Asian Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad 🥡🍜

This vibrant and crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad is not only quick to make but also bursting with flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad combines crispy cabbage, crunchy ramen noodles, and a tangy sesame dressing that will keep you coming back for more. Feel free to add your favorite protein or veggies to customize it to your liking! 🌱🥕

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 package of instant ramen noodles (discard the flavor packet)
• 2 cups of shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup of sliced almonds (or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option)
• 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Begin by breaking the ramen noodles into smaller pieces and toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to your salad.

🍜 Toasting the ramen is optional, but it enhances the flavor and gives a delightful crunch. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step!

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, toasted ramen noodles, and sliced almonds. Toss well to combine all the ingredients.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth. Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as needed.

• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.

🥗 For an extra layer of flavor, let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the noodles and veggies to absorb the dressing and enhances the overall taste.

Variations

• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier salad. This will make it a complete meal! 🍗🍤
• Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for some heat! 🌶️
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate additional veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumbers for a colorful twist. 🥒
• Nut-Free: Replace the almonds with crispy chickpeas or pumpkin seeds to cater to nut allergies.
• Slightly Sweeter: Increase the honey or maple syrup for a sweeter dressing, perfect for those with a sweet tooth! 🍯

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Asian Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love! 🥳🌟