Irresistible Ramen Noodle Salad

Name: Irresistible Ramen Noodle Salad: 7 Easy Steps to Make This Flavorful Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 (3-ounce) package ramen noodles, seasoning packet removed; ½ cup slivered almonds; 3 tablespoons sesame seeds; 1 ½ lbs Napa cabbage, shredded (about 8-10 cups); 1 bunch green onions, sliced thin (about ½ cup); ½ cup light-flavored olive oil; ¼ cup plain white vinegar; ½ cup white sugar; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

Posted on June 21, 2025 · [Elisa]

Main Dishes

A Simple Tool I Use Every Week

Make Weekly Meals Simple

Plan your meals, organize recipes, and simplify grocery shopping with this easy-to-use Google Sheets meal planner.

Get My Meal Planner

Never miss a recipe again! Subscribe to my newsletter.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a crunchy, flavorful salad that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick lunch, look no further than Ramen Noodle Salad. This salad combines crispy ramen noodles, roasted slivered almonds, and toasted sesame seeds with Napa cabbage and fresh green onions. Tossed in a tangy, sweet dressing, this salad is packed with a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Not only is this Ramen Noodle Salad super easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, or extra toppings. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a main meal, it’s the perfect choice for any occasion.

Why Ramen Noodle Salad Is the Perfect Crunchy Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad is the ideal balance of crispy, savory, and sweet. The crunchy ramen noodles, along with the slivered almonds and sesame seeds, give the salad a satisfying texture. The Napa cabbage provides a mild, crunchy base, while the tangy dressing brings everything together with just the right amount of sweetness and acidity.

Whether you’re serving this salad at a barbecue, family dinner, or potluck, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It comes together in just a few simple steps and can be made ahead of time, so it’s ready when you need it.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ramen Noodle Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Ramen Noodle Salad:

For the Salad:

2 tablespoons butter
1 (3-ounce) package ramen noodles, seasoning packet removed
½ cup slivered almonds
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 ½ lbs Napa cabbage, shredded (about 8-10 cups)
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin (about ½ cup)

For the Dressing:

½ cup light-flavored olive oil
¼ cup plain white vinegar
½ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

These simple ingredients create a salad that’s packed with flavor and texture in every bite. The dressing balances sweetness and tang, while the toasted ramen noodles and almonds create a delightful crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ramen Noodle Salad

Making Ramen Noodle Salad is quick and easy. Here’s how to prepare it in just 7 simple steps:

1. Make the Dressing:

In a jar, combine the olive oil, white vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Shake the jar until the sugar has dissolved and the dressing is well combined. Set aside.

2. Toast the Noodles:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. While the butter is melting, crush the ramen noodles while they’re still in the package. Once crushed, remove the seasoning packet and set it aside for later use or discard it.

3. Combine Noodles, Almonds, and Sesame Seeds:

Add the crushed noodles, slivered almonds, and sesame seeds to the skillet with the melted butter. Stir frequently, sautéing the mixture until it turns golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.

4. Shred the Cabbage:

While the noodle mixture is cooling, shred the Napa cabbage into thin strips. You should have about 8-10 cups of shredded cabbage.

5. Combine Cabbage and Green Onions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded Napa cabbage and sliced green onions.

6. Add the Noodle Mixture:

Once the noodle mixture has cooled, add it to the cabbage and green onions. Toss everything together to combine.

7. Dress the Salad:

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated. Garnish with additional green onions if desired, and serve immediately.

How to Customize Your Ramen Noodle Salad

This Ramen Noodle Salad is highly customizable, so feel free to make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

Add protein: Make it a more substantial meal by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp. You could also add roast beef or bacon for extra flavor.
Add extra veggies: Add more vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for a colorful twist.
Make it spicy: For those who like a little heat, add a few slices of jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the salad.

If you’re looking for more salad ideas, try making Asian sesame noodle salad or crunchy Thai salad for more fresh, flavorful meals.

Serving Suggestions for Ramen Noodle Salad

This Ramen Noodle Salad is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:

As a side dish: Pair this salad with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or salmon for a complete meal.
As a light lunch: Serve it with a side of sushi or dumplings for a fun, Asian-inspired meal.
For potlucks or gatherings: This salad is the perfect addition to any potluck or barbecue. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ramen Noodle Salad

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

In the fridge: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may soften slightly, but the salad will still be delicious.
Refrigeration: Be sure to refrigerate the salad after it has been tossed with the dressing to maintain its freshness.
Don’t freeze: This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the cabbage and noodles, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Ramen Noodle Salad

To ensure your Ramen Noodle Salad turns out perfect, here are a few tips:

Don’t over-toast the noodles: Keep an eye on the noodle mixture while toasting to avoid burning the almonds or noodles.
Use low-sodium soy sauce: To keep the salad balanced and not too salty, use low-sodium soy sauce.
Let the noodles cool: Be sure to allow the noodle mixture to cool before adding it to the cabbage, or you’ll risk wilting the veggies.

FAQs About Ramen Noodle Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing, noodle mixture, and cabbage in advance. Just toss everything together right before serving for the best freshness.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free ramen noodles or other gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version of this salad. Be sure to also use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! You can easily add chicken, tofu, shrimp, or bacon for extra protein. Just make sure to cook and season the protein before adding it to the salad.

Final Thoughts on Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a light main meal, it’s sure to be a hit. The combination of crunchy ramen noodles, Napa cabbage, and a tangy dressing makes this salad incredibly satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your tastes.

Give this quick and easy ramen noodle salad recipe a try today and enjoy a fresh, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to share, save, and subscribe for more easy salad recipes and quick meal ideas!

Save