Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Published: August 19, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Bursting with Flavor: The sesame honey vinaigrette adds a delicious tangy sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from avocado, and protein from edamame, it’s both satisfying and good for you.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or add protein to make it a complete meal. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Great for Meal Prep: This salad stays fresh in the fridge, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. These help streamline the process while ensuring everything is mixed perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: This tool ensures your dressing is well-blended, creating a smooth vinaigrette.
Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping fruits and vegetables quick and safe.
Cutting board: A stable surface helps in efficient slicing and dicing of your ingredients.

Ingredients

This delicious Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad recipe is tossed with a simple sesame vinaigrette…and tastes absolutely delicious!

For the Salad

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 Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients to create the sesame honey vinaigrette:
1. Add avocado oil, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the coleslaw mix, crumbled ramen noodles, cooked edamame, diced avocado, julienned mango, sliced almonds, and sliced green onions.
2. Toss gently to mix everything together.

Step 3: Toss with Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture:
1. Use tongs or salad servers to toss everything thoroughly.
2. Ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad to a serving dish:
1. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve!

How to Serve Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Its fresh ingredients and delightful textures make it a perfect dish for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

As a Main Dish

This salad can be served as a light main course. The addition of edamame and avocado adds protein and healthy fats, making it satisfying on its own.

As a Side Dish

Pair the salad with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. The crunchiness complements the savory flavors of grilled meats beautifully.

At Potlucks or Parties

This salad is perfect for gatherings. Its vibrant colors and flavors will attract attention, making it a hit among guests.

In Meal Prep

Prepare this salad in advance for an easy lunch option throughout the week. Store it in airtight containers, and enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

With Additional Proteins

Consider adding shrimp or tofu to make the dish heartier. These proteins blend well with the crunchy textures and vinaigrette dressing.

How to Perfect Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

To achieve the best version of your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, follow these helpful tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, ensuring your salad is vibrant and delicious.
Toast the almonds: Lightly toasting the almonds before adding them brings out their natural oils, giving extra crunch and flavor.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Customize your veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for more crunch and variety.
Adjust sweetness: Experiment with different sweeteners in the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences.
Serve immediately after dressing: To maintain the crunchiness of the ramen noodles, dress just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Pairing side dishes with Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein while being easy to eat alongside the salad.
Teriyaki Salmon: The sweet glaze of teriyaki pairs wonderfully with the salad’s crunchy textures.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls offer a delightful contrast to the soft ingredients in your salad.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting counterpart to this refreshing dish.
Steamed Edamame: A simple side that echoes the edamame in your salad while providing additional protein.
Cucumber Kimchi: This tangy side adds an exciting flavor kick that complements the salad’s sesame vinaigrette.
Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with herbs and shrimp provide additional freshness and crunch.
Sesame Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with sesame seeds enhance Asian-inspired flavors on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using the seasoning packet: Many people forget that the ramen seasoning packet is not needed in this salad. This dish thrives on fresh flavors, so skip the packet for a cleaner taste.
Overcooking the noodles: Cook the ramen noodles just until tender and then cool them quickly under cold water. Overcooked noodles become mushy and ruin the crunchy texture of your salad.
Skipping the vinaigrette: Some may think they can skip the sesame honey vinaigrette. However, it adds essential flavor and balances the salad’s ingredients. Always include it for maximum taste.
Not using fresh ingredients: Using old or wilted vegetables can make your salad less appealing. Always select fresh produce for a vibrant and tasty Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad.
Ignoring customization options: This salad is versatile, so don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Ignoring this means missing out on personalizing your dish to suit your taste.

Refrigerator Storage

Keep your Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Avoid mixing in the dressing until you’re ready to serve to maintain crispiness.

Freezing Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it can affect texture and flavor.
If you must freeze, separate the salad components (noodles, veggies, and dressing) into individual containers.
Use within one month for best quality.

Reheating Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the noodles on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat portions in microwave-safe containers for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through.
Stovetop: Toss in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil until heated through, adding fresh veggies if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad unique?

This salad stands out due to its crispy texture from ramen noodles and a flavorful sesame honey vinaigrette that enhances all ingredients beautifully.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time but wait to add the dressing until just before serving for optimal crunchiness.

What other vegetables can I add to my Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad?

Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor. The versatility allows you to customize based on seasonal availability!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep; just store components separately and combine them when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

The Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its combination of textures and flavors, it’s perfect as a side dish or main course. Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins like chicken or tofu to make it your own. Enjoy making this delightful dish!

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