Top Ramen Salad Recipe

Instant ramen noodles: These provide a crunchy texture and are the base of the salad.

Coleslaw mix: A convenient blend of shredded cabbage and carrots that adds freshness and crunch.

Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor, along with vibrant color.

Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.

Sliced almonds: Toasted for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.

Sunflower seeds: Add a subtle nutty taste and additional texture.

Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, adding richness and smoothness.

Rice vinegar: Adds a mild tanginess to the dressing, balancing the flavors.

Soy sauce: Contributes a salty, umami flavor to the dressing.

Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy and salty elements of the dressing.

Sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.

When preparing the coleslaw mix, ensure that the vegetables are fresh and crisp to maintain a satisfying crunch in the salad. For an added layer of flavor, lightly toast the crushed ramen noodles in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This will enhance their nutty taste and add an extra dimension to the dish.

• instant ramen noodles - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles offer a similar texture and can be easily crushed for the salad.

• coleslaw mix - Substitute with shredded cabbage and carrots: Shredded cabbage and carrots provide the same crunch and flavor profile as coleslaw mix.

• red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow or orange bell pepper: Yellow or orange bell peppers have a similar sweetness and crunch.

• green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• toasted sliced almonds - Substitute with toasted cashews: Toasted cashews provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

• sunflower seeds - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds offer a similar texture and nutty taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and neutral flavor.

• rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar tangy flavor and acidity.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and can be used in the same quantity.

• sesame oil - Substitute with toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil offers a more intense sesame flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• To store your Top Ramen Salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain the freshness and crunch of the coleslaw mix and crushed ramen noodles.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad can be kept for up to 2 days, but for the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to consume it within 24 hours.
• If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. Combine the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well before using.
• When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. This will ensure the vegetables and noodles remain crisp and flavorful.
• For freezing, it's not recommended to freeze the Top Ramen Salad as the coleslaw mix and bell pepper will lose their crispness and become soggy upon thawing. The crushed ramen noodles may also become mushy.
• If you must freeze, consider freezing only the dressing. Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dressing cubes to a freezer bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator and shake well before using.
• Always label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness. This is especially useful if you have multiple dishes stored in your refrigerator or freezer.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan.
  3. Add the leftover Top Ramen Salad to the skillet.
  4. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until the salad is warmed through.
  5. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Top Ramen Salad in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the salad halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check the temperature and microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
  6. Let it sit for a minute before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the Top Ramen Salad evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the salad with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
  2. Place the Top Ramen Salad in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Check to ensure the salad is warmed through.
  5. Remove from the steamer and serve immediately.

• Large mixing bowl: Use this to combine the crushed ramen noodles, coleslaw mix, red bell pepper, green onions, sliced almonds, and sunflower seeds.

• Small mixing bowl: This is perfect for whisking together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to make the dressing.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients until they are well combined.

• Chef's knife: Ideal for chopping the green onions and thinly slicing the red bell pepper.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and slicing vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, rice vinegar, and other liquid ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring smaller quantities like soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.

• Salad tongs: Handy for tossing the salad to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

• Refrigerator: If you choose to refrigerate the salad for up to 2 hours before serving, this will keep it fresh and crisp.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare the coleslaw mix, red bell pepper, and green onions in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-toasted nuts: Buy toasted sliced almonds and sunflower seeds to skip the toasting step.

Make dressing ahead: Whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil and store in the fridge.

Crush noodles in bag: Crush the ramen noodles while still in the package to save time and reduce mess.

Batch prep: Double the recipe and store leftovers for a quick meal later.