Top Ramen Nappa Salad
A crunchy, savory napa cabbage salad featuring crushed ramen noodles, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds, perfect as a light side dish or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place crushed ramen noodles in a pan.
- Sprinkle with slivered almonds, sesame seeds, and ramen noodle seasoning.
- Place margarine in the center of the noodles.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often until lightly browned.
- Let the mixture cool.
- Add chopped Napa cabbage and sliced green onions to the cooled noodle mixture and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider toasting the slivered almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet before adding them to the noodles. You can substitute the Napa cabbage with shredded green cabbage if needed. For a vegan version, replace margarine with a plant-based butter and use low-sodium ramen noodle seasoning to reduce sodium intake.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish and pairs beautifully with wine for a casual dinner. For added protein, consider including shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas. You can also explore various ways to serve this salad, such as in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salad in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold, making it a great option for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Top Ramen Nappa Salad contains roughly 1119 calories, with 24g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 13g 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 noodle mixture ahead of time and store it separately from the cabbage and green onions. Combine everything just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure the seasoning packet is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious version of this salad without gluten.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For added flavor, consider drizzling a bit of soy sauce or rice vinegar over the salad just before serving. You can also experiment with adding some sriracha for a spicy kick.
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).