Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw: Sweet, Savory, and Crunchy

A Workplace Luncheon Favorite

Do you remember the fun of workplace potlucks at lunchtime? I certainly do. Everyone would sign up for what they planned to bring, and there were always plenty of traditional dishes that everyone loved. But now and then, someone would bring something new that was an instant hit, and before long, everyone wanted the recipe. This Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw was one of those recipes.

In the world of food, I would describe myself as a food adventurer. I have always enjoyed combining different flavors and textures to create something new, exciting, and memorable. I remember the first time I tried this dish. It was love at first bite.

The mix of crunchy cabbage, carrots, ramen noodles, almonds, and the sweet-and-savory dressing made it stand out from the usual coleslaw.

Now, make no mistake, I love a good creamy Southern coleslaw. But this recipe is a delightful change of pace, combining sweet and savory flavors with plenty of crunch. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light main course.

It is also one of those recipes that is easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to take along when you’re feeding a crowd. It holds up well at potlucks and parties, making it a wonderful choice for entertaining.

Sometimes the recipes we remember most aren’t fancy or complicated. They’re the ones someone brought to a luncheon, we took one bite, and immediately asked, “Who made this?”

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What Makes This Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw So Good?

Several things make this coleslaw a little different from the usual bowl of slaw.

Crunchy Texture: Fresh cabbage, carrots, ramen noodles, and almonds create a satisfying mix of textures. Every bite has a little crunch.

Sweet and Savory Flavor: The dressing brings together sugar, ground ginger, vinegar and sesame oil, and savory seasonings for a delicious balance of flavors.

Versatility: Serve this salad as a side dish, or turn it into a more substantial meal by adding grilled chicken or another favorite protein. You can also adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

Do you get tired of carrying the same requested potluck dish to every food event? You know the repeated requests are a sincere compliment, but if you’re like me, you may still enjoy finding a new recipe that could become the next crowd favorite. This might be that recipe.

The slaw itself uses simple ingredients that come together to create plenty of flavor and crunch.

For the Salad

• Shredded cabbage
• Shredded carrots
• Chopped green onions
• Ramen noodles
• Sliced almonds

To save prep time, use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots. There is nothing wrong with taking a few shortcuts when you’re trying to get dinner on the table quickly.

For the Sweet Ginger Dressing

• Sugar
• Ground ginger
• Dry mustard powder
• Garlic powder
• Rice vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Sesame oil
• Salt
• Pepper

The sweet sesame ginger vinaigrette is irresistible because of its unique flavor profile and versatility. Don’t be afraid to replace the sugar with Splenda or Stevia if you are watching your sugar intake, and I suggest swapping in either honey or maple syrup as a sweetener. I particularly like maple syrup.

How to Make Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw

Assembling this coleslaw is simple and quick. Here’s how to put it together.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped green onions to a large bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Ramen Noodles

Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces. Toast them in a skillet until lightly browned and crunchy, then allow them to cool.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Add the toasted ramen noodles and almonds to the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy this coleslaw immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator briefly to let the flavors meld.

Nothing to it! This salad comes together almost as easily as reading the assembly instructions.

Tips for Making the Best Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw

A few simple tips can help you get the best flavor and crunch from this salad:

• Use fresh cabbage and carrots for the best texture.
• Toast the ramen noodles before adding them to the slaw. This gives them an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Toast the almonds for even more flavor if you have a few extra minutes.
• If you prefer maximum crunch, don’t dress the salad too far ahead of serving time.
• Toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
• Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning or sweetness to suit your preference.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

You can also experiment with additional ingredients. Sunflower seeds would add another layer of crunch, while a sesame-based dressing or peanut sauce could give the salad a different flavor profile.

This is a great recipe for a make-ahead luncheon or potluck salad, especially when you need something easy to prepare and transport.

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What to Serve with Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw

This coleslaw is versatile enough to pair with many of your favorite meals. Serve it alongside:

• Grilled chicken
• Burgers
• Pulled pork
• Grilled shrimp
• Sandwiches
• Other simple weeknight meals

It can turn an ordinary meal into something a little more special without requiring much extra work. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or another favorite protein, and it can easily become a light meal on its own.

Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw Recipe

Now that you know why this crunchy little salad became such a favorite, here’s the recipe.

This recipe began with a casual workplace potluck and a single bite that made me want to make it again. Years later, I still remember how much everyone enjoyed it.

That’s what I love about old recipes. They don’t have to be complicated or fancy to become favorites. Sometimes, it’s simply the combination of flavors, textures, and good memories that makes a recipe worth keeping.

Crunchy cabbage and carrots, toasted ramen noodles, almonds, and a sweet-and-savory ginger dressing make this coleslaw a memorable addition to any meal.

Looking for something easy, quick, and delicious for your next gathering? Try this Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw and see what happens.

Sometimes an old recipe is worth holding onto, especially when one bite brings back a good memory. This Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw has been doing just that for years—and I hope it becomes one of your favorites, too.

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