Ramen Cabbage Salad

Whenever I’m in the mood for something fresh and exciting, I whip up my go-to dish: Ramen Cabbage Salad. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress at gatherings, and I love how it balances crunchy textures with a delightful peanut dressing. The first time I made it, I was simply looking for a quick, healthy option, but I discovered a flavor explosion that had everyone coming back for seconds! I vividly remember my friends raving about it, asking for the recipe, and craving it long after our gathering ended. The bright colors of the vegetables and the savory, nutty dressing made it a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients to Make Ramen Cabbage Salad

To create the Ramen Cabbage Salad, you’ll need a medley of vibrant and fresh ingredients. This salad not only bursts with flavors but also provides essential nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect balance between crunchy textures and creamy dressing.

• Cole Slaw Mix (16 oz.) – A convenient pre-mixed blend of shredded cabbage and carrots, perfect for a quick salad base.
• Purple Cabbage (1/2 head) – Adds an extra crunch and a pop of color.
• Green Onions (2-3, chopped) – Bring a mild onion flavor and beautiful green accents.
• Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped) – Adds a fresh, zesty touch that brightens the dish.
• Sliced Almonds (1/2 cup) – Gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Ramen Noodles (3 oz.) – The heart of the salad, these noodles soak up the dressing and provide a satisfying texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1/3 cup) – The key ingredient for the dressing, offering creaminess and rich flavor.
• Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons) – Helps to create a smooth dressing.
• Lime Juice (2 tablespoons) – Adds acidity to balance the richness of the peanut butter.
• Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – A touch of sweetness and tanginess for the dressing.
• Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Provides umami depth to the dressing; use Tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Infuses the dressing with aromatic flavor.
• Maple Syrup or Honey (2-3 tablespoons) – Sweetens the dressing perfectly; adjust to your taste.
• Freshly Minced Ginger (1/2 teaspoon) – Adds warmth and spice to the dressing.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/4-1/2 teaspoon) – Offers a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
• Sea Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
• Water (3 tablespoons, more or less as needed) – Adjust the dressing consistency to your liking.

The Process for Making Ramen Cabbage Salad

Making the Ramen Cabbage Salad is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps to whip up a delicious and nutritious dish that everyone will love. You’ll find that each step enhances the flavors and textures beautifully.

1. Start by preparing your vegetables. Take the cole slaw mix, purple cabbage, and green onions. Chop them if necessary, ensuring they’re bite-sized. The colorful blend of greens will be the base of your salad, providing a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables. Toss them gently to ensure they’re well mixed. You want to create an inviting and colorful salad that’s visually appealing.

3. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, vegetable oil, lime juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, you can add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the dressing, along with the maple syrup or honey. Stir well to blend all the flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.

5. Now, pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated. If you’re unsure about using all the dressing, you can reserve some and add it later.

6. Crush the ramen noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad. This is a crucial step, as the noodles add a delightful crunch and soak up the dressing beautifully.

7. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top, adding extra texture and flavor. Toss the salad lightly once more to incorporate everything.

8. For an extra touch, garnish with additional cilantro before serving. This will enhance the salad’s presentation and freshness.

9. Finally, if you have any leftovers, store them in sealed containers in the refrigerator. This salad keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep or as leftovers.

Recipe Tips about Ramen Cabbage Salad

Here are some helpful tips to elevate your Ramen Cabbage Salad experience!

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, to maintain the salad’s crunch.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing this salad, as the textures of the fresh vegetables will not hold up well once thawed.
• Pairing: Serve this salad alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with dishes like grilled chicken or fish.
• Meal Prep: Prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead of time, and store them separately. Just combine them before serving for a quick meal on busy days.
• Variations: Experiment with other nuts like cashews or toppings like sliced bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.

What to Pair With Ramen Cabbage Salad

When serving your Ramen Cabbage Salad, consider these delicious pairings that will complement its fresh flavors:

• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken thighs or breasts make for a satisfying protein addition.
• Fish: Lightly seasoned grilled salmon or tilapia adds a rich flavor that harmonizes well with the salad.
• Vegan Options: For a plant-based meal, consider adding grilled tofu or chickpeas to boost protein content.
• Wraps: This salad is perfect as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups for a fun twist.
• Seasonal Fruits: Incorporate slices of mango or avocado for a seasonal touch that brings sweetness to the dish.
• Occasions: Ideal for picnics, BBQs, or as a light lunch; it’s versatile enough to suit various dining occasions.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Ramen Cabbage Salad is a wonderful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try; it’s not only easy to prepare but incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or enjoying it as a quick lunch, this salad will surely impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Ramen Cabbage Salad

The perfect blend of crunch and creaminess, Ramen Cabbage Salad with a peanut dressing is a must-try! Fast, fresh, and full of flavor, this salad is an easy weeknight dinner or a hit at gatherings. Make it tonight for a delightful, satisfying meal!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Salads

Cuisine Asian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 1 bag Cole Slaw Mix 16 oz.
• 1/2 head Purple Cabbage chopped
• 2-3 pieces Green Onions chopped
• 1/2 cup Cilantro chopped
• 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds
• 1 package Ramen Noodles 3 oz.
• 1/3 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce or Tamari for gluten free option
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2-3 tablespoons Maple Syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Minced Ginger
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• Sea Salt
• Pepper
• 3 tablespoons Water more or less as needed

Instructions

 

• Chop/cut vegetables accordingly and combine in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
• For the dressing, whisk all ingredients together aside from the water in a small mixing bowl. Add water to thin out if desired.
• Either pour dressing over salad and toss to combine, or wait until ready to serve to add dressing. (Add desired amount of dressing, you don't have to use the entire amount.)
• Toss in crushed up ramen noodles and peanuts just before serving. Top with extra cilantro for garnish.
• Refrigerate leftovers in sealed containers.

Notes

• Tip 1: For easier prep, buy pre-chopped veggies!
• Tip 2: Adjust the dressing to your desired thickness.
• Tip 3: Not all peanut butters are created equally; the drippy natural kind works best.
• Tip 4: Make this salad a meal: add grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu.
• Tip 5: Sliced almonds can replace peanuts for a different crunch!

Keyword Cabbage Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Peanut Dressing, Ramen Salad Recipe