This quick and easy Asian Ramen Coleslaw is a fast and effortless salad that leaves everyone craving for seconds! This vibrant, zesty, and crunchy Asian Slaw recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, and beyond!
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Chances are, you have seen this recipe, or a version of it floating around the internet. It is a classic side dish that is favored for any large gatherings due to how easy it is to prepare! No cooking needed, simply assemble and enjoy!
Ramen Noodle Asian Salad
Although I am not sure where this salad originated, I am thankful to whoever created it! The flavor combination of shredded cabbage, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, green onions, and crunchy Ramen noodles is mouthwatering and one that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.
Since there is no cooking involved, you can basically open a few bags, toss the ingredients into a bowl, mix up, and enjoy! It doesn’t get any easier than that, right?!
Ingredients Needed for Asian Ramen Coleslaw
See printable recipe card below for exact ingredient amount and step by step directions.
- Cabbage– I buy the bags of shredded cabbage that include slivered carrots as well. This saves so much time and effort on the prep side of things.
- Green Onions– chopped, this adds such a burst of flavor throughout the salad.
- Slivered Almonds– don’t skip the toasting part. It really enhances the crunchiness and adds a depth of flavor you don’t want to miss out on.
- Butter– use this to toast the slivered almonds.
- Ramen Noodles– I use the Oriental flavored ramen noodles, setting the seasoning packed aside for the homemade sauce.
- Sunflower Seeds– this adds to the crunchiness of the salad.
- Soy Sauce– reduced sodium is what I use.
- Red Wine Vinegar– if you don’t have this on hand, feel free to use white wine vinega, rice wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
- Peanut Oil– if you don’t have any on hand, you can also use olive oil or any other oil available.
Optional Add In’s and Variations
- Add some Sesame oil into the sauce for an added flavor boost. No more than about 3-4 tsp.
- Fresh garlic and ginger are great additions to this coleslaw.
- Use different slaws such as broccoli slaw or carrot slaw.
- Feel free to enhance this by adding in some shredded chicken such as Rotisserie, bell peppers, edamame, mandarin oranges, celery, radishes, cashews, and/or sesame seeds.
- If you can’t find Oriental Ramen noodles, you can use chicken flavored ramen in its place.
- Add some ground black pepper to taste.
How to make Asian Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
It couldn’t be easier. Check out these simple instructions for making this salad.
- In a skillet, toast the almonds in the butter. Set aside.
- Crush the Ramen noodles and combine with the cabbage, green onions, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, oil, and seasoning packet from the Ramen noodles.
- Pour dressing mixture over coleslaw before serving. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve!
Tips for the best Ramen Salad
- To make less of a mess, crush the Ramen noodles while they are still in the package. I typically go over to the sink and crush the package up a few times. On the off chance that the package rips, I am over the sink and the mess is container.
- Use store bought slaw to save on the prep time.
- Prepare this salad the night before needed. The liquid will soften the noodles and really fuse the flavors together nicely.
- Use chow mein noodles in place of the Ramen noodles.
- If you want to prepare this ahead of time, but want to save the crunch, feel free to prepare the salad and sauce separately and pour dressing over once ready to serve!
How to store leftover Asian Ramen Coleslaw
This ramen noodle coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply toss to recoat the ingredients with the sauce and serve. The crunch will diminish over time as the noodles will absorb some liquid and soften up, but the same great flavor will still be there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Ramen Noodles supposed to be uncooked?
Yep! Leave these noodles uncooked as you want the added crunch. As the liquid coats the noodles, they partially soften and end up being the perfect texture.
Do I need to use the seasoning packed from the Ramen noodles?
Nope! If you want to control the sodium and additives a bit more, feel free to omit the seasoning packet and simply add in a bit of sesame oil.
How do I make this a bit healthier?
Feel free to use Kale in place of the cabbage, omit the seasoning packed to decrease on sodium, and adding in some dried fruits.
Do I need to add in the crushed Ramen noodles?
Although it isn’t NEEDED, I definitely recommend adding this into the ramen noodle salad. This is what adds most of the crunch and makes up a good portion of the salad.
Where did Ramen originate?
Ramen originated from China but was made famous by a man named Momofuku Ando. He established Nissin Food Products and founded the Ando Foundation. In 1958, Momofuku invented Chicken Ramen, the world’s first instant ramen, creating the instant ramen industry.
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
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Ultimate Potato Salad– a classic potato salad that includes hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, onion, and more tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing!
