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.

If you’re building confidence in the kitchen, my Kitchen Confidence Series is the place to start. My Kitchen Confidence Series starts with simple steps, reliable results, and a little joy baked into every bite.

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.

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Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw

This easy Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw is sweet, savory, and crunchy, with fresh cabbage, carrots, and a delicious sweet ginger dressing.

Course Side dish, Salad, Main dish,

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 16

Calories 177kcal

Author Blissful Foods Plus

Equipment

• 1 sharp knife
• 1 large saucepan
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 spatula

Ingredients

Coleslaw Ingredients

• 10 cups green cabbage (medium-sized head) Can mix with purple cabbage.
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 2 cups green onions sliced
• 3 pkgs Ramen noodles ( crumbled into pieces)
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ cup sliced almonds

Sweet Ginger Dressing

• ½ cup granulated sugar Can substitute with Stevia or Splenda.
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup sesame oill
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp dry mustard
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground pepper

Instructions

• Thinly slice green cabbage, then rough-cut. Chop green onions. Add the green cabbage and green onions to a large mixing bowl.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled ramen noodles and lightly toast them, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the pan to cool.
• Mix Dressing: Combine sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper in a lidded mason jar, then shake vigorously to combine ingredients.
• In a large serving bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Set aside the toasted Ramen noodles and sliced almonds, adding them just before serving. When you're ready, mix the noodles and almonds in with the cabbage, then pour the vinaigrette over the mixture and toss everything together
• Serving Suggestions: This is a great side dish with most foods so it is great with potlucks. Consider making it a main dish by adding grilled chicken, pork, beef, or even hot dogs and burgers.

Rate this recipe. If you tried this recipe, don't forget to scroll up and tap those stars.  I'd love to know how it turned out.

Notes

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 443mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g

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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The post Asian Ramen Noodle Coleslaw: Sweet, Savory, and Crunchy appeared first on Blissful Foods Plus.

Introduction

Some recipes don’t just show up; they belong. Coleslaw is one of those dishes. My Best Coleslaw Recipe is a sweet, creamy slaw that you will go back for more of. Crisp. Cool. Dependable. It always has a place at every cookout, picnic, fish fry, and family gathering without needing a spotlight. Simple to make. Easy to tweak. Beginner-friendly. It delivers crunch, balance, and comfort in every bite, with little fuss and no fancy steps.

Down here in the South, coleslaw isn’t an afterthought. It’s remembered. When you taste a really good slaw at a backyard cookout or a little local restaurant, you remember who made it and where you were. We keep those places on speed dial, just in case a last-minute cookout pops up. Because it always does.

This is my go-to slaw. The one I make for BBQs, fish fries, church suppers, and family get-togethers. Honestly, I can’t imagine a Southern cookout without it.

Pull up a chair. Stay awhile. Let’s make slaw.

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Why My Best Coleslaw Recipe Belongs at Every BBQ and Cookout

• Perfect balance of crunch and creaminess
• Pairs beautifully with rich, hot meats
• Beginner-friendly, no stove required
• Easy to mix, easy to transport
• Ideal make-ahead side
• Budget-friendly with just a few ingredients
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser
• Easy to customize to your taste

My Best Coleslaw Recipe Flavor Profile

• Sweet: Just enough to soften the tang
• Tangy: Vinegar brings the brightness
• Savory: Salt and pepper keep it grounded
• Optional depth: A pinch of celery seed if you like

Nothing loud. Nothing overpowering. Just balanced, clean flavor that lets the cabbage shine.

Variations: You Can Make It Your Own

• Regional twists may include apples, raisins, or even jalapeños.
• Mix cabbage colors for visual appeal. Green is my base, carrots are a must, and purple cabbage makes a cameo now and then.
• Vegan option: Uses a plant-based mayonnaise.
• Low-sugar option: Swap sugar for a zero-sugar sweetener (Splenda works beautifully—no one ever notices)
• Low-carb friendly: Blue Plate Mayonnaise is my favorite and has zero sugar and zero carbs

Endless options. No rules.

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Equipment You’ll Need

Essentials

• Large and small mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Tongs or a large spoon

Nice to Have-Things

• Food processor, mandoline, or box grater
• Salad spinner for extra-dry cabbage

How to Make My Best Coleslaw Recipe

This recipe is all about balance. We want creamy, but not heavy. Crisp, not soggy.
Sweet with a little tang, they work together instead of fighting each other.

No special tools needed. No second-guessing. Just a dependable coleslaw you can mix up with confidence and serve proudly every single time.

