Ramen Noodles… reinvented! This Asian-inspired Ramen Noodle Salad is savory, sweet and deliciously crunchy. The perfect side dish for any meal!

I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the hunt for new summer salads.

Sure… we all love a good pasta salad, and you can’t go wrong with coleslaw… but sometimes you just need to mix it up. And this Ramen Noodle Salad is just the way to do it!

Also known as “Sumi Salad”, it’s a delicious combination of coleslaw mix, ramen noodles, toasted almonds, green onions, and a sweet, tangy dressing. It’s a little bit out of the ordinary and ALWAYS a crowd favorite.

I first ran across it when my sister in law brought it to a family event and it was instantly devoured by adults and kids, alike! It’s savory, sweet, crunchy, and so flavorful… and sure to be one of your family’s new favorites.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Coleslaw mix – 2 bags (14 ounces each) coleslaw mix, which equates to about 14 cups total. Substitute shredded cabbage & carrots if you prefer.

Ramen noodles – 2 packages ramen, any flavor. I’ve made this salad with chicken flavored and beef flavored ramen, and both are delicious.

Green onions – 1 bunch of green onions. I used about 8, but feel free to use more or less to taste.

Sliced almonds – 1 cup sliced almonds, which can be found in the baking aisle. Toast them lightly in a skillet on the stovetop.

Dressing – The dressing for this salad is a simple combination of oil, rice wine vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, pepper, and the seasoning packets from the ramen.

how to make ramen noodle salad

Combine the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, broken ramen noodles, toasted almonds, and green onions. Toss to mix.

Make the dressing. In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup canola oil, 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, ramen seasoning packets, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil; stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Combine & chill. Pour half of dressing over salad ingredients and refrigerate. Just before serving, pour remaining dressing over salad and toss.

toasting almonds

Toasting almonds is easy to do, with just one ingredient (sliced almonds) and a small skillet. Add the almonds to the skillet and heat on medium-low heat, stirring regularly, for 5-7 minutes or until light golden brown. Watch almonds closely to avoid burning.

Recipe Variations

Use any flavor of ramen
Add additional vegetables, such as lightly steamed broccoli, pea pods, or bell pepper
Add shelled edamame (mukimame)
Add chow mein noodles or wonton strips for extra crunch
Add sesame seeds or drained mandarin oranges
Substitute unsalted peanuts for the almonds
Add grilled chicken for a heartier salad