Chopped Caprese Salad– a classic with the perfect trio of fresh mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and basil. Drizzled with a balsamic glaze, it is the perfect flavor-packed salad!
Easy Italian Pasta Salad– a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp broccoli, tangy olives, and creamy mozzarella cheese covered in Italian dressing.
Egg Salad– comes together in no time and is packed with flavor! Serve on a sandwich, lettuce wraps, or on its own for a tasty meal!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad– a tasty pasta salad combining shredded chicken, crispy bacon crumbles, cheese and creamy ranch dressing.
What to serve Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw With
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Asian Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package shredded cabbage
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 3 oz slivered almonds
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 package Ramen Noodles, oriental flavor, set aside flavor packet
- 1 cup sunflower seeds, salted
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar *can use white vinegar if desired
- 1/2 cup peanut oil *or oil of choosing
Instructions
- In a skillet, toast the almonds in the butter. Set aside.
- Crush the Ramen noodles and combine with the cabbage, green onions, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, oil, and seasoning packet from the Ramen noodles.
- Pour dressing mixture over coleslaw before serving.
- Keep coleslaw refrigerated until serving! Enjoy!
Nutrition
Bev
What is the weight of the packages of shredded cabbage and ramen noodles?
Kristin
3 oz package of Ramen noodles and 14-16 oz shredded cabbage
Rita Pieper
Just made it….it was good! Hubby loved it!
Will definitely make again…..did use half the oil.
Kristin
Yay!! Glad to hear you enjoyed!!
Robyn
Sunflower seeds can be in the shell?
Thanks!
Kristin
Yep, I just buy them from the grocery store, mine are located near the produce section
Rosanna
Good salad. I reduced the oil to 1/4 cup and it was enough – have tried other salads that were similar so knew in advance to cut back on the oil. I’ve also made with chicken flavoured package and added shredded chicken. Prefer without chicken when using as a side dish.
Kristin
So glad you enjoyed! Great idea on adding chicken, I will need to try that too!
Alice Hutto
I have been making something similar to this for years and love it , even better the next day. I use the pre- packaged Broccoli Coleslaw mix. My family loves it !! Will try next with the cole slaw mix.
Kristin
Hope you enjoy! Ill need to try the Broccoli Coleslaw sometime too!
Judy
I make this with sesame oil and add some cooked shrimp. Amazing!
Kristin
Ooooo yum! That sounds great too!!
Vera
How taste uncooked noodles? Recipes look interest
Kristin
The oils soften the noodles! They don’t end up tasting crunchy and uncooked, they are somewhat tender, but still have a crispness to them if that makes sense. Its quite tasty!
Emogene N Oliver
Your recipe is very similar to one I have been making for years. It is California Coleslaw. It has sesame seeds instead of sunflower seeds and doesn’t have soy sauce. I know yours would be very good because the one I make is good. I can eat it by itself. I always look forward to seeing your posts.
Kristin
Oh yum, yours sounds just as yummy too!! I love hearing you are enjoying my posts/recipes! I enjoy sharing them, so keep following along!!
Pam
I enjoyed this overall. It was a little oily so will cut back that a bit next time. Thanks for sharing!
Kristin
Glad to hear you enjoyed it! You can definitely cut back on oil if desired! Good idea!!
Vicki Breslow
Why the butter? Not for me!!! Otherwise sounds great!!!
Kristin
It adds a savory flavor! Feel free to omit and try without it though! Enjoy!
Gail
Your Ramen Coleslaw was delicious for our Christmas in July salad lunch! Will certainly make it more often
Kristin
Yea! So glad you enjoyed it!
Janet Bradley
Recioe sounds amazing, if I do add cooked chicken
To this recipe, would I double the sauce ingredients?
Thanks, Janet
Kristin
Nope, no need to double sauce! Add about 1-2 cups of cooked chicken to the recipe! It’ll be great! Enjoy!
TeriQ
Have you ever added chicken to this?
Kristin
No, but as long as its precooked chicken, I bet that would be a great addition! It could be a meal in itself! Yum!!
Doreen Murray
Are the noodles cooked
Kristin
Nope, the liquid moistens these, but no need to cook!
Sam
Roughly what is the calorie count? Thanks.
Kristin
Per Serving: 253 calories; 12.5 g fat; 30.5 g carbohydrates; 7.1 g protein; 0 mg cholesterol; 543 mg sodium
Etta Milhoan
I can’t wait to try this recipe. I love all that I see.
Kristin
Be sure to let me know what you think once you try it!