Name: Ramen Noodle Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 2/3 cup slivered almonds; 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 (3-ounce) packages instant ramen noodles (any flavor); 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin orange segments (in light syrup); 1 (14 to 16-ounce) package coleslaw mix; 2 medium scallions (thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup), plus more for garnish); 2 tablespoons syrup from canned mandarin oranges; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola, or extra-virgin olive oil)

Introduction to Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen noodle salad is a delightful and refreshing option that brings together crunchy vegetables, sweet mandarin oranges, and the unique texture of ramen noodles. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick weekday dinners. What makes this dish particularly appealing is its versatility; you can easily customize it with your favorite proteins, such as grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or tofu, making it suitable for everyone around the table.

Why Choose Ramen Noodle Salad for Your Next Meal?

Have you ever found yourself in a meal rut, trying to think of something quick, nutritious, and delicious? A ramen noodle salad checks all those boxes! In just about 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a beautiful, colorful dish that not only looks appetizing but also bursts with flavor. The combination of crispy slaw, nutty almonds, and the tangy dressing is sure to leave your tastebuds dancing.

Plus, this salad is a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without feeling like you’re giving up anything delicious. Each serving is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a smart choice for those busy weeknights. To discover more about the health benefits of adding more vegetables to your meals, check out Nutrition.gov. So, why not give this ramen noodle salad a try? You might just find your new go-to meal!

Ingredients for Ramen Noodle Salad

Essential ingredients for a delicious ramen noodle salad

Creating a vibrant and flavorful ramen noodle salad is easy when you have the right ingredients! Here's what you need to kick off this refreshing dish:

Toasted sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Slivered almonds: Provides a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the crunchy veggies.
White sesame seeds: They're not just decorative; they add an extra layer of nuttiness.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
Instant ramen noodles: The heart of your salad—use any flavor you like.
Mandarin oranges: Their sweetness really brightens the dish.
Coleslaw mix: A convenient blend of cabbage and carrots for added texture.
Scallions: For a burst of freshness and a mild onion flavor.

Optional toppings and add-ins for extra flavor

If you're looking to elevate your ramen noodle salad, consider these delicious toppings and add-ins:

Shredded chicken or turkey bacon: For protein that makes the salad more filling.
Crispy wontons: Add a fun crunch.
Chopped fresh cilantro or basil: Bring in a herbaceous note.
Avocado slices: Creamy texture perfectly complements the salad.
Chili flakes: A pinch adds some heat if you're feeling adventurous!

Feel free to mix and match with these ingredients to customize your salad to your taste! For more ideas, check out resources like Food Network or Serious Eats for inspiration.

Step-by-step preparation of Ramen Noodle Salad

Making a delicious Ramen Noodle Salad is not only quick but also an enjoyable process. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a vibrant, crunchy salad that your friends and family will rave about!

Toasting the almonds and sesame seeds

To kick things off, let’s add some crunch to our ramen noodle salad. Start by heating 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in ⅔ cup of slivered almonds. Stir them often to prevent burning, allowing them to brown just slightly—this should take about a minute.

Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of white sesame seeds and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 2 to 2 ½ minutes until everything turns light golden brown and fragrant. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Crushing the ramen noodles

Now, let’s tackle the ramen noodles! Without opening the packets, use the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin to flatten the 2 (3-ounce) packages of instant ramen noodles into small pieces, about the size of a slivered almond. It’s a bit of a workout, but it’s a great way to relieve stress. Once they’re crushed, open the packages and either discard the seasoning packets or save them for another meal.

Preparing the mandarin orange dressing

A bright, zesty dressing is key to elevating our salad. Open a 15-ounce can of mandarin orange segments in light syrup and pour 2 tablespoons of that syrup into a large bowl. Drain the remaining syrup from the oranges and set the fruit aside.

Now, add ¼ cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the syrup in the bowl. Whisk this mixture well. Gradually drizzle in ¼ cup of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) while whisking to create a smooth dressing.

Combining the salad ingredients

It’s time to bring all the ingredients together into a delightful ramen noodle salad. Gently fold the toasted almond mixture, the crushed ramen noodles, and a 14 to 16-ounce package of coleslaw mix into the dressing using a flexible spatula. Last but not least, fold in the mandarin oranges. This combo of textures and flavors is truly something special!

Serving the ramen noodle salad

When you’re ready to serve your salad, consider garnishing with some extra thinly sliced scallions for an added touch of freshness. This ramen noodle salad is perfect as a light lunch, a picnic dish, or a potluck contribution.

Not only will you impress your guests with your culinary skills, but the delightful balance of crunch and sweetness will keep them coming back for more. Enjoy every bite!

For more ideas on salads that are quick and delightful to make at home, check out this resource on healthy salads.

