Description
This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is a vibrant, refreshing side dish featuring a colorful medley of tri-color coleslaw, fresh snow peas, bell peppers, mandarin oranges, and water chestnuts. It’s tossed with crispy crushed ramen noodles and sliced almonds, then dressed with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing made from lemon juice, sugar, and sesame oil. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a light meal, this salad balances crunchy textures and bright flavors for a delightful Asian-inspired experience.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 pounds tri-color coleslaw
- 8 ounces fresh snow peas, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained well
- 8 ounces diced water chestnuts, drained well
- 4 green onions, sliced (green parts only)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, crushed
- 1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
Dressing
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the ramen noodles and almonds: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add crushed ramen noodles and sliced almonds. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Combine the vegetables and fruit: In a large mixing bowl, add tri-color coleslaw, sliced snow peas, red and yellow bell peppers, mandarin oranges, diced water chestnuts, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup vegetable oil, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until sugar is dissolved and dressing is well blended.
- Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add the crispy noodles and almonds: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted ramen noodles and almonds over the salad and gently toss to combine, maintaining their crunch.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the salad with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best crunch, add the toasted ramen noodles and almonds just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- You can substitute mandarin oranges with fresh orange segments or canned pineapple chunks for a different fruity twist.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or additional seasonings to customize the flavor in the dressing if desired.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Feel free to add cooked shredded chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.