Top Ramen Salad Recipe

Ramen noodles: These are the base of the salad, providing a satisfying crunch.

Cabbage: Adds a fresh and crisp texture.

Carrots: Provides sweetness and color.

Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor.

Toasted sliced almonds: Adds a nutty flavor and crunch.

Sunflower seeds: Adds extra texture and a slight nutty taste.

Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing.

Rice vinegar: Adds acidity and tanginess to the dressing.

Soy sauce: Provides a salty and umami flavor.

Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness.

Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dressing.

To enhance the flavor and texture of your top ramen salad, consider toasting the crushed ramen noodles in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. This step adds a delightful crunch and a nutty aroma to the salad, elevating the overall eating experience.

• crushed top ramen noodles - Substitute with crushed rice noodles: They provide a similar crunchy texture and can be easily toasted for added flavor.

• shredded cabbage - Substitute with shredded kale: Kale offers a similar crunch and nutritional profile, adding a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• shredded carrots - Substitute with shredded zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and moisture content, making it a good alternative.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• toasted sliced almonds - Substitute with toasted cashew pieces: Cashews offer a similar crunch and a slightly sweeter flavor that complements the salad.

• sunflower seeds - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds provide a similar crunch and nutritional benefits, with a slightly different flavor profile.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in dressings.

• rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can add a slightly fruity note to the dressing.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a bit of complexity to the dressing, and it dissolves well in liquids.

• sesame oil - Substitute with toasted walnut oil: Toasted walnut oil provides a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in the salad.

• To store your top ramen salad, place it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Keep the salad in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days, but for the best crunch and flavor, consume it within 1-2 days.
• If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately in a small jar or container. Combine the dressing with the salad just before serving to keep the ramen noodles from getting soggy.
• For freezing, note that this salad doesn't freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and the ramen noodles. Freezing can alter the texture and make the salad less enjoyable.
• If you must freeze, consider freezing only the dressing and the toasted almonds separately. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• When ready to serve after storing, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure all ingredients are well-coated.
• If the salad seems dry after storing, you can freshen it up with a splash of olive oil or a bit more rice vinegar.
• Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before consuming stored salad to ensure it is still fresh and safe to eat.

• For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place the Top Ramen Salad in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the Top Ramen Salad and stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
• For a more gentle reheating method, use a steamer. Place the Top Ramen Salad in a heatproof dish and set it in the steamer basket. Steam for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Top Ramen Salad evenly in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For those who enjoy a bit of a crunch, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Top Ramen Salad on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and toasting.

• Large mixing bowl: Use this to combine the crushed ramen noodles, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, sliced almonds, and sunflower seeds.

• Small mixing bowl: This is perfect for whisking together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil to make the dressing.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing the dressing ingredients to ensure they are well combined.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring out the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the sesame oil.

• Knife: Handy for chopping the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping the green onions.

• Grater: Useful for shredding the cabbage and carrots if they are not pre-shredded.

• Tongs or salad servers: Ideal for tossing the salad to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

• Refrigerator: If you choose to refrigerate the salad for later, this will keep it fresh.

Pre-shred vegetables: Buy pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save chopping time.

Use pre-toasted nuts: Purchase pre-toasted sliced almonds and sunflower seeds to skip the toasting step.

Mix dressing in advance: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Crush noodles efficiently: Use a rolling pin to quickly crush the ramen noodles in their packaging.

Batch prep: Double the recipe and store extra salad for quick meals later in the week.