Variations of Ramen Noodle Salad

Add protein: Chicken Ham or Turkey Bacon

Elevate your ramen noodle salad by adding protein! For a savory touch, try diced chicken ham or crispy turkey bacon. Both options not only provide a hearty flavor but also turn your salad into a satisfying meal. Just sauté your protein of choice until golden and mix it in with the other ingredients—it's that easy!

Vegetarian twist: Tofu and Additional Veggies

If you're leaning towards a vegetarian version, consider incorporating tofu and extra veggies. Firm tofu, lightly pan-fried, adds a delightful texture, while colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and snap peas infuse freshness and crunch. This variation not only enhances the nutritional profile of your ramen noodle salad but also excites your palate with vibrant flavors.

Feel free to explore other ingredients that suit your taste—maybe nuts or seeds for crunch! The possibilities are endless. For more tips and inspiration, check out sites like Food52 or Serious Eats!

Cooking tips and notes for Ramen Noodle Salad

Make ahead: How to prep for the week

Want to save time during your busy week? Prep your ramen noodle salad in advance! You can toast the slivered almonds and sesame seeds ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Similarly, mix your dressing and keep it refrigerated. Just avoid adding the ramen noodles and mandarin oranges until you're ready to serve. This helps maintain that delightful crunch and freshness!

Storing leftovers: Best practices for freshness

If you have leftovers, store them in individual portions for quick snacks or meals. Use airtight containers to keep your ramen noodle salad fresh, and eat within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture. You might need to freshen up the salad by adding a splash of dressing before enjoying it again. For additional tips, check out this guide on food storage for keeping your meals safe!

Serving suggestions for Ramen Noodle Salad

Perfect pairings: What to serve alongside your salad

To elevate your Ramen Noodle Salad, think about pairing it with dishes that balance its vibrant flavors. Grilled chicken or turkey bacon offers a nice protein boost, while a light miso soup complements the salad’s crunch. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, consider serving it alongside some beef poke bowls for a delicious contrast. A refreshing cucumber salad can also provide a lovely texture, enhancing your dining experience.

Presentation tips for an Instagram-worthy dish

To make your ramen noodle salad shine, focus on color and texture. Use a white or black dish to contrast the vibrant greens and oranges of your salad. Arrange the ingredients artfully, and don’t forget to sprinkle extra sliced scallions on top for that pop of green. For a final touch, consider drizzling additional toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the salad for that professional finish. You’ll have a dish not only delicious but also worthy of the 'Gram!

Time Breakdown for Ramen Noodle Salad

Preparation Time

The prep time for this ramen noodle salad is a quick and efficient 15 minutes. You'll be chopping, crushing, and mixing without wasting precious time in the kitchen.

Cooking Time

Cooking is a breeze at just 2 minutes! This step is all about toasting your almonds and sesame seeds to add that delicious crunch.

Total Time

In total, you're looking at a mere 17 minutes from start to finish. With such a swift process, you can have this delightful salad ready for your lunch or dinner in no time!

For other quick meal ideas, check out this article on time-saving recipes. With simple prep and minimal cooking, this ramen noodle salad is perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings!

Nutritional Facts for Ramen Noodle Salad

Calories per serving

A serving of this delicious Ramen Noodle Salad contains approximately 220 calories. This makes it a great light meal option or a side dish for gatherings.

Protein content

With about 6 grams of protein per serving, the salad provides a nice boost, especially thanks to the addition of slivered almonds and scallions. If you're looking to up the protein, consider adding some grilled chicken or tofu!

Sodium levels

It's worth noting that the sodium content can hover around 400 mg per serving, primarily from the ramen noodles and soy sauce. For a healthier twist, opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the flavors intact while trimming those salt levels.

For more insights on nutritional values, visit NutritionData or MyFitnessPal. This will help you stay informed about the nutritional content of your food!

FAQs about Ramen Noodle Salad

Can I use different noodles instead of ramen?

Absolutely! While traditional ramen noodle salad typically uses ramen noodles, you can easily substitute with other types like soba noodles, udon, or even whole wheat pasta. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. This opens the door to exploring different flavors and textures.

What are some creative toppings I can try?

The beauty of ramen noodle salad lies in its versatility! Beyond the usual toppings, consider adding:

Grated carrots for crunch
Edamame for a protein boost
Sliced cucumbers for freshness
Crumbled Turkey bacon or Chicken ham for heartiness
Chopped cilantro or mint for an herbaceous kick

Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine!

How can I make the salad vegan-friendly?

To transform your ramen noodle salad into a vegan treat, simply omit the Turkey bacon and Chicken ham. Use a plant-based alternative or just load up on veggies! Additionally, substitute the honey or granulated sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar to keep it all plant-based. You can also dress your salad with a vinaigrette of your choice.

Conclusion on Ramen Noodle Salad

In closing, this ramen noodle salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for meal prep or as a side dish, it brings a refreshing twist to your meals. Give it a try, and enjoy the vibrant taste!