Description
This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that combines the crispness of tri-color coleslaw and snow peas with the sweet bursts of mandarin oranges and the satisfying crunch of crushed ramen noodles and sliced almonds. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing featuring lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, and a touch of garlic powder, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a crunchy side to an Asian-inspired meal, it takes just 30 minutes to prepare and serves 16 generously.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruits
- 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
Crunchy Elements
- 2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, crushed
- 1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for toasting almonds and noodles)
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 Crunchy Toppings: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed ramen noodles and sliced almonds. Toast them, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the tri-color coleslaw, sliced snow peas, red and yellow bell peppers, drained mandarin oranges, diced water chestnuts, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- 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 the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the mixed salad vegetables and fruits. Toss gently but thoroughly so that every ingredient is coated with the dressing evenly.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted ramen noodles, sliced almonds, and optional sesame seeds over the salad. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the crunchy elements without them becoming soggy.
Notes
- For best texture, add the toasted noodles and almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- You can substitute mandarin oranges with canned pineapple chunks if preferred.
- Feel free to add cooked shredded chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Store leftovers separately, especially the crunchy noodles and almonds, to maintain freshness.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing to taste if a less sweet dressing is desired.
