Ramen Noodle Cole Slaw
A vibrant and crunchy slaw featuring shredded cabbage, green onions, toasted almonds, and ramen noodles tossed in a tangy tarragon vinegar dressing. This easy-to-make salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 head shredded cabbage or 1 package slaw mix ⓘ
- 5 green onions sliced diagonally ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 package ramen noodles (chicken flavor; do not cook) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- chicken flavor packet from noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix vegetable oil, sugar, and chicken flavor packet in a microwavable bowl and microwave for 1 minute.
- Add tarragon vinegar to the mixture and stir well.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, sliced green onions, sunflower seeds, and sliced almonds.
- Break the ramen noodles into small pieces and add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using a mix of cabbage and broccoli slaw. You can substitute the sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely based on preference. If you prefer a tangier dressing, try using apple cider vinegar instead of tarragon vinegar. Adjust the sugar to your taste if you like a sweeter salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Ramen Noodle Cole Slaw is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light, refreshing lunch on its own. It pairs beautifully with Savory Chicken Breasts or Crumb-Coated Chicken for a complete meal. For a heartier option, add shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu to the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cole slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can make the noodles and vegetables soggy if left too long, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. To refresh leftovers, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ramen Noodle Cole Slaw contains roughly 431 calories, with 11g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 10g 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 use a different flavor of ramen noodles?
Yes, you can use any flavor of ramen noodles you prefer, but chicken flavor complements the salad best. If using a different flavor, adjust the seasoning in the dressing to ensure it balances well with the vegetables.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this Ramen Noodle Cole Slaw vegan, use vegetable broth or a vegan chicken-flavored seasoning instead of the chicken flavor packet. You can also replace the sugar with agave syrup or a similar sweetener to maintain the sweetness without using refined sugar.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! This cole slaw can be enhanced by adding shredded chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas for a protein boost. For a quick option, toss in some pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp to make it a more filling meal.
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).