cold ramen noodle salad recipe

The Best cold ramen noodle salad recipe

I’ve been making this cold ramen noodle salad recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. I love how it’s a perfect combination of Asian-inspired flavors with a Western twist.

The dish is said to have originated from Japanese cuisine, but the modern version has been adapted and modified to suit Western tastes. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a quick and easy meal to make during the week.

It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and no cooking involved. The key home cooking technique is to combine all the ingredients in a big bowl and toss them together until everything is well coated.

This salad is not only delicious but also healthy, making it an excellent choice for families like mine who prioritize wholesome meals. My kids adore the crunchy texture of the noodles mixed with the creamy sauce, and my husband loves how it’s packed with protein and fiber.

I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – we can enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish at family gatherings or picnics. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to customize according to our tastes and dietary needs.

We often add diced chicken or tofu for added protein, or swap out the noodles for zucchini or carrots for a vegetarian option.

Cold Ramen Noodle Salad

4.9 from 1981 votes

A refreshing and flavorful cold ramen noodle salad perfect for a light meal or side dish. This dish combines tender ramen noodles, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing for a delightful summer dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Noodles

1 pack (3 oz) ramen noodles
2 cups water

For the Vegetables

1 cucumber, julienned
1 bell pepper, julienned
1 carrot, julienned
1 green onion, chopped

For the Dressing

3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger

For Garnish

1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot.
2Add the ramen noodles and cook for 3 minutes.
3Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, combine the julienned cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and chopped green onion.
5Add the cooled ramen noodles to the bowl.
6In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the dressing.
7Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture.
8Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
9Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10This step is crucial for enhancing the taste of the salad.
11Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir.
12Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top as garnish.
13Serve chilled and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Medium pot
Large bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 1.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: For added protein, you can include boiled eggs or tofu. Adjust the dressing ingredients to taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness.

This cold ramen noodle salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether we’re having a family gathering at home or packing lunches for school.

It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized according to our tastes and dietary needs.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to store in the fridge – simply keep it in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Ramen Noodle Salad

Q: What type of noodles should I use?

You can use any type of noodles you like, but I prefer thin, straight noodles like ramen or udon. They hold up well to the sauce and are easy to mix with other ingredients.

Q: Can I make this recipe without sesame oil?

Yes, you can omit the sesame oil if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it. However, keep in mind that sesame oil adds a distinct flavor and aroma that complements the other ingredients.

Q: How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

This salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its texture or flavor. If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately before mixing them together just before serving.

Q: Can I add other ingredients like vegetables or meat?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers, or protein sources like cooked chicken or tofu. Just be mindful of the texture and balance of flavors when adding new ingredients.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour or bread crumbs.

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