Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad – Immerse yourself in the world of flavors with this Ramen Noodle Salad, a combination of crunch and zest that is destined to steal the spotlight at your dinner table. Whether it’s a side dish, for a family gathering or the star attraction at a potluck this salad is guaranteed to make an impression. The distinct blend of buttery toasted ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds tossed with Napa cabbage and green onions all drizzled in a sweet and tangy dressing creates an enchanting symphony of flavors that simply cannot be resisted. Get your ingredients ready. Let’s work our magic in the kitchen!

this Recipe

I distinctly recall the first time I decided to whip up this Ramen Noodle Salad. It was a warm summer evening when I was searching for something light yet satisfying to serve at our family dinner. The doubt on my husband’s face was palpable when I mentioned the words “Ramen Noodle Salad.” However, I was determined to turn those uncertainties into delight. Soon as the salad graced our table the room filled with an aroma of toasted almonds and sesame seeds. With one bite, any skepticism transformed into pure bliss. Even my little one, who tends to be picky, about food asked for seconds – that’s when I knew it was a success! Since that day this salad has become a favorite, among our family members and a regular feature on our dinner table.

What makes this Ramen Noodle Salad truly exceptional?

What makes this Ramen Noodle Salad truly exceptional is the combination of textures and flavors. The crispy and buttery goodness of the ramen noodles and almonds perfectly complement the crunchy Napa cabbage, along with the green onions. Each mouthful offers an experience that remains intact until the very last bite. This salad withstands the dressing without losing its satisfying crunch. It’s incredibly quick to prepare requiring 15 minutes of prep time making it an ideal choice, for potlucks, family gatherings or any occasion where deliciousness is appreciated.

What You Need To Make This Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe?

Butter: Choose a high-quality butter, for that crispiness on the ramen noodles. It adds a flavor. Ensures that each strand of noodle and every almond slice gets coated with a rich buttery goodness.

Ramen Noodles: Don’t limit ramen noodles to soup! By removing the seasoning packet we can turn them into a delightful element in our salad. Make sure to adequately crush them for texture in each bite.

Slivered Almonds: These little slices of almond heaven bring a nuttiness to the salad. Their slender shape and delicate crunch create a contrast with the hearty ramen noodles resulting in a symphony of textures on your palate.

Sesame Seeds: Although small in size these tiny seeds burst with flavor and provide a crunch that dances on your tongue. They also add an appearance, to the dish.

Napa Cabbage: This is not your average cabbage. Napa cabbage offers a slightly peppery crunch. Its tender leaves hold up well to the dressing without wilting.

Green Onions: These onions offer a zesty flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
To ensure the flavor spreads evenly throughout the salad it’s best to thinly slice the ingredients.

Light Flavored Olive Oil: For the dressing start with a flavored olive oil as a mild base that blends well with other flavors.

Plain White Vinegar: Add vinegar to bring a sharp tang that cuts through the richness of the oil and adds balance and brightness to the dressing.

White Sugar: To achieve a sour balance include some white sugar, in the dressing to counteract the acidity of the vinegar.

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: For depth and saltiness in your dressing opt, for low-sodium soy sauce which brings a bomb of flavor. Choosing low sodium ensures that your salad remains flavorful without becoming too salty.

Steps To Make Ramen Noodle Salad:

Step 1: First, let’s start by making the dressing. Take a jar. Combine some olive oil, white vinegar, sugar and a splash of low-sodium soy sauce. Give it a shake until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Now heat up a skillet. Melt some butter, over medium heat. While the butter is melting, take your package of ramen noodles. Crush them up in the bag. Make sure to remove and set aside the seasoning packet as we won’t need it for this recipe. Add the noodles, slivered almonds and sesame seeds, to the skillet. Stir everything together well. Let it sauté until it turns brown and becomes deliciously fragrant. Once done transfer it onto a plate to cool down.

Step 3: In the meantime shred your cabbage until you have 8 to 10 cups worth. Thinly slice your onions well. Combine the cabbage and onions in a mixing bowl. Now add in your cooled noodle mixture.

Step 4: It’s time to dress up our salad! Pour that dressing you made earlier over your ingredients and give everything a good toss until they blend together harmoniously.

Step 5: Serve it promptly. Witness how it steals the spotlight during your meal!

Tip:

To enhance the flavor of your Ramen Noodle Salad pay attention to achieving the crispiness, in the ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds. Start by melting the butter over medium heat to ensure that it spreads evenly. Add all the ingredients, in a single layer. Stir them regularly while keeping an eye out for that beautiful golden brown color. This meticulous approach guarantees a crunch without any burnt bits resulting in a salad that truly stands out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

For the best results, it is recommended to serve this salad fresh to maintain the crispiness of the noodles and almonds. However you can prepare the components separately. Combine them just before serving.

What can I use instead of Napa cabbage?

If Napa cabbage is unavailable you can use green cabbage. Even romaine lettuce as a substitute. Just keep in mind that there might be variations, in texture and taste.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! If you want to transform this side dish into a course grilled chicken or shrimp would be additions.

Ramen Noodle Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Picture the crunch of crushed ramen noodles perfectly toasted with slivered almonds and sesame seeds, which beautifully contrasts with the tender shredded Napa cabbage and thinly sliced onions. This salad goes beyond its elements; it offers a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavors thanks, to a carefully crafted dressing made with light olive oil plain white vinegar, a touch of white sugar and a splash of low sodium soy sauce. It's a celebration of freshness and taste that can be prepared quickly and is bound to steal the spotlight at your dinner table or potluck gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• ▢ 2 tbsp butter
• ▢ 3 oz package ramen noodles seasoning packet removed
• ▢ ½ c slivered almonds
• ▢ 3 tbsp sesame seeds
• ▢ 1 1/2 pounds Napa cabbage about 8-10 c shredded
• ▢ 1 bunch green onions sliced thin, about ½ c

Dressing Ingredients:

• ▢ 1/2 c light flavored olive oil
• ▢ 1/4 c plain white vinegar
• ▢ 1/2 c white sugar
• ▢ 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

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Instructions

 

Dressing:

1. Start by combining 1/2 cup of olive oil with a light flavor, 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar, 1/2 cup of white sugar and 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, in a jar.
2. Make sure to seal the jar and shake it vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set it aside for now.

Salad:

1. Take a skillet. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. While the butter is melting, crush the contents of a 3 oz package of ramen noodles inside the package. You can discard the seasoning packet. Save it for later use.
3. Add the noodles along with ½ cup of slivered almonds and 3 tablespoons of seeds to the melted butter in the skillet.
4. Stir frequently and sauté until this mixture turns a brown color. It should take 5 minutes.
5. Nicely browned transfer this noodle mixture to a plate. Allow it to cool down.
6. In a mixing bowl combine 8 to 10 cups (roughly equivalent to 1½ pounds) of shredded Napa cabbage with half a cup thinly sliced green onions.
7. Add the cooled noodle mixture into this bowl with cabbage and onions.
8. Pour your dressing, over everything in the bowl. Give it all a good toss until everything is nicely coated and mixed together.
9. Serve immediately so you can enjoy your crispy yet flavorful Ramen Noodle Salad!

Notes

Transforming this Ramen Noodle Salad into a gluten-free delight is effortlessly simple. Opt for gluten-free ramen noodles available in specialty stores or the gluten-free aisle of your supermarket. Ensure every ingredient, including the soy sauce, is gluten-free (tamari is a great gluten-free alternative). Now, you're ready to enjoy this crunchy, flavorful salad without a worry, proving that gluten-free can be just as delicious and satisfying.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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