Ramen Salad
A crunchy, flavorful ramen salad featuring crisp cabbage, toasted almonds, and a tangy sesame dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix diced cabbage, crumbled ramen noodles, green onions, toasted almonds, sesame seed, and sliced water chestnuts in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken flavoring from the ramen package, Wesson oil, vinegar, and sugar to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
- Can be made well in advance and refrigerated before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using other nuts like peanuts or cashews if you can't find toasted blanched almonds. You can also substitute the Wesson oil with another neutral oil like canola or avocado oil. If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar slightly. You can adjust the sugar based on your taste preference, especially if using a sweeter vinegar.
Serving Suggestions
This Ramen Salad makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. It pairs beautifully with Sunday Go To Church Chicken Casserole or can be served alongside Chicken Atop Rice for a more substantial meal. Garnish with additional green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. To revive it, give it a good toss and consider adding a splash of fresh vinegar or oil if it seems dry. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cabbage and noodles will suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ramen Salad contains roughly 498 calories, with 13g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 9g 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, this salad is great when made in advance! You can prepare the salad mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the dressing until right before serving to keep the noodles and vegetables crisp.
What can I use instead of Ramen noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute Ramen noodles with rice noodles or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I add protein to this salad?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These proteins complement the flavors well and turn it into a complete meal while still being light and refreshing.
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).