Ramen Salad Recipe
Ramen Salad merges the ease of quick meals with the zest of fresh, vibrant ingredients. This dish stands out not only for its crisp texture and lively flavors but also as a canvas for culinary creativity, making it ideal for both quick lunches and festive gatherings.
Overview of Ramen Salad
This recipe transforms simple ramen noodles into a gourmet salad base, topped with a medley of vegetables and accented with a light, homemade dressing. The contrast between the crunchy almonds and the tender edamame beans, along with the sweet pop of mandarin oranges, gives this salad a delightful variety of textures.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this salad apart is its ingenious use of ramen noodles, not as a soup base but as a crunchy, toasted salad ingredient. This unexpected twist not only utilizes a pantry staple in an inventive way but also adds a satisfying crunch that elevates the dish.
Ingredients Breakdown
Detailed list and purpose of ingredients in the salad including coleslaw mix, ramen noodles, edamame, carrots, almonds, scallions, mandarin oranges, and sesame seeds. Options for ingredient substitutions are discussed, offering alternatives for noodles, honey, and edamame.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Instructions include preparing the noodles and almonds, mixing the dressing, and combining the salad ingredients, providing a clear guide to assembling the salad.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Ensure the Noodles are Perfectly Toasted: Keep a close eye on the oven through the glass to prevent the noodles from burning.
- Tips for Making the Dressing Flavorful: Balance the tangy vinegar with the sweetness of honey, and adjust the seasoning with soy sauce and pepper to taste.
- How to Store Leftovers: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Can the Salad be Made in Advance?: Yes, but add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Best side dishes to complement Ramen Salad and beverage pairings are discussed, suggesting grilled chicken or tofu skewers and steamed rice or quinoa, with wine or sangria as drinks.
Dressing Variations
Alternative dressing recipes for different tastes and vegan dressing options are explored, enhancing the adaptability of the salad to various dietary preferences.
This Ramen Salad is a testament to the versatility of simple ingredients, transformed into a dish that’s both pleasing to the palate and the eye. It encourages culinary exploration and customization, inviting you to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
- 1 package (3 ounces) ramen noodles
- 1 1/2 cups shelled and thawed frozen edamame
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced, including both white and green parts
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, canned in light syrup, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey, or agave for a vegan alternative
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Begin by positioning an oven rack in the center and preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. Take the ramen noodles and break them over a baking sheet, spreading them out along with the sliced almonds in an even layer. Allow them to bake for 5 minutes. After removing them from the oven, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top, give them a gentle toss, and return to the oven for an additional 1 to 3 minutes, until they are aromatic and have turned a golden brown. Be vigilant to prevent any burning. Once done, set them aside to cool.
In a separate, smaller bowl, vigorously mix the dressing ingredients. Combine the rice vinegar, olive oil, honey (or agave), soy sauce, salt, and pepper until well blended. This can also be efficiently done in a mason jar with a tight lid, ensuring a good shake.
In a large serving bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, thawed edamame, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced scallions. Introduce the toasted ramen noodles and almonds into the bowl. Drizzle the freshly prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are nicely coated. Finally, top with the mandarin orange segments for a burst of sweetness.
Chill in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your vibrant and crunchy Ramen Salad, a perfect dish for any gathering or a refreshing meal on a warm day.
Ramen Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 bag 16 ounces coleslaw mix
- 1 package 3 ounces ramen noodles
- 1 1/2 cups shelled and thawed frozen edamame
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds
- 4 scallions thinly sliced, including both white and green parts
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments canned in light syrup, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave for a vegan alternative
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by positioning an oven rack in the center and preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. Take the ramen noodles and break them over a baking sheet, spreading them out along with the sliced almonds in an even layer. Allow them to bake for 5 minutes. After removing them from the oven, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top, give them a gentle toss, and return to the oven for an additional 1 to 3 minutes, until they are aromatic and have turned a golden brown. Be vigilant to prevent any burning. Once done, set them aside to cool.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, vigorously mix the dressing ingredients. Combine the rice vinegar, olive oil, honey (or agave), soy sauce, salt, and pepper until well blended. This can also be efficiently done in a mason jar with a tight lid, ensuring a good shake.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, thawed edamame, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced scallions. Introduce the toasted ramen noodles and almonds into the bowl. Drizzle the freshly prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are nicely coated. Finally, top with the mandarin orange segments for a burst of sweetness.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your vibrant and crunchy Ramen Salad, a perfect dish for any gathering or a refreshing meal on a warm day.