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Delicious Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

4.8 from 124 reviews

A refreshing and crunchy ramen noodle salad featuring colorful vegetables, a tangy Asian-inspired dressing, and toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish. This quick and easy dish combines cooked and chilled ramen noodles with fresh bell peppers, carrots, cucumber, and green onions, perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.

Ingredients

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Salad

  • 2 packs instant ramen noodles (without seasoning)
  • 1 cup colorful bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Instructions

  1. Cook Noodles: Boil a large pot of water and cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions, approximately 3 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool them down and stop the cooking process, keeping the noodles firm and ready for the salad.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: While the noodles cool, chop the colorful bell peppers and slice the cucumber into thin, bite-sized pieces. This adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the salad.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled ramen noodles with chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, thin cucumber slices, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey or sugar, and freshly grated ginger. Adjust the sweetness to taste if desired, creating a balanced tangy and sweet dressing.
  5. Toss Salad and Serve: Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and nutty flavor before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute honey with sugar or maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt content moderate.
  • For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated for flavors to meld.
  • Ensure to rinse noodles well after cooking to avoid sogginess in the salad.

Keywords: Ramen Noodle Salad, Asian Salad, Cold Noodle Salad, Quick Summer Salad, Healthy Noodle Salad, Sesame Dressing