Crunchy, fresh, and bursting with bold flavors, this Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is a must-try dish. It is the perfect balance of textures—crispy ramen noodles, crunchy coleslaw, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds—all tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. Whether you’re making it for a summer cookout, potluck, or a quick side dish, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

Incredibly Easy to Make – Just toss everything together and enjoy.

Perfect Make-Ahead Dish – Tastes even better as the flavors meld.
Great for Potlucks and BBQs – Stays crunchy and fresh for hours.
Customizable – Add your favorite protein or extra vegetables.

Light Yet Satisfying – A delicious balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

2 packages ramen noodles (3 ounces each, seasoning packets discarded)
4 cups coleslaw mix (green and red cabbage with carrots)

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
4 green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup rice vinegar

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Ramen Noodles

Break the uncooked ramen noodles into small pieces. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn light golden brown. Let them cool.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the coleslaw mix, toasted ramen noodles, almonds, sunflower seeds, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil until well combined.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

This salad is versatile and can be adapted in many ways:

1. Add Protein for a Complete Meal

Grilled Chicken – Add shredded or sliced chicken breast.
Shrimp – Toss in some cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.

Tofu – Add crispy tofu cubes for a plant-based option.

2. Extra Crunch and Flavor

Crunchy Peanuts or Cashews – For extra nuttiness.
Crispy Fried Onions – Adds a rich, savory element.

Mandarin Oranges – A hint of sweetness pairs well with the dressing.

3. Swap the Greens

Use shredded Brussels sprouts instead of coleslaw mix.
Substitute baby spinach or kale for a different texture.

Tips for the Best Ramen Noodle Salad

Use Fresh Ingredients – Crisp cabbage, fresh cilantro, and crunchy nuts make a big difference.
Toast the Noodles and Nuts – This enhances their crunch and brings out their nutty flavors.
Do Not Add Dressing Too Early – If making ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep everything crunchy.

Balance the Flavors – Adjust the sweetness (honey) or acidity (vinegar) based on your preference.

What to Serve with Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

This salad pairs well with many main dishes, such as:

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken – A perfect Asian-inspired pairing.
Honey Garlic Shrimp – Sweet and savory flavors complement the salad.
BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork – The salad’s crunch balances the richness of barbecue dishes.

Asian Rice Bowls – Serve as a side with rice and protein for a complete meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Making Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Toss everything together just before serving.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles will soften over time but will still be flavorful.

Refreshing Leftovers: If the salad has lost some crunch, add a handful of fresh ramen noodles or extra nuts before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes. While ramen noodles are traditional, you can also use chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, or even broken-up tortilla chips for crunch.

2. How do I keep the salad crunchy?

Add the dressing just before serving and store the ramen noodles separately if making ahead.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free ramen noodles and swap in tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

4. What if I do not have sesame oil?

Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor, but you can leave it out or use a little extra olive oil instead.

5. Can I add fruit?

Yes. Try adding mandarin oranges, diced apples, or mango for a touch of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to impress. It is easy to prepare, packed with crunch, and pairs beautifully with many meals. Whether you are bringing it to a barbecue, potluck, or making it for a light lunch, this salad will quickly become a favorite.

Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

Author: Diana Carrozza

Print Recipe

Description

A crisp, refreshing salad with toasted ramen noodles, crunchy veggies, and a tangy-sweet dressing—perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch!

Ingredients

Scale

2 packages (3 oz each) ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green and red cabbage, and carrots)
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Prepare the noodles: Break the uncooked ramen noodles into small pieces and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool.
Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, toasted ramen noodles, almonds, sunflower seeds, green onions, and cilantro.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil until well combined.
Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Maximum Crunch: Toss in the dressing right before serving to keep the ramen crispy.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prep all ingredients separately and combine just before serving for the best texture.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or edamame for a heartier meal.

Nut-Free Option: Swap almonds and sunflower seeds for toasted sesame seeds or crunchy wonton strips.
Extra Flavor: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha in the dressing adds a slight kick.