Ramen Cabbage Salad: A Crunchy, Flavorful Delight

Looking for a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s a welcome change from the ordinary? Look no further than Ramen Cabbage Salad! This salad is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes, combining the satisfying crunch of cabbage and ramen noodles with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or even a light lunch. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Let’s dive into the world of Ramen Cabbage Salad!

Why You’ll Love This Ramen Cabbage Salad

• Crunchy Texture: The combination of shredded cabbage, crunchy ramen noodles, and toasted almonds (optional) provides an irresistible textural experience.
• Flavorful: The tangy-sweet dressing, combined with the savory ramen seasoning, creates a well-balanced and addictive flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: This salad requires minimal cooking and can be assembled in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this salad by adding different vegetables, proteins, or nuts.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The salad can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. However, add the ramen noodles and dressing just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious salad:

• Cabbage: The foundation of the salad! You can use green cabbage, red cabbage, or a combination of both. Pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a convenient option. About 6-8 cups of shredded cabbage is ideal.
• Ramen Noodles: This is where the ‘ramen’ comes in! You’ll need one package of dry ramen noodles. Discard the seasoning packet or save it for another use (like flavoring stir-fries). We’ll be making our own dressing, so the packet isn’t necessary for the main salad flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: A little oil to toast the ramen noodles to a golden-brown crunch.
• Almonds (Optional): Sliced almonds add another layer of crunch and nutty flavor. You can substitute with other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
• Green Onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor to the salad.
• Sesame Seeds (Optional): Toasted sesame seeds contribute a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.
• For the Dressing:
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides the tangy base for the dressing.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the vinegar and adds a touch of sweetness. You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar, or even honey.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the dressing. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
  • Ramen Seasoning Packet (Optional): For an extra boost of ramen flavor, you can add a portion of the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
  • Ground Ginger (Optional): A pinch of ground ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy note.
  • Garlic Powder (Optional): A touch of garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the dressing.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Bowl: For mixing the salad ingredients.
• Small Bowl: For whisking together the dressing.
• Skillet or Frying Pan: For toasting the ramen noodles and almonds.
• Whisk: For emulsifying the dressing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the green onions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Ramen Cabbage Salad:

Step 1: Toast the Ramen Noodles and Almonds (if using)

1. Break the ramen noodles into small pieces.
2. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the broken ramen noodles and sliced almonds (if using) to the skillet.
4. Cook, stirring frequently, until the noodles and almonds are golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them!
5. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, soy sauce, ramen seasoning packet (if using), ground ginger (if using), and garlic powder (if using).
2. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more sugar for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or rice vinegar for tanginess.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds (if using).
2. Just before serving, add the cooled ramen noodles and toasted almonds (if using) to the bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Be careful not to over-dress the salad, as this can make it soggy.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Ramen Cabbage Salad

• Don’t dress the salad too early: The ramen noodles will become soggy if they sit in the dressing for too long. Add the dressing just before serving.
• Toast the nuts carefully: Watch the nuts closely while toasting, as they can burn easily. Stir them frequently to ensure even toasting.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking: The amount of sugar in the dressing can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce: This will help control the saltiness of the salad.
• Add protein: For a heartier salad, add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame.
• Get creative with the vegetables: Other vegetables that work well in this salad include shredded carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, and edamame.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the cabbage mixture and the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Just before serving, add the ramen noodles, almonds, and dressing, and toss to combine.
• Use a food processor for shredding: To save time, you can use a food processor to shred the cabbage.
• Customize the nuts: Instead of almonds, try using walnuts, pecans, cashews, or sunflower seeds.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.

Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of Ramen Cabbage Salad is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize the salad to your liking:

• Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs for a protein boost.
• Veggie Variety: Incorporate shredded carrots, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), snow peas, cucumbers, or edamame.
• Fruity Fun: Add mandarin oranges or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Nutty Goodness: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or cashews. Toast them for extra flavor.
• Seed Sensations: Add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Herb Heaven: Toss in some chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Asian Inspiration: Add a drizzle of sesame oil to the dressing for a more pronounced sesame flavor.
• Vegan Delight: Ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly, especially the soy sauce and sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Ramen Cabbage Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled meats, chicken, fish, or tofu.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy it as a refreshing and satisfying light lunch. Add protein for a more substantial meal.
• Potluck Favorite: A crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics.
• Taco Topping: Use it as a crunchy and flavorful topping for tacos or wraps.
• Burger Buddy: Add it to your burger for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Ramen Cabbage Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the ramen noodles will continue to soften over time. It’s best to consume leftovers within 1-2 days. If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider only dressing the portion you plan to eat immediately.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information for Ramen Cabbage Salad will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion size. However, a general estimate per serving is:

• Calories: 200-300
• Fat: 10-20g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Protein: 5-10g

This is just an estimate. For more precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and enter the specific ingredients and amounts used in your recipe.

Ramen Cabbage Salad Recipe Card

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6-8 cups shredded cabbage (green or red, or a mix)
• 1 package dry ramen noodles, crushed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1/2 teaspoon ramen seasoning packet (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast Noodles and Almonds: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add crushed ramen noodles and almonds (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, soy sauce, ramen seasoning (if using), ginger (if using), and garlic powder (if using) until sugar is dissolved.
3. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, green onions, and sesame seeds (if using).
4. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, add cooled ramen noodles and almonds (if using) to the bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes:

• For best results, add dressing just before serving to prevent noodles from becoming soggy.
• Adjust sugar to your liking for desired sweetness.
• Add protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu) for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

Ramen Cabbage Salad is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy texture, tangy-sweet dressing, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delightful salad that’s anything but ordinary!