Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: Oriental Ramen Salad! This salad is a burst of freshness with its vibrant colors and crunchy textures. It’s like a party in a bowl! I love how the ramen noodles come together with shredded carrots, crisp red cabbage, and bright green onions, all tossed in a savory sesame dressing that just pulls everything together beautifully. Trust me, it’s so quick to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a light, refreshing side dish for your gatherings. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be craving it all summer long!
Ingredients List
- 2 packs of ramen noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped red cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
How to Prepare Oriental Ramen Salad
Making this Oriental Ramen Salad is as easy as pie! Let’s dive right in, and I’ll guide you through each step so your salad turns out perfect every time. First things first, we need to cook those ramen noodles!
Cooking the Noodles
Start by boiling some water in a pot. Once your water’s bubbling like crazy, toss in the ramen noodles and cook them according to the package instructions—usually just about 3-5 minutes! You want them tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on them. Once they’re done, drain them and rinse them under cold water. This step is super important because it stops the cooking process and cools them down, which is perfect for our refreshing salad!
Preparing the Vegetables
While the noodles are cooking, let’s get those veggies ready! Grab your cutting board and a sharp knife. Shred the carrots using a box grater or a food processor if you have one. For the red cabbage and bell pepper, chop them into bite-sized pieces. And don’t forget to slice the green onions thinly. The colors and crunch of these veggies are what make this salad pop!
Making the Dressing
Now for my favorite part—making the dressing! In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, and sugar. This is where the magic happens! The soy sauce gives it that savory umami flavor, while the rice vinegar adds a nice tang. Make sure you’re tasting as you go; you want to balance those flavors just right!
Combining Ingredients
Finally, it’s time to bring everything together! In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles with your chopped veggies. Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss everything together gently. You want the dressing to coat all the ingredients evenly. Top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that delicious crunch. And voilà! You’ve made an amazing Oriental Ramen Salad that’s ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into this Oriental Ramen Salad! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities you use. Here’s a quick breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This salad is not only vibrant and delicious but also a great option if you’re looking for something light yet satisfying. Enjoy the crunch and flavors without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I make Oriental Ramen Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The flavors actually meld together nicely when it sits for a bit!
What can I add to make it more filling?
If you want to bulk it up, try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. It’s a great way to turn this salad into a complete meal without losing its refreshing vibe!
Can I use different vegetables?
For sure! One of the beauties of this Oriental Ramen Salad is its versatility. You can swap in any of your favorite veggies—like cucumbers, snap peas, or even edamame. Get creative, and make it your own!
Is this salad gluten-free?
The traditional ramen noodles aren’t gluten-free, but you can easily find gluten-free ramen or substitute with rice noodles. Just be sure to double-check the soy sauce if you’re avoiding gluten; you can use tamari instead!
How long does the salad last in the fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the softer the noodles and veggies will get, but it’ll still taste great! Just give it a good toss before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip it up in just 20 minutes!
- Healthy and light, making it a perfect side or main dish.
- Full of vibrant colors and crunchy textures that are so satisfying.
- Packed with fresh veggies and a savory dressing that’s bursting with flavor.
- Versatile—great for potlucks, picnics, or a simple weeknight dinner.
- Easily customizable; you can add your favorite proteins or veggies.
- Best served chilled, making it a refreshing choice for hot days.
- Kid-friendly and appealing to all ages—everyone will love it!
Tips for Success
Want to elevate your Oriental Ramen Salad to the next level? I’ve got some pro tips that will make your salad even more amazing!
- Chill your ingredients: For the ultimate refreshing experience, refrigerate your vegetables and dressing beforehand. Cold ingredients make for a crisp, delightful salad.
- Use high-quality soy sauce: The flavor of your dressing can really shine with a good soy sauce. Try using low-sodium soy sauce if you want to keep it lighter on salt.
- Add a little crunch: For extra texture, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds, like slivered almonds or sunflower seeds. They add a lovely crunch!
- Customize your dressing: If you like a little heat, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to your dressing. It gives a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can give your salad a burst of freshness. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the veggies!
- Make it a meal: If you’re turning this salad into a main dish, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu are fantastic additions. They make it filling and add protein!
- Don’t skimp on tossing: When combining everything, toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every noodle and veggie gets coated with that delicious dressing. It makes all the difference!
With these tips, you’ll be a ramen salad superstar in no time. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!
Variations
One of the best things about Oriental Ramen Salad is how flexible it is! You can totally make it your own with just a few simple swaps or additions. Here are some fun variations to get your creativity flowing:
- Veggie overload: Feel free to toss in any vegetables you have on hand! Cucumber, snap peas, and radishes add a nice crunch, while shredded zucchini or broccoli florets bring even more nutrition.
- Protein-packed: Want to make it more filling? Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu. They not only contribute protein but also complement the salad’s flavors beautifully.
- Spice it up: If you love a little heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or drizzle sriracha over the top. You can even add red pepper flakes to the dressing for that extra kick!
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint can brighten the dish and add a burst of flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the veggies!
- Noodle swap: Try using different types of noodles like soba or rice noodles for a unique twist. Each type brings its own texture and flavor to the table.
- Nutty addition: For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds, such as slivered almonds, peanuts, or even sunflower seeds. They add a delightful texture contrast!
- Sweeten the deal: If you like a hint of sweetness, toss in some mandarin oranges or dried cranberries. They add a lovely contrast to the savory elements of the salad!
So go ahead, get creative, and make this salad uniquely yours! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear about your delicious combinations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Oriental Ramen Salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days when everything is still nice and crunchy. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delightful!
Now, if you find yourself with leftovers, there’s no need to worry about reheating. This salad is best served chilled, so just give it a good toss right before enjoying it again. If you like, you can add a splash of fresh dressing to liven it up. Remember, nobody wants soggy noodles, so avoid microwaving it if you can help it! Just keep it cool and refreshing, and you’ll be all set to savor those yummy flavors anytime!
Print
Oriental Ramen Salad: 7 Magical Ways to Satisfy Cravings
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad with ramen noodles and vibrant vegetables, dressed in a savory sesame dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 packs of ramen noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped red cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the noodles, carrots, cabbage, green onions, and bell pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, and sugar.
- Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Notes
- Can add cooked chicken or tofu for protein.
- Best served chilled.
- Adjust the dressing to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Oriental Ramen Salad, Ramen Salad, Asian Salad, Cold Noodle Salad