This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad is a colorful mix of fresh veggies and crispy ramen noodles all tossed in a tasty dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal!
This salad is so crunchy that it’s hard to resist. I love how the noodles add a fun twist to the usual salad routine. Plus, it comes together super quickly! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: I use both green and red cabbage for color and texture. If you can’t find red cabbage, green cabbage alone works fine, but the color contrast is appealing.
Ramen Noodles: The regular instant ramen works great here. If you’re gluten-free, try rice noodles or even shredded carrots for a fun twist.
Nuts: I love using peanuts for crunch, but cashews are a great substitute. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds can add a nice touch.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro adds freshness, but if you’re not a fan, try swapping it out with fresh parsley or omit it entirely without losing much flavor.
How Can I Get the Perfect Crunch in My Salad?
Keeping your salad crunchy is all about timing and technique! Here are some tips:
- Be sure to add the ramen noodles and nuts just before serving. This ensures they stay crispy!
- For the cabbage and carrots, you can shred them a few hours in advance, but store them in the refrigerator to keep them crisp.
- Let the salad rest for a bit after adding the dressing. This helps meld the flavors while ensuring the noodles don’t get too soft too quickly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a deliciously crunchy salad every time!
Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad With Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1-2 large carrots, shredded or julienned
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 package (3 ounces) ramen noodles, broken into small pieces (uncooked)
- 1/3 cup roasted peanuts or cashews, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (white and/or black)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (like canola or other neutral oil)
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to mix up the ingredients, and then just let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow all those delicious flavors to come together. Perfect for a speedy weekday meal or a vibrant side dish at a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Veggies:
In a large salad bowl, toss together the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, thinly sliced green onions, chopped snow peas, and chopped cilantro until everything is mixed well. The colorful mix already looks inviting!
2. Add the Crunch:
Next, sprinkle in the broken uncooked ramen noodles, your choice of chopped peanuts or cashews, and the sesame seeds. Gently toss everything again, being careful not to crush those crunchy noodles.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and Sriracha (if you like a bit of spice). Mix it well until you have a tasty dressing ready to go!
4. Combine & Toss:
Pour the dressing over your salad mix and toss everything together thoroughly to ensure all the veggies and noodles are well-coated with the dressing. Yum!
5. Time to Rest:
Let your salad sit for about 10 minutes. This little wait helps the flavors blend together nicely while still keeping that satisfying crunch.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Finally, serve your salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
This vibrant salad staples your table with its great Asian-inspired flavor and a delightful contrast of fresh veggies and crispy ramen noodles. Dive in and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Noodles Instead of Ramen?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute ramen noodles with rice noodles or even soba noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions if you choose to cook them.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the noodles may become softer over time. You can always add a bit of extra dressing to refresh it when serving again!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the salad ingredients a day in advance. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to ensure the noodles stay crispy!
What Are Some Good Variations I Can Try?
Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even edamame. You can also add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for added protein to make it a complete meal!
