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
Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients
- 28 ounces coleslaw mix
- 2 packages ramen broken into small pieces, seasoning packets reserved
- 8 green onions sliced
- 1 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 3/4 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix and dry ramen noodles.
- Add sliced green onions and toasted almonds and stir to evenly distribute.
- In a small saucepan, combine canola oil, rice wine vinegar, ramen noodle seasoning packets, sugar, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- Let dressing cool; pour half over coleslaw mix and stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Before serving, add remaining dressing and stir to combine.
Notes
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
Jess says
I can’t wait to make this! Perfect and different and inexpensive! Sounds like, despite the rain, the party was still an event to remember! 🙂
Judy says
It doesnt say to use the seasoning packet inside noodles. We always used oriental roman noodles and season packet included in dressing mixture
Jamie+@+Love+Bakes+Good+Cakes says
This is so easy!
MaryAnn says
You must cook the noodles???
Stephanie says
No you don’t cook the noodles.
Jayme says
Love it! It’s a fresh approach for me to heat the dressing to melt the sugar. I needed a little extra seasoning. Everything bagel kicked it right over the goal line.