Ramen Noodle Salad

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This tangy and crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad is quick, inexpensive, and super delicious. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd as a side salad, or the hit of a potluck!

Table of Contents

I’ve come to love the crunch of uncooked noodles in my salads. In fact, our Oriental Chicken Salad is probably the most requested salad recipe in our home.

If you’re looking for a great side salad, this Ramen Noodle Salad is perfect alongside Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs or Asian Beef Kabobs.

I recall the first time I had this Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe. It was at a school potluck to start the new year. Am I ever glad I gravitated toward this particular salad amongst all the others on that table, because I fell in love. Then went back for more.

In a crowded gym of a hundred, I tracked down the person that brought a big batch of this Asian Salad, and it was a crowd pleaser. They happily passed over the recipe onto me, along with their Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Rolls for good measure.

Since then, every time that I’ve served this salad to guests or have taken it to a potluck, there’s been the same requests for the recipe for this perfect salad. To me the rave reviews are the ultimate sign of a potluck winner and a great side dish.

Another best potluck dish is BLT Ranch Pasta Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the perfect make-ahead salad to feed a crowd. It’s a welcome addition to any party or potluck, and will have people going back for more.
It’s inexpensive, and easy to put together just like our Broccoli Salad.
This Asian Salad with Ramen Noodles has a taste that will stand out.

Total Time: 1.5 Hours

Serves: 12

🛒 Ingredients and Notes

Coleslaw Mix – I like to use a store bought bag yet you can make your own using cabbage and carrots
Uncooked Ramen Noodles – Make sure to also use the seasoning packet.
Vegetable Oil – I prefer this type of oil over canola oil or olive oil for this recipe. Yet you can also use sesame oil too.
Soy Sauce – I like to use low sodium soy sauce to be in control of the sodium content by using added salt if needed. Yet the flavor packets might be salty enough.

As always, the full ingredients and recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

📌 What Flavour of Ramen Noodles Do I Use?

I use chicken flavor or beef ramen noodle packs, so either would work for this easy asian ramen noodle salad recipe. I have found that the seasoning packets have little impact on overall taste. Meaning, most people wouldn’t notice a difference between a salad made with the beef packet and one with the chicken.

⭐ Variations On Ramen Noodle Salad

While you could use fresh green cabbage and fresh carrots, I much prefer the ease and convenience of using a bag of store bought coleslaw when making my ramen noodle cabbage salad.
Sometimes if I have carrots and some extra cabbage on hand, I grate and add a bit more. I find that store bought bags of coleslaw are usually quite stingy on these, and I love the orange and purple punches of color.
There’s many ramen salad recipes out there and many variations to make it. Usually the difference is in the dressing. Mine is a combination of oil, vinegar, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and the packet of flavoring from the ramen noodles.
You could also add mandarin oranges, bean sprouts, snap peas, broccoli and even slivered almonds to your asian ramen salad recipe as well.

👩🏻‍🍳 How To Make Ramen Noodle Salad

In a large bowl mix together the coleslaw salad, green onions, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
Open the crunchy ramen noodles packages just enough to get the seasoning packets out. Lightly crush noodles while in package with hands. If serving within a couple of hours, also add the ramen noodles. If not, set aside until later unless you want a soggier noodle.
In a small bowl, add the dressing ingredients for the sweet dressing, and mix well. NOTE: add only one seasoning package and mix. Taste, and if needed, either add just half of the other package or all depending on preference in taste.
Add dressing to salad and give it a good toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve asian ramen salad chilled and enjoy.

The result is a sweet and sour tangy asian dressing. My suggestion is to make the dressing and then have a taste. Add a pinch more sugar if you think it’s needed, or a dash more of soy sauce. Yet please use low sodium soy sauce because it’ll be salty enough because of the flavor packets.

Recipe FAQ

How Long Does Ramen Noodle Salad Last?

Since the uncooked noodles soak up liquid as they sit, the noodles will get more and more soggy with time. If you prefer less of a crunch, let the salad rest longer before eating.

I love that crunch so I always serve within 2 hours of making this recipe, for me it is the best part. I’ve made this recipe without adding in the noodles before, then have added them in when I get to the potluck dinner. Just so that it’s as fresh as possible, that makes the best ramen noodle salad.

Are Ramen Noodles Healthy

Since this was the first question my kids asked before eating this salad, I thought I should include it here as well. My answer, is that they aren’t the healthiest, but there’s worse as with anything.

You add the noodles into this Ramen Salad uncooked, to get that crunch and texture that is key to this type of salad. If you are looking to make this recipe healthier, I would start with the seasoning packets and either use less or make your own seasoning.

More Salad Recipes to Try

I love this Roasted Red Potato Salad for barbecues and potlucks as well.
For a salad that is unique and makes me think of late summer months, this Cucumber Pomegranate Salad is one that I make often.
For a salad that is a hearty meal, this Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad is just the recipe for you. Keep in mind, this Ramen Noodle Salad can be a main dish, with the addition of meat like chicken, beef or shrimp.

If you’ve tried this simple Ramen Noodle Salad recipe or any other recipe on my blog please let me know how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Finally, consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you’re here. Thanks!