Chinese Ramen Salad
A crunchy, flavorful Chinese Ramen Salad featuring shredded cabbage, toasted almonds, and a tangy sesame dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chopped Chinese cabbage, sliced green onions, broken ramen noodles, toasted slivered almonds, and sesame seeds.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together sugar, vinegar, vegetable oil, and the oriental seasoning packet from the noodle package.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a few hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the slivered almonds with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. If you want to make it a bit spicier, a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of Oriental Hot Mustard can elevate the flavors. You can also use another type of vinegar like rice vinegar for a milder taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese Ramen Salad is perfect as a standalone dish or as a side salad for grilled meats or BBQ. It pairs beautifully with Sweet-N-Sour Sauce For Stir-Fry or can be served alongside teriyaki-glazed chicken. For a complete meal, you can also add shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu for protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become soggy over time, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If needed, toss in a bit more fresh cabbage to refresh the texture before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Ramen Salad contains roughly 147 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 ingredients and dressing separately in advance. Combine them just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and noodles. If you want to save time, you can even prepare the dressing a day ahead and refrigerate it.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegan diets as it does not contain any animal products. You can also use a vegan-friendly ramen noodle brand to ensure that everything aligns with your dietary preferences.
What can I substitute for the Ramen noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the Ramen noodles with rice noodles or a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the alternative noodles.
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).