Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad 🥗🍜

This delightful Ramen Noodle Salad is a quick, vibrant dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a light lunch. Its combination of crunchy veggies, savory seasoning, and textured noodles makes it a refreshing companion year-round. Feel free to tailor it by adding your favorite proteins or nuts!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (or cashews), crushed
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the dressing

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

🌱 Rinsing the noodles not only cools them down but also helps remove excess starch, making them less sticky.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, diced bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro (if using).

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined.

• Add the cooled ramen noodles to the vegetables and pour the dressing over the top. Toss everything together until well mixed.

🥄 Adjust the dressing to your taste! If you like it a bit sweeter, add more honey; for tang, splash in a little more vinegar.

• Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the salad just before serving for an extra crunchy texture.

Variations

• Protein boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed salad. 🍤🍗
• Add more crunch: Toss in some crispy chow mein noodles or additional seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. 🥜
• Spicy kick: Mix in some Sriracha or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat! 🌶️
• Low-carb: Swap the ramen noodles for spiralized zucchini or cucumber noodles. This keeps the dish fresh and light!

Enjoy this vibrant Ramen Noodle Salad as a standalone meal or as a side to your favorite grilled proteins! 🥙