbage ramen salad with toasted sesame and almonds, perfect for light lunches or potlucks, offering a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp sesame seed ⓘ
- 1/2 c slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1 small head cabbage, shredded ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pkg chicken Ramen noodles, crushed ⓘ
- chopped cilantro (optional) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- seasoning packet from noodles ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, crushed ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Toast the sesame seed and almonds in the oven for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped green onions, crushed Ramen noodles (including seasoning packet), chopped cilantro if using, toasted sesame seed, and almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using sunflower seeds or walnuts in place of almonds. If you want a bit more flavor, try adding a teaspoon of sesame oil to the dressing. Fresh herbs like mint can also elevate the dish. Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar based on your taste preference, and feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Cabbage Ramen Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like Chicken And Beef Kabobs or can be served as a refreshing side alongside a hearty dish such as Deluxe Potato Soup. For a complete meal, consider adding proteins like grilled chicken or tofu. The salad is also a great picnic option, easy to transport and serve cold.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may soften over time due to the dressing; to revive it, toss in a bit more oil and vinegar before serving. If you plan to make it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Ramen Salad contains roughly 394 calories, with 8g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1224mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
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 ingredients in advance, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the cabbage crisp. If you want to save time, you can mix the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
What can I substitute for Ramen noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use rice noodles or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you're using fresh vegetables.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken Ramen seasoning packet or use a vegetarian alternative. You can also enhance the flavor with additional spices or a vegetable broth for more depth.
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).