What Makes This Ramen Noodle Salad Such a Hit

There’s loads to like about this salad! Right here’s why it’s one among my favorites.

• The crunch issue. This salad options crispy cabbage, almonds, and ramen noodles. All that crunch provides a satisfying texture that makes this salad an superior distinction to grilled meats and potluck staples.
• Make-ahead pleasant. For those who’re internet hosting a celebration or bringing one thing together with you, this dish is nice for making forward of time since cabbage stands up loads higher than lettuce to storage. (That’s why we like it for Creamy Coleslaw too!)
• Candy, juicy mandarin oranges. Canned mandarin oranges aren’t an everyday on my buying listing, however they’re SO good on this salad, including a mellow citrus taste and a pleasant sweetness.

Ramen Noodle Salad:

• Cabbage – I exploit a mixture of purple and inexperienced as a result of it makes the salad extra colourful, however you should utilize a single selection should you favor. 
• Carrots – You possibly can shred the carrots or minimize them into matchsticks for a little bit extra crunch.
• Inexperienced onions – For onion taste with out being overpowering.
• Cilantro – Provides a contemporary, herbaceous word. Depart it out should you’re not a fan of the flavour.  
• Uncooked almonds – You possibly can swap in sunflower seeds for a nut-free choice.
• Ramen noodles – Dry and damaged into items. Discard the seasoning packet—we don’t want it right here!
• Mandarin oranges – Drain these effectively so that they don’t add liquid to the salad.

Dressing:

• Rice wine vinegar – That is additionally labeled as rice vinegar, nevertheless it’s the identical factor.
• Tamari – Soy sauce works as an alternative if that’s what you may have readily available.
• Olive oil – Or avocado oil, should you favor it.
• Honey – Quite than including sugar, I just like the pure sweetness of honey on this ramen salad. 
• Toasted sesame oil – This provides a nutty taste to the dressing. 
• Garlic – Provides depth and savory taste. 
• Sriracha – You possibly can skip this or regulate the quantity to make the salad kind of spicy.
• Salt – To season.

Find out how to Make Ramen Noodle Salad

This potluck favourite is tremendous straightforward to make! Right here’s what you’ll must do.

• Toast the ramen and nuts. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Unfold the ramen items and almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool.
• Make the dressing. Whisk the vinegar, tamari, olive oil, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic, sriracha, and salt in a small bowl.  

• Assemble. Add the cabbage, carrots, inexperienced onions, cilantro, ramen, almonds, and mandarin oranges to a big bowl. Add the dressing, toss to coat, then serve.

Suggestions and Variations

The following tips will assist you make sure that your ramen noodle salad seems excellent!

• End simply earlier than serving. For those who’re making this recipe upfront, I like to recommend including the toasted ramen, almonds and oranges proper earlier than serving. This retains the crunchy components crunchy and helps hold the mandarin oranges intact.
• Add protein for a whole meal. Think about including shredded or cubed hen, cooked shrimp, or crispy tofu to make this salad a meal for a weeknight dinner. This Honey Garlic Grilled Shrimp can be wonderful!
• Experiment with dressings. Attempt options like Thai Peanut Sauce, Sesame Ginger Dressing, or a store-bought choice.
• Attempt totally different add-ins. Edamame, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, cucumbers, diced pink bell pepper—there are such a lot of methods you may put your personal spin on this recipe!

Find out how to Retailer Leftovers

To retailer leftovers, switch the ramen noodle salad into an hermetic container and refrigerate for two to three days. The noodles will soften, supplying you with a special texture. Earlier than serving once more, toss the salad to redistribute the dressing.