If you’re looking for a salad that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a warm day, let me introduce you to my beloved Oriental Ramen Salad! This dish is a delightful mix of crunchy vegetables, savory ramen noodles, and a tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made this for a summer barbecue; everyone went back for seconds! The combination of textures—from the crisp cabbage to the crunchy almonds—makes it a favorite at every gathering. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to whip it up again and again!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this deliciously refreshing Oriental Ramen Salad! Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start:
- 2 packs of ramen noodles
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (optional for added protein)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Feel free to adjust any of the ingredients to suit your taste—this salad is all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Oriental Ramen Salad
Ready to dive into making your own Oriental Ramen Salad? It’s super simple and oh-so-rewarding! Just follow these easy steps for a salad that everyone will love. Make sure you give it some time to chill before serving; that’s where the flavors really come together!
Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles
First, you’ll want to cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. It usually takes just about 3-5 minutes—so keep an eye on them! Once they’re done, drain and rinse them under cold water to cool them down. This will help prevent them from getting mushy in the salad.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, slivered almonds, and sunflower seeds. If you’re going for the vegetarian option, just skip the chicken—this salad is still packed with flavor without it!
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil until everything’s nicely combined. Don’t hesitate to taste the dressing as you go; feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking—maybe a tad more vinegar for tang or a pinch more sugar for sweetness!
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Now, pour that luscious dressing over your salad mixture and toss everything together. Finally, add in the cooled ramen noodles and give it a gentle mix to combine all those fantastic flavors. Now, pop the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows all those wonderful tastes to mingle and develop, making it even more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Refreshing taste that’s ideal for warm weather or as a light meal.
- Versatile—customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins!
- Great make-ahead option—flavors get even better after chilling.
- Crunchy textures from the almonds and sunflower seeds add a delightful twist.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Can easily be made vegetarian by omitting chicken without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course!
Tips for Success
Want to elevate your Oriental Ramen Salad game? Here are some of my favorite pro tips to ensure you create the perfect dish every time:
- Make it crunchy: For extra crunch, consider adding some water chestnuts or crispy fried onions. They add a nice texture that complements the noodles beautifully!
- Flavor boost: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing. It gives a delightful kick that makes the salad pop!
- Veggie swap: Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Broccoli slaw or bell peppers are fantastic alternatives!
- Noodle variety: You can use other types of noodles like soba or even whole wheat ramen for a different twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed!
- Fresh herbs: Toss in some chopped cilantro or mint before serving for a burst of freshness. It’s a game changer, trust me!
- Marinate: If you have time, let the salad marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours (or even overnight, if you can wait!). This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Presentation: When serving, garnish with extra slivered almonds and green onions for a pop of color and appeal. We eat with our eyes first, right?
With these tips, you’ll create a stunning Oriental Ramen Salad that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of Oriental Ramen Salad. Keep in mind that these are estimates, so your specific values might vary a bit based on ingredient brands and personal adjustments:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 8g
This salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you a nice balance of nutrients. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making your Oriental Ramen Salad a day ahead if you can. The flavors meld beautifully as they chill in the fridge. Just prepare everything, toss it all together, and store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well for up to three days in the fridge, so you can enjoy the deliciousness without the last-minute rush!
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking to make this salad vegetarian or just want to mix it up, there are plenty of tasty options! You could use chickpeas for a protein boost, or add tofu for a nice, chewy texture. Grilled shrimp or even edamame can work wonders too! Feel free to get creative with any protein you love!
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftovers, just place the salad in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a few days, but if you have any dressing left over, I’d recommend keeping it separate to maintain that fresh crunch when you serve it again. Just give it a good toss before enjoying your next bowl!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up a gorgeous bowl of Oriental Ramen Salad, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! This salad is super versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Grilled Chicken or Tofu: Serve some juicy grilled chicken or marinated tofu on the side for extra protein. They complement the flavors of the salad perfectly!
- Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls with a side of peanut or soy dipping sauce add a lovely touch and keep the Asian theme going.
- Teriyaki Salmon: A piece of teriyaki-glazed salmon will not only elevate your meal but also enhance the flavors of the salad beautifully.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls make a fantastic appetizer that balances the freshness of the salad with their crunchy texture.
- Asian-inspired Soup: A light miso soup or a spicy wonton soup would be a delightful warm contrast to the cool, refreshing salad.
- Refreshing Drinks: Don’t forget to pair your meal with something refreshing! A chilled green tea or a light, fruity lemonade works wonders.
These suggestions will make your meal even more delightful and keep your guests coming back for more. Enjoy the feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Oriental Ramen Salad is super easy, and it keeps well for a few days! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, so don’t hesitate to enjoy it later!
If you’ve got dressing left over, I recommend storing it separately to maintain that delightful crunch. This way, when you’re ready to dig in again, you can toss the salad with fresh dressing for a burst of flavor.
As for reheating, there’s no need! This salad is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. Just give it a good toss before serving to ensure everything is mixed nicely. You’ll love how refreshing it is, even on the second day!
Print
Oriental Ramen Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Refreshing Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad with a mix of ramen noodles and oriental flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 packs of ramen noodles
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
- If using chicken, add it to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Add the cooled ramen noodles and toss gently to combine.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Oriental Ramen Salad, Asian Salad, Ramen Noodle Salad