Let me tell you, this oriental ramen salad is a game changer! It’s light, refreshing, and packed with vibrant flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. Picture crunchy veggies mingling with tender noodles, all drizzled in a savory dressing that’s just the right balance of tangy and sweet. What I love most is how versatile it is! You can whip it up in no time and serve it as a side dish or make it a hearty meal by adding protein. Trust me, once you make this salad, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
2 packs of ramen noodles
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 green onion, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How to Prepare the Oriental Ramen Salad
Making this oriental ramen salad is as easy as pie! Seriously, just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of deliciousness in no time. First things first, let’s cook those ramen noodles. Boil them according to the package instructions—usually just about 3–4 minutes is all you need! Once they’re tender, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them nice and firm for your salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your shredded carrots, red cabbage, sliced bell pepper, chopped green onion, and cilantro. The colors are so vibrant!
Now, add your cooled ramen noodles to this colorful veggie mix. Gently combine everything so the noodles don’t break apart too much.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey until well blended. This dressing is the magic touch!
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and give it a good toss to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust if you like—maybe a bit more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness?
Finally, sprinkle the sesame seeds on top just before serving. It adds that lovely crunch and nutty flavor! You can serve it chilled or at room temperature—whatever you prefer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
Fresh, crunchy vegetables contribute vibrant flavors and textures.
Light yet filling—perfect as a side or a main dish.
Customizable—swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.
Healthy ingredients that make you feel good about what you’re eating.
Great for meal prep—enjoy it throughout the week!
Deliciously satisfying, with a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Tips for Success
To make sure your oriental ramen salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip rinsing the noodles in cold water after cooking. It really helps keep them from getting mushy! If you want to add a bit more protein, grilled chicken or cubes of tofu work wonderfully—just toss them in at the end. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick! And if you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
One of the best things about this oriental ramen salad is how easy it is to mix things up! You can swap out the veggies for whatever you have on hand—think snap peas, cucumber, or even edamame for a fun twist. If you’re in the mood for something different, try using a peanut dressing instead of the soy sauce for a nutty flavor explosion! Want to add some protein? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu work beautifully and will make your salad even more satisfying. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this oriental ramen salad (which I doubt because it’s so tasty!), you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain that fresh crunch! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to reheat—just give it a good toss and serve it chilled or at room temperature. Trust me, it still tastes fantastic! If you do decide to warm it up, do so gently in the microwave, but I recommend enjoying it cold for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values for this oriental ramen salad can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take them as a guideline rather than exact figures. Typically, one serving contains about 300 calories, 15g of fat, 10g of protein, and 40g of carbs. Enjoy your healthy and delicious salad!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh.
What can I substitute for ramen noodles? If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, rice noodles work well! You can also use soba noodles for a different texture.
Can I add protein to my oriental ramen salad? Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are fantastic additions that’ll make your salad even heartier.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Definitely! This salad is great for meal prep as it lasts in the fridge, and you can enjoy it throughout the week.
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