ramen pasta salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
ramen pasta salad recipe
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The Best ramen pasta salad recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a game-changer for any occasion. I first discovered ramen pasta salad at a family gathering, and it was love at first bite.

The combination of crunchy noodles, savory chicken, and fresh vegetables is absolute perfection. Since then, it’s become a staple in our household, and my kids request it every time they come home from school.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients and get rid of any veggies that are about to go bad. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. One of the things I love about this recipe is the way the flavors meld together – the sweetness of the noodles pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the chicken and the tanginess of the dressing.

And let’s not forget the texture – the crunch of the noodles, the juiciness of the chicken, and the freshness of the veggies all come together to create a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. As an added bonus, this recipe is also super healthy – it’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from all the veggies and lean protein sources.

Plus, it’s easy on the wallet since you can use affordable ingredients like ramen noodles and chicken breast.

Ramen Pasta Salad

Ramen Pasta Salad

4.5 from 1449 votes

A fusion dish combining the flavors of ramen with the texture of pasta salad. Crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing make this a refreshing side or light meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

1 (3 oz) package instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

For the Dressing

1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3In the same pot, bring another 2 cups of water to a boil.
4Break the ramen noodles into small pieces and add them to the boiling water, cooking for exactly 2 minutes until they are tender but still firm.
5Drain the ramen noodles and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool completely.
6In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
7This should take about 1 minute.
8In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, cooled ramen noodles, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
9Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently with two forks until all ingredients are evenly coated.
10Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the top of the salad and toss once more.
11Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve chilled or at room temperature.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

For added crunch, you can include 1/4 cup of crushed ramen noodles on top just before serving. To make it a complete meal, add cooked shredded chicken or edamame.

Watch Video Of How Ramen Pasta Salad Works

This ramen pasta salad is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick lunch for your family.

Plus, it stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezes well for later use.

One tip I have is to make extra batches when you’re cooking up a storm in your kitchen so that you can enjoy it later without having to cook from scratch each time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ramen Pasta Salad

Q: Can I use other types of noodles besides ramen?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with other types of noodles like udon or soba. Just keep in mind that these noodles have a slightly different texture and taste, so you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Q: How do I store leftover ramen pasta salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure to reheat only what you plan to eat immediately – as this dish is best served fresh.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Of course! Simply swap out the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein source – such as tofu or tempeh – and adjust seasonings accordingly.

Q: How do I customize this recipe to suit my taste preferences?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your personal preferences! Want more spice? Add some red pepper flakes! Prefer a creamier dressing? Blend in some Greek yogurt!

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time except for assembling them just before serving – which helps prevent sogginess from excess moisture in fridge.

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