The Classic Asian Ramen Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors that come together in perfect harmony. Packed with fresh vegetables, toasted ramen noodles, and a vibrant dressing, this salad is not only incredibly easy to make but also sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish or a crowd-pleasing potluck option, this salad brings a burst of color and texture to your table that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Asian Ramen Salad Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple with ingredients that are easy to find and essential for creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component brings something unique—crunch, sweetness, freshness, and a hint of saltiness—that make this salad truly memorable.
- Ramen noodles: Use two 3-ounce packages and crumble them for that wonderfully crisp texture after toasting.
- Sliced almonds: Add a nutty crunch that complements the toasted noodles perfectly.
- Coleslaw mix: Provides a fresh and crisp base with a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Mandarin oranges: Drain well for juicy bursts of sweet citrus flavor that balance the salad.
- Edamame (shelled): Adds a subtle, creamy protein element and a beautiful green color.
- Scallions (sliced): Bring a mild oniony zip that lifts the overall flavor.
- Canola oil: The foundation of the dressing, offering a light, neutral base.
- Sugar: Balances acidity and adds sweetness for that signature bright dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Gives the dressing a tangy punch that cuts through the richness.
- Soy sauce: Provides umami and a savory depth to the dressing.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch enhances aroma and adds authentic Asian flair.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the flavors.
How to Make Classic Asian Ramen Salad Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Ramen Noodles and Almonds
Start by preheating your oven to 415 degrees Fahrenheit. Crumble the ramen noodles into small pieces and toss them with the sliced almonds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they become a lovely golden brown. This step is crucial because it transforms the ramen from soft and bland to crispy and flavorful, adding that irresistible crunch every bite needs. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
While your noodles and almonds cool, grab a large bowl and toss together the coleslaw mix, shelled edamame, drained mandarin oranges, sliced scallions, and the cooled toasted noodle and almond mixture. This colorful medley of ingredients not only looks beautiful but also creates a harmonious balance of textures and fresh flavors that define the Classic Asian Ramen Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the canola oil, sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until the sugar has completely dissolved. The dressing is the magic behind the salad’s signature tangy and slightly sweet profile, and whisking it well ensures it blends seamlessly with all the other ingredients.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. This step brings all the flavors and textures together, making the salad irresistibly tasty. You can serve it immediately for the freshest crunch or refrigerate it for up to three days. If storing, keep the dressing separate until right before serving to maintain the noodles’ crispness.
How to Serve Classic Asian Ramen Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, top your salad with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or fresh chopped cilantro. These garnishes add both visual appeal and an additional layer of flavor that complements the salad’s vibrant profile beautifully. Thinly sliced red chili can also be added for a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Think grilled teriyaki chicken, crispy tempura, or even flavorful tofu stir-fries. Its bright and refreshing elements make it a perfect contrast to richer, heavier entrees, serving as a palate cleanser and a crunchy delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make your Classic Asian Ramen Salad Recipe even more inviting. Try serving it in hollowed-out orange halves for a festive look or in individual mason jars for an easy grab-and-go option. You could also layer the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl to show off all the colors and textures, making it a centerpiece-worthy dish at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the ramen noodles from becoming soggy, it’s best to store them separately or keep the dressing aside until you’re ready to serve again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing. The crunchy textures and dressing could separate or become watery after thawing, which would take away from its signature crispness and vibrant flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad packed with fresh ingredients, reheating is not necessary or advised. Simply give the salad a gentle toss with fresh dressing if needed and enjoy chilled for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use instant ramen noodles with a seasoning packet for this salad?
It’s best to discard the seasoning packets that come with instant ramen. They often contain a lot of salt and artificial flavorings that can throw off the balance of the salad. The salad’s own dressing provides all the flavor you need.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use a soy sauce that doesn’t contain any animal products. Feel free to double-check your ingredients to keep it plant-based.
How long can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the vegetable and noodles mixture a day in advance and the dressing separately. Combine them right before serving to maintain the salad’s crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even cucumber slices. Just keep in mind that some watery vegetables might make the salad soggy if mixed too early.
What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
If you don’t have mandarin oranges, canned pineapple tidbits or fresh orange segments work wonderfully well and offer that sweet, juicy brightness that complements the rest of the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Asian Ramen Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It combines ease, flavor, and texture into one unforgettable salad that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I love sharing it — snap a photo, dig in, and don’t forget to send it around the table because this salad is too good to keep to yourself!
Print
Classic Asian Ramen Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
- Total Time: 22-24 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Classic Asian Ramen Salad is a simple, addictive side dish featuring crunchy toasted ramen noodles, toasted almonds, crisp coleslaw mix, sweet mandarin oranges, shelled edamame, and fresh scallions, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing side, this salad combines vibrant textures and flavors for a delightful experience.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 (3oz) packages of Ramen noodles (any flavor, seasoning packets discarded)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 (16oz) package coleslaw mix
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 4 scallions, sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Noodles: Preheat your oven to 415 degrees F. Crumble the ramen noodles, discarding the seasoning packets, and combine them with the sliced almonds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the noodles and almonds turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, shelled edamame, drained mandarin oranges, sliced scallions, and the toasted ramen noodle and almond mixture. Set aside.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the canola oil, sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to combine all elements evenly.
- Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately for optimal crunch and flavor, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If preparing ahead, keep salad and dressing separate and combine just before serving.
Notes
- If preparing ahead of time, keep salad ingredients and dressing in separate containers and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Feel free to add or substitute ingredients such as shredded carrots or chopped cilantro to customize.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing to taste, especially if using flavored ramen packets.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
