Imagine a vibrant salad that’s not just a side dish, but the star of your next family dinner or summer gathering. The Ramen Cabbage Salad is a perfect blend of crunchy ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy oriental dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser.
This hearty salad serves 6 and is packed with a colorful mix of green and purple cabbage, carrots, and green onions, all topped with almonds for added crunch. It’s a make-ahead friendly recipe that improves with time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Key Takeaways
- A versatile and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Combines fresh vegetables with crunchy ramen noodles for a unique texture.
- Serves 6 people, making it ideal for potlucks or summer events.
- Improves with time, making it a great make-ahead recipe.
- Delivers impressive results with its simplicity and flavor.
What Makes Ramen Cabbage Salad So Popular
The unique blend of textures and flavors in ramen cabbage salad is a key factor in its popularity. “I thought this ramen noodle salad recipe was exclusive to the mom community of suburban Massachusetts,” writes BA editor Hilary Cadigan. This quote highlights the salad’s widespread appeal across different cultures and regions.
The Perfect Blend of Textures and Flavors
The contrasting textures of crisp cabbage and crunchy ramen noodles create an irresistible mouthfeel. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavor profiles in the dressing complements the vegetables and noodles, making it a crowd-pleaser.
A Versatile Side Dish for Any Occasion
Ramen cabbage salad works well as both a casual weeknight side and an impressive addition to special occasion meals and potlucks. It complements various main dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian options, and has become a favorite across generations due to its nostalgic appeal.
Essential Ingredients for Ramen Cabbage Salad
Creating a Ramen Cabbage Salad requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients to achieve the ideal harmony of flavors and textures. The salad’s foundation is its fresh produce components.
Fresh Produce Components
The salad base consists of 4 cups of shredded green cabbage and 2 cups of shredded red cabbage, providing a vibrant color contrast and a balance of flavors. Additionally, 1 cup of shredded carrots adds a pop of color and sweetness. It’s crucial to shred or slice these vegetables to the right thickness for the best texture.
Crunchy Ramen and Nuts
2 packages of ramen noodles, broken into chunks, serve as the signature ingredient, adding crunch to the salad. The ramen seasoning packets are reserved for the dressing. Almonds, toasted to perfection, contribute richness, protein, and an extra layer of crunch.
Sweet and Tangy Dressing
The dressing is a blend of 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1/3 cup of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. The ramen seasoning packets add depth and umami to the dressing, enhancing its overall flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Creating a mouth-watering Ramen Cabbage Salad is easier than you think. With a few simple steps, you can prepare a delicious and crunchy salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by washing and drying the cabbages and carrots. Cut them into consistent pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad. Proper cutting techniques will help maintain the crunch factor.
Making the Perfect Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and ramen noodle seasoning packet. The key to a great dressing is emulsifying the oil and vinegar, so whisk thoroughly.
Combining and Tossing the Salad
Place the prepared cabbages, carrots, crushed ramen noodles, green onions, and almonds in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 8 hours.
Tips for the Best Ramen Cabbage Salad
To make the best Ramen Cabbage Salad, consider a few expert tips that will elevate your dish. The key to a great salad is in the preparation and the timing.
Preserving the Crunch Factor
To maintain the crunchy ramen noodles, add them to the salad just before serving. You can also toast the noodles and almonds beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunchiness. Store them separately if you’re preparing the salad in advance to prevent sogginess.
Time-Saving Shortcuts
For busy cooks, using pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix can save a significant amount of prep time. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste by modifying the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing. When scaling the recipe up or down, consider the number of servings needed and adjust accordingly to save time.
Delicious Variations of Ramen Cabbage Salad
One of the best things about ramen cabbage salad is its adaptability. You can modify it to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a great option for various occasions.
Protein Additions for a Main Dish
To turn your ramen cabbage salad into a satisfying main course, consider adding protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also increase the salad’s nutritional value. You can also experiment with different seasonings to complement your chosen protein.
Alternative Ingredients and Substitutions
You can further customize your ramen cabbage salad by incorporating alternative vegetables such as snow peas or red bell peppers. For those with nut allergies, sesame seeds or sunflower seeds can be used as substitutes for almonds. Additionally, you can adjust the dressing by using sesame oil and rice vinegar for an Asian-inspired flavor or olive oil and lemon for a Mediterranean twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage Information
Making Ramen Cabbage Salad can be done in stages, allowing you to manage your time more efficiently. To keep the salad fresh, it’s crucial to understand how to prepare and store its components.
Preparing Components in Advance
You can shred the cabbage and toast the slivered almonds a day ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Save the ramen flavor packet for the dressing, which will make more than you need. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How Long It Keeps in the Refrigerator
The fully assembled salad is best consumed immediately to enjoy the crunchy ramen texture. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a day. To refresh leftover salad, consider adding fresh ramen noodles or nuts to restore crunch.
Conclusion: Why This Ramen Cabbage Salad Will Become a Family Favorite
This salad is not just a side dish, it’s a way to get your family to enjoy more vegetables. The Ramen Cabbage Salad stands out due to its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be a main course with protein additions or a side dish at family gatherings. The crunchy ramen and almonds add a delightful texture, while the cabbage and other vegetables provide a nutrient-rich meal. You can make it ahead, customize it to your taste, and share it with friends and family.
FAQ
What is the best way to store leftover Ramen Noodle Salad?
Can I customize the salad with other ingredients?
How do I make the dressing from scratch?
Is this salad suitable for a week-long meal prep?
Can I use other types of noodles instead of Ramen noodles?
How can I make this salad more substantial as a main dish?
- 17 Salads We’d Be Happy to Eat for Dinner – https://www.foodandwine.com/salads/dinner-salads
- These Cool, Crunchy Summer Salads Are Anything But Boring – https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g39969197/summer-salad-recipes/
- 45 Best Salads to Pair with Lunch and Dinner – https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/top-salad-recipes/?srsltid=AfmBOoqxwTSj3GB8gWd7UyoAHm95JafnVN3wd-RIYpT4ieoU_nKmZsvS
- Dressing Up Greens: The Evolution of Salad Dressings – https://medium.com/@henrywilliamdurham/dressing-up-greens-the-evolution-of-salad-dressings-ddf8e7dd74ce
- Salads, Tossed or Otherwise: They’re Calling Again – https://twobossydames.substack.com/p/salads-tossed-or-otherwise-theyre
- 3 Easy Salad Recipes for Dinner You’ll Love
- https://whatfordinner.com/salads/easy-salad-recipes/
