The Story Behind Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw
When I think of summer, the first dish that comes to mind is my Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw. It’s a recipe that’s been in my family for years, and it never fails to bring back memories of warm afternoons spent in the backyard. The magic of this Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw lies in the contrast between the crispy ramen noodles and the refreshing coleslaw mix. The flavors and textures blend perfectly, making it an irresistible side dish for any summer gathering. I still remember the first time I made it—everyone went back for seconds!
How Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw Became a Staple
This Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw started as a simple experiment. I was looking for something quick to throw together for a last-minute barbecue, and I had a few packets of ramen noodles in the pantry. It turned out to be a hit, and soon enough, it became a staple at our family cookouts. There’s something about the way the toasted noodles and nuts mix with the tangy dressing that makes this salad unforgettable. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe here and there, but the essence of that first bowl remains the same.
The Joy of Sharing Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw
One of my favorite things about this Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw is how easy it is to make. I love sharing this recipe with friends and readers because it’s one of those dishes that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you’ll appreciate how the flavors come together with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with almost any main dish, especially grilled meats or tofu. I often suggest adding grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal—trust me, it’s delicious!
A Must-Have for Your Summer Menu
Whenever I host a summer party, I know my guests will ask for the Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw. It’s become a must-have on my menu, not just because it’s tasty, but also because it’s fun to watch everyone’s reaction when they take their first bite. The combination of crispy, tangy, and fresh is hard to beat. I always recommend letting the salad rest for a bit before serving; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. So, next time you’re planning a gathering, consider adding this Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw to your lineup—it’s sure to impress!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw
- Break the Ramen Noodles Evenly: When breaking the ramen noodles, try to keep the pieces roughly the same size. This ensures an even crunch throughout the salad and makes it easier to eat.
- Toast with Care: Keep a close eye on the toasting process. Ramen noodles, nuts, and seeds can burn quickly. Stir them halfway through to ensure even toasting and avoid any bitter flavors.
- Cool Completely: Allow the toasted ramen mixture to cool completely before adding it to the salad. Adding it while hot can cause the coleslaw mix to wilt and lose its crispness.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the honey to 2 teaspoons or adjust to taste. Conversely, if you like a sweeter salad, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of honey.
- Use Fresh Scallions: Freshly sliced scallions add a sharp, fresh flavor to the salad. If you’re prepping the salad in advance, add the scallions just before serving to retain their crunch.
- Resting Time: The resting time is crucial for the salad to absorb the dressing’s flavors fully. If you have time, let it sit for up to an hour for an even more flavorful salad.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. If you’re taking it to a picnic or BBQ, keep it in a cooler until ready to serve.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can toast the ramen, nuts, and seeds a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. This can help save time on the day you plan to serve the salad.
Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes450
kcal30
minutes55
minutesGet ready to wow your taste buds with this Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw! This delightful salad combines the crunch of toasted ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and almonds with the freshness of coleslaw mix and green onions. The tangy dressing ties everything together perfectly. It’s a fantastic side dish for BBQ chicken or any summer gathering. Inspired by a family favorite, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Salad
2 (3-ounce) packages beef-flavored ramen noodles, broken into pieces seasoning packets reserved
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 (16-ounce) bag shredded cabbage mix
3 scallions, finely sliced
- Dressing
1/2 cup avocado oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Alternative Ingredients:
Pumpkin seeds can be replaced with sunflower seeds.
Chopped walnuts can be substituted with slivered almonds.
Avocado oil can be swapped with olive oil.
Honey can be replaced with white sugar for a vegan option.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the broken ramen noodles, pumpkin seeds, and chopped walnuts evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until they are fragrant and golden brown. Allow them to cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage mix and sliced scallions. Once the toasted mixture has cooled, sprinkle it over the cabbage and scallions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, reserved ramen seasoning packets, apple cider vinegar, honey, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. Let the salad sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 50mg
- Calcium: 8mg
- Iron: 10mg
FAQs- Crunchy Ramen Coleslaw
Can I use another type of cabbage instead of the coleslaw mix?
Yes, you can use freshly shredded green or red cabbage. You may also add shredded carrots or other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
How long can this salad be stored?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the ramen noodles may lose some of their crunch over time.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before using.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can substitute the ramen noodles with gluten-free noodles or gluten-free crunchy toppings like crispy rice noodles.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and ensure that the ramen noodles used are vegan (some may contain animal products in the seasoning packets).