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My Best Coleslaw Recipe

A sweet creamy cabbage and carrot coleslaw

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Chill Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings 15 servings

Calories 303kcal

Author Mary Lou Coon

Equipment

• 1- large mixing bowl
• 1- food processor

Ingredients

• 10 cups finely chopped cabbage Finely chopped cabbage is my preference, shredded cabbage will work just as well.
• ½ cup grated or finely chopped carrot (your preference)
• 2 cups Blue Plate mayonnaise or Miracle Whip is sweeter than mayonnaise, (your preference
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar You can also us white vinegar
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp white pepper Famous
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp celery seed (optional)

Instructions

• Chop 1 large head of cabbage. One large head of cabbage will yield 10 cups of finely chopped cabbage. Drain any excess liquid from the chopped cabbage. Place in large mixing bowl. Note: If you prefer buying pre-shredded cabbage mix, make sure you buy a total of 10 cups.
• Grate 1/2 cup of carrots and add to cabbage. Approximately 3 carrots equal 1/2 cup grated carrot.
• Toss cabbage and carrots mixing thoroughly.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, onion powder, white pepper, garlic salt, and celery seed until thoroughly blended. Add this mixture to the cabbage-carrot mixture and blend thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with your favorite BBQ or seafood menu.

If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to scroll up and tapthose stars! I’d love to know how it turned out for you.

Notes

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 347mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g

Coleslaw Success Tips

• Don’t overdress it. Add mayonnaise one tablespoon at a time. You want the cabbage coated, not swimming.
• Too much dressing? Spoon slaw into a strainer set over a bowl. Let it drain for a few minutes, then return to the bowl and toss.
• Keep cabbage crisp: Store chopped cabbage in an airtight container in the crisper drawer until you are ready to use it.
• Adjust flavor after chilling: Let slaw chill for an hour, then taste and adjust sweetness or tang.

This salad forgives small mistakes. That’s part of its charm. If you get heavy-handed with the mayonnaise, before serving, simply place coleslaw in a strainer over a large bowl for a few minutes.  Place the drained coleslaw back in your serving bowl and mix thoroughly, and do a quick taste test.

Serving Suggestions for My Best Coleslaw Recipe

Southern coleslaw goes well with just about everything.

• BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings
• Fried fish and fried chicken
• Pulled pork, ribs, and smoked meats
• Burgers, hot dogs, sausage
• And yes—slaw dogs. If you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out.

My Best Coleslaw Recipe Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Keep at or below 40°F
• For outdoor events, nest the bowl in ice or use an insulated chilling bowl.
• Best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
• Do not freeze mayonnaise-based slaw.

Good storage keeps it safe—and tasty.

Looking to make cooking simpler and smoother? Head over to my Tips & Tricks post for easy kitchen wins.

Conclusion

I was raised in the South, where cooking was simple, and ingredients were familiar. We made the most of what we had—and sometimes what we didn’t. That kind of cooking teaches you something important. A recipe doesn’t have to be complicated to be good.

This coleslaw proves it. It’s easy. Reliable. And full of comfort. Perfect for beginner cooks. Perfect for seasoned ones, too. Add it to your side-dish lineup, and you’ll always have something ready to share when folks come calling.

And they will.

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The post My Best Coleslaw Recipe: Crisp, Creamy, and Easy Every Time appeared first on Blissful Foods Plus.

Introduction

If you read my last post, you know I’ve been thumbing through old cookbooks lately, searching for those familiar recipes that once had a regular place at our table. You know the ones — written in faded ink, lightly splattered, and quietly waiting to be remembered. I found a few treasures along the way, but one in particular stopped me in my tracks: Creamy Grape Salad.

It had been at least twenty years since I last made it. Somewhere between new trends and the endless hunt for the next recipe to share, this classic slipped into the background. And that happens. But every now and then, the best thing we can do is pause, look back, and invite an old favorite forward again.

So settle in. I’m dusting this one off and sharing it with you today. And I have a feeling — you’ll be very glad I did.

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Creamy Grape Salad: Side Dish or Dessert?

Does It Really Matter?

You’ll love how easy this recipe is, and how far ahead you can make it. Originally, this Creamy Grape Salad was presented as a side dish. But after one spoonful, the original intention hardly matters.
This dish goes with everything.
It’s right at home on a breakfast buffet, beside a backyard BBQ spread, at holiday gatherings, and yes — even at dessert tables. I attend a Christmas Eve “bring-a-dish” get-together during the holidays, and this grape salad fits right in without missing a beat.
It’s brilliantly simple. Undeniably satisfying. Creamy, sweet, cool, and just crunchy enough. One of those recipes that surprises people in the very best way.

