If you love a salad that delivers both punchy flavors and irresistible crunch, you have to try this Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw Recipe. It’s a dazzling mix of crisp broccoli slaw, toasted ramen noodles, and a vibrant dressing that brings everything together with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. Whether you’re after a simple lunch or a standout side dish for a potluck, this salad is refreshingly easy to whip up and absolutely addictive from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple is the secret to letting each flavor shine in this salad. Every component, from the broccoli slaw to the almonds, plays a crucial role in adding texture, color, and that distinctive crunch. The dressing ties everything together with bright and savory undertones.
- Broccoli slaw mix: The fresh, shredded broccoli forms the hearty, crunchy base of the salad.
- Instant ramen noodles: Discard the seasoning packets and use the noodles themselves for a playful crunch.
- Shredded red cabbage (optional): Adds a pop of deep purple color and extra crispness.
- Sliced almonds, toasted: Bring a nutty flavor and warm crunch that elevates every bite.
- Sunflower seeds: Add a subtle earthiness and additional texture contrast.
- Green onions, sliced: Give a mild sharpness and vibrant green bursts throughout.
- Dried cranberries (optional): Introduce a touch of sweetness and chewy texture.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil: Creates the smooth base for the dressing.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a gentle acidity that wakes up the flavors.
- Soy sauce: Delivers savory depth and umami richness.
- Honey or sugar: Balances the tang and saltiness with a hint of sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, fragrant note that’s unmistakably Asian-inspired.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the salad.
- Black pepper: Brings a mild kick that rounds off the dressing perfectly.
How to Make Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by placing the broccoli slaw mix into a large bowl. Next, take the uncooked ramen noodles and carefully crumble them into bite-sized pieces. If you want an extra dimension of flavor, lightly toast these noodles in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant. Add in the shredded red cabbage for that stunning hue, together with the toasted almonds and sunflower seeds. Finish off this base layer with sliced green onions and dried cranberries if you choose to include them.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a separate, smaller bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. This dressing is key to uniting the crisp vegetables and crunchy noodles with a tangy, slightly sweet finish.
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Pour the freshly made dressing over your salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every shred and seed gets coated. The dressing should cling lightly, enhancing the textures rather than weighing them down. For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld together while softening the noodles just enough without losing their signature crunch.
How to Serve Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra toasted almonds or a handful of sesame seeds on top to amplify the crunch factor and add that visual appeal. A few thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro leaves also brighten the presentation and freshen each serving.
Side Dishes
This salad shines next to grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced meal. It’s also a fantastic companion to heavier Asian-inspired mains like teriyaki meatballs or sticky rice dishes, cutting through richness with its vibrant acidity and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw Recipe in crisp lettuce cups as a fun handheld snack, or plate it on a colorful platter with edible flowers for an eye-catching brunch spread. You could even layer it in a clear jar for a portable lunch that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is at its best within a day or two, before the noodles start to lose too much crunch. Give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fresh vegetables and crunchy noodles can become soggy or lose texture after thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh for the ultimate crunch experience.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended since the salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you do want a warm side, consider preparing the ramen noodles separately and tossing in some of the salad ingredients afterward for contrast.
FAQs
Can I substitute the broccoli slaw mix?
Absolutely! If broccoli slaw isn’t available, shredded cabbage and carrots mixed together can be a great alternative, keeping a similar crunch and freshness.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional ramen noodles contain gluten, but you can swap in gluten-free ramen or crunchy rice noodles to keep it gluten-free without losing that delightful texture.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
Make it up to a few hours ahead of time for best results. The dressing softens the ramen noodles as it sits, so extended storage may diminish the signature crunch.
What if I don’t have toasted almonds or sunflower seeds?
Feel free to use other nuts or seeds like cashews, pepitas, or even chopped peanuts for a unique twist on texture and flavor.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be whisked or shaken up a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before tossing it with the salad for easier mixing.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw Recipe is a true game-changer when you want a crunchy, flavorful salad that comes together with minimal effort but maximum impact. Its balance of textures and bright dressing make it perfect for any occasion, from lunchtime to potlucks with friends. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and experience how this simple salad becomes an instant favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw is a vibrant and crunchy salad featuring a mix of broccoli slaw, crisp instant ramen noodles, and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for potlucks or quick lunches, this salad combines a delightful texture and a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with minimal prep and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 (16 oz) bag broccoli slaw mix
- 2 packages instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage (optional for extra color)
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries (optional)
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli slaw mix, crumbled uncooked ramen noodles, shredded red cabbage if using, toasted sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, sliced green onions, and dried cranberries if desired. Mix well to combine all the components evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Toss and coat: Pour the prepared dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing, distributing flavors evenly throughout the salad.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and softens the ramen noodles slightly while they retain their crunch.
- Optional toasting for extra crunch: For an enhanced crunchy texture, lightly toast the ramen noodles and sliced almonds in a skillet over medium heat before mixing them into the salad.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a refreshing and crunchy side dish or a light meal, ideal for picnics and potlucks.
Notes
- To enhance the crunch, you can toast the ramen noodles and almonds lightly in a skillet before adding them to the salad.
- This salad is best enjoyed the same day to maintain maximum freshness and texture, though it can be prepared a few hours ahead.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, increase honey or sugar to taste.
