This Ramen Noodle Salad is a crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or weeknight dinners. Featuring toasted ramen noodles, almonds, and sunflower seeds tossed with crisp cabbage and a tangy soy-vinegar dressing, it’s a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional slaw—without the seasoning packets!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crunchy texture from toasted ramen and nuts
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Make-ahead friendly—perfect for entertaining or meal prep
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Budget-friendly using pantry staples
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Great for summer BBQs, potlucks, and holiday gatherings
Ingredients Breakdown
Crunchy Mix:
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2 packages of ramen noodles (discard seasoning) – Adds a crispy, toasty crunch.
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1 cup sliced almonds – Nutty and adds texture.
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1 cup sunflower seeds – Salty, nutty, and extra crunch.
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½ cup butter – Helps toast the noodles and seeds for a rich flavor.
Vegetables:
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1 medium head of cabbage, shredded – Provides fresh crunch and acts as the salad base.
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6 green onions, chopped – Adds mild sharpness and color.
Dressing:
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¼ cup white vinegar – Brings brightness and tang.
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¾ cup vegetable oil – Smooth base for the dressing.
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¼ cup granulated sugar – Balances the tang with sweetness.
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2 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness to the dressing.
Tips and Tricks
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Prep Ahead: Toast the ramen topping and prep the dressing up to 2 days ahead. Store separately.
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Prevent Sogginess: Combine all components right before serving to preserve texture.
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Use a Mandoline: For super thin cabbage shreds and quick prep.
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Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less sugar to balance the dressing to your taste.
Variations and Customizations
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Add Protein: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, edamame, or grilled shrimp.
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Boost Flavor: Add a splash of sesame oil or rice vinegar to the dressing.
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Use Coleslaw Mix: Save time by swapping fresh cabbage for a pre-shredded coleslaw blend.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve alongside:
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Teriyaki chicken or grilled tofu
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Pulled pork sandwiches
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Asian-glazed salmon
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Storage Instructions
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Store the salad and dressing separately if not serving immediately.
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Ramen topping can be kept in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
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Once tossed, the salad is best enjoyed within 1–2 hours for peak crunch.
Popular Questions
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! Crunchy chow mein noodles or broken up dry soba noodles can work in place of ramen.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free ramen and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I make this nut-free?
Yes. Omit the almonds and sunflower seeds or use roasted pumpkin seeds for a safe alternative.