Why Learn to Make This Classic Creamy Grape Salad

Want a recipe that earns instant compliments and repeat requests? This one checks all the boxes:
• No Cooking or Baking Required
Just wash and dry the grapes, mix the dressing, chill, and serve.
• Make-Ahead Friendly
Prepare it hours — or even a full day — in advance. Perfect for stress-free entertaining.
• A True Crowd-Pleaser
Kids love it. Adults go back for seconds. The bowl empties fast.
• Show-Off Easy
Beginner cooks, take note — some of the most beloved recipes are also the simplest.
• Easy to Customize
Swap sour cream for yogurt, adjust the sweetness, or experiment with other fruits if you wish.

The Crowd-Pleasing Creamy Grape Salad

Grape salad may not be the first dish that comes to mind when planning a potluck — unless you live in the South. Then you’ve likely seen it once, twice, or a dozen times…
It’s a no-fuss, make-ahead recipe with an easygoing attitude that catches people pleasantly off guard. Simple. Familiar. And quietly sensational.
So the next time you’re planning a picnic, backyard BBQ, or church social, grab this recipe. Mix it up. And get ready for that inevitable moment when someone says, “I just love this grape salad.”

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Creamy Grape Salad with Pecan Topping

This is a delightful summer dessert made of green and red grapes tossed in a smooth, and creamy dressing then topped with brown sugar and pecans at serving time.

Course Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Chill 2 hours 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings 20 servings

Calories 184kcal

Author Blissful Foods Plus

Equipment

• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 measuring cups
• 1 large spoon
• 1 Serving Bowl

Ingredients

• 2 lbs seedless green grapes
• 2 lbs seedless red grapes
• 1 – 8 ounce package of cream cheese
• 1 – 8 ounce container of sour cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup chopped finely pecans

Instructions

• Pull grapes from the stems and wash thoroughly. Make sure to dry grapes with paper towels and spread out to air dry. It is important to make sure the grapes are dry before continuing with the recipe instructions.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer, beat until smooth and creamy.
• Place grapes in the mixing bowl with the creamy mixture and toss until the grapes are well coated. Transfer to your serving bowl and place in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
• Just before serving, sprinkle top with brown sugar and pecan topping.

If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to scroll up and tap those stars! I’d love to know how it turned out for you.” 

Notes

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Nutrition

Serving: 1half cup | Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 221mg | Sugar: 25g

Serving Ideas for Creamy Grape Salad

This sweet, creamy fruit salad works beautifully throughout the seasons and across menus. Try serving it alongside:

1. Breakfast buffets
2. Brunch or lunch spreads with quiche, soups, croissants, meats, and cheeses.
3. Grilled chicken or salmon at dinner
4. Charcuterie boards as a sweet appetizer option
5. Dessert buffets or holiday tables

Preparing and Storing Recommendations

For the very best flavor and texture, plan to assemble this salad the night before serving. Giving it time to chill allows the flavors to mingle and the dressing to set just right.

That said, timing matters. Preparation too far in advance can cause the creamy dressing to thin and the grapes to lose their crisp bite. I recommend making this no more than two days ahead. If you need a jump-start, prepare the creamy dressing and wash and dry the grapes separately. Be sure the grapes are completely dry before combining them with the dressing, then mix everything together the evening before serving.

Once assembled, keep the grape salad refrigerated and enjoy it within two days. After that point, the dressing can begin to break down, and the grapes may soften, still edible, but not at their best.

Customizing the Creamy Grape Salad

One of the pleasures of a simple recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. My personal rule when trying something new is to follow the recipe exactly the first time, no tweaks, no substitutions. Once I know how it’s meant to taste, then I start adjusting it to fit my family’s preferences.

This recipe is easy to customize. Try swapping the sour cream for plain or flavored yogurt for a lighter twist. Different grape varieties also change the dish’s personality — cotton candy grapes, for example, lean it firmly into dessert territory.

Toppings are another fun way to switch things up. Try different nuts, toasted coconut, or even a granola-style crunch. You can also experiment with fruit combinations like strawberries and blueberries, pineapple and bananas, or apples and pears. Play around, enjoy creating, and make this classic your own.

Looking for another easy-to-make side dish/dessert that your guests will love? Well, look no further, try my Cherry Fluff Cool Whip Magic recipe.

Conclusion

This Creamy Grape Salad may not be the first side dish that comes to mind, but once you try it, you’ll wonder how it ever slipped past you. I love recipes that bring people together, and this vintage favorite does exactly that. Cool, creamy dressing. Juicy grapes that burst with sweetness. A little crunch. A lot of smiles.
So wash and dry those grapes. Mix up that dressing. Combine, chill, serve, and enjoy every compliment that comes your way. This is one of those recipes that shines — and so will you at your next gathering.

Some recipes don’t need improvement—they just need to be remembered, shared, and enjoyed again.

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The post Creamy Grape Salad: An Easy Make A-Head Favorite appeared first on Blissful Foods Plus.