Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

This Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. With its colorful ingredients and light sesame vinaigrette, this salad stands out at potlucks, picnics, or as a fresh side dish for dinner. It’s not just delicious but also quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad can be made in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of crunchy ramen noodles with sweet mango and creamy avocado creates a refreshing taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, it pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies and protein from edamame, this salad is both satisfying and healthy.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or vegetables to tailor the dish to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making this Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all ingredients together without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth and well-combined vinaigrette for dressing the salad.

Ingredients

For the Salad Base

• 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
• 2 (3-ounce) packages of ramen noodles, crumbled (you will not use the seasoning packet)
• 1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 mango, peeled, pitted, and julienned (or diced)
• 1/2 cup thinly-sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions (scallions)

For the Sesame Honey Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil, or any cooking oil)
• 1/4 cup honey (or your desired sweetener)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Avocado oil
2. Honey
3. Rice vinegar
4. Soy sauce
5. Toasted sesame oil
6. Salt and black pepper

Use a whisk to mix until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add:
1. Coleslaw mix
2. Crumbled ramen noodles
3. Cooked edamame
4. Diced avocado
5. Julienned mango
6. Sliced almonds
7. Sliced green onions

Gently toss these ingredients together until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Toss again until every component is coated in the dressing.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the salad to serving bowls or platters. Garnish with finely chopped parsley before serving for an extra touch of freshness! Enjoy your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad chilled or at room temperature!

How to Serve Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a side dish, its vibrant flavors and textures are sure to please everyone at the table.

As a Main Course

• Serve with grilled chicken for a protein boost.
• Pair with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Top with tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.

As a Side Dish

• Enjoy alongside Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki or stir-fry.
• Serve with grilled meats for a refreshing contrast.
• Add to a picnic spread for an easy, tasty option.

In Lunch Boxes

• Pack in portioned containers for easy meal prep.
• Add extra edamame or chickpeas for more filling options.
• Include some lime wedges for added zest at lunchtime.

How to Perfect Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

To ensure your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture.
• Toast the almonds: Toasting gives the nuts extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to meld flavors together.
• Adjust the vinaigrette: Customize sweetness and acidity by tweaking honey and vinegar amounts.
• Add protein: Boost nutritional value by including cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Mix just before serving: This keeps the noodles and veggies from getting soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful veggies grilled to perfection add smoky flavor.
2. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls complement the salad with their light texture.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup balances the salad’s crunchiness beautifully.
4. Edamame Hummus: Creamy hummus served with pita chips offers an interesting dip option.
5. Cucumber Kimchi: Spicy and tangy kimchi brings an exciting kick to your meal.
6. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice dish rounds out the meal nicely while keeping it Asian-inspired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the dressing: A delicious salad needs a flavorful dressing. Don’t forget to make and add the sesame honey vinaigrette for extra taste.
• Using the ramen seasoning packet: The seasoning packet can overwhelm your salad. Always discard it when preparing this recipe for a cleaner flavor.
• Cutting ingredients too large: Large chunks can make the salad hard to eat. Ensure you slice your avocado and mango into bite-sized pieces for better texture.
• Not chilling before serving: Serving your salad right away can miss out on great flavors. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste.
• Ignoring storage tips: Improper storage can lead to sogginess. Follow proper storage methods to keep your salad crunchy and fresh.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the avocado and dressing.
• If necessary, freeze the coleslaw mix and noodles separately.

Reheating Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is a vibrant dish made with coleslaw mix, ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sesame vinaigrette.

Can I customize my Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or substitute proteins such as chicken or tofu based on your preference.

How do I prevent my salad from getting soggy?

To keep your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad crunchy, store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve. Mix just before eating.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep as long as you follow proper storage guidelines and keep the dressing separate until serving.

Final Thoughts

The Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is not only flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its combination of textures and tastes makes it appealing to everyone. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings. Try this refreshing salad today; it’s sure to become a favorite!