Cold Ramen Noodle Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Favorite

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 20, 2025

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A Nostalgic Dish with a Modern Spin

There’s something about cold noodle salads that brings back memories of warm summer days, family gatherings, and easy, satisfying meals. I remember as a child, my family would host backyard picnics where everyone contributed a dish. While burgers and grilled vegetables were always present, the one dish I looked forward to the most was my aunt’s chilled noodle salad. It was light, flavorful, and packed with crisp vegetables—exactly what I craved on a hot day.

As I got older, I wanted to recreate that same refreshing dish but with my own twist. That’s how this Cold Ramen Noodle Salad came to be. Instead of traditional pasta, I used instant ramen noodles, which absorb flavors beautifully while keeping their slightly chewy texture. The addition of a savory sesame-soy dressing, crunchy cashew topping, and protein-rich edamame turns it into a balanced meal that’s great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.

Whether you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal, a quick dish for a picnic, or something different for your weekly meal rotation, this salad is a must-try. It’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and so easy to make—you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating cold ramen this way all along.

Why This Cold Ramen Noodle Salad Works

This salad is not just delicious—it’s nutritious, versatile, and incredibly simple to prepare. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

The chewy ramen noodles, crisp cabbage, and crunchy sesame-cashew topping create an exciting mix of textures in every bite. The umami-rich sesame soy dressing ties it all together with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

2. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Unlike some salads that wilt quickly, this one stays fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator, making it an excellent meal prep option. You can portion it into mason jars for grab-and-go lunches or store it in an airtight container for easy weeknight dinners.

3. Packed with Nutrients and Protein

With edamame as the main protein source, this salad is high in plant-based protein while also providing fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. It’s a well-rounded dish that keeps you full without feeling heavy.

4. Completely Customizable

One of the best things about this salad is that you can adapt it to your preferences. Want more heat? Add some sriracha. Prefer a nuttier taste? Increase the sesame seeds. Need more protein? Toss in some tofu, shrimp, or grilled chicken.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

For the Salad:

Instant ramen noodles (cooked without seasoning packets)
Savoy cabbage, shredded
Red cabbage, shredded
Matchstick carrots
Shelled edamame
Green onions, thinly sliced

For the Sesame Cashew Crunch:

Toasted sesame oil
Raw unsalted cashews
Sesame seeds
Honey

For the Sesame Soy Dressing:

Rice vinegar
Soy sauce
Chinese black vinegar
Toasted sesame oil

How to Make It (Directions)

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions (without seasoning packets).
Drain and rinse under cold water to chill, then toss with sesame oil.

Step 2: Make the Sesame Cashew Crunch

Toast cashews and sesame seeds in a pan with sesame oil.
Stir in honey and let the mixture cool before crumbling.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, black vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Toss the chilled ramen with the dressing.
Mix in the shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, and green onions.
Top with the sesame cashew crunch and enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutritious Bites (Nutritional Info per Serving)

Calories: 579 kcal
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Sodium: 505mg
Fiber: 9g
Sugar: 15g
Vitamin C: 32mg
Iron: 7mg

How to Serve Cold Ramen Noodle Salad

While this salad is fantastic on its own, here are some ways to elevate it even further:

1. Serve It as a Main Dish

Since it includes noodles, vegetables, and protein, this salad is satisfying enough to be a meal on its own. Pair it with a side of miso soup or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.

2. Make It a Side Dish

If you’re serving grilled meats or seafood, this salad makes a great refreshing side. It pairs beautifully with teriyaki chicken, grilled shrimp, or even a simple stir-fry.

3. Turn It Into a Wrap

Use large lettuce leaves or tortillas to create ramen salad wraps. Just scoop some salad onto the wrap, fold, and enjoy an easy, handheld meal.

4. Add More Toppings for Extra Crunch

While the sesame-cashew crunch already adds texture, you can take it to another level by adding crushed peanuts, crispy wonton strips, or fried onions for even more crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Any Type of Noodles?

Yes! While instant ramen noodles work great, you can also use:

Udon noodles for a thicker, chewier bite
Rice noodles for a gluten-free option
Soba noodles for an earthy, nutty flavor

2. Do I Have to Use Instant Ramen Noodles?

Not at all. If you prefer to avoid instant noodles, you can use fresh ramen noodles or any thin pasta like angel hair or vermicelli.

3. How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?

If you love heat, add:

A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil
A spoonful of chili garlic sauce
Thinly sliced red chili peppers

4. Can I Make It Gluten-Free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish completely gluten-free.

5. How Long Does It Stay Fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for up to four days in the fridge. The flavors actually improve as they sit, making it even tastier the next day.

6. What Can I Use Instead of Cashews?

If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different crunch, try:

Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Toasted almonds or walnuts

7. Can I Add Protein to Make It More Filling?

Absolutely! Some great protein additions include:

Marinated tofu or tempeh
Grilled shrimp or salmon
Shredded rotisserie chicken

8. Can I Serve This Salad Warm?

Yes! If you prefer a warm dish, skip the chilling step and serve the salad immediately after mixing everything together. The warm noodles will absorb even more of the dressing’s flavors.

9. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

If storing as a mason jar salad, layer the dressing at the bottom and add the noodles, vegetables, and toppings on top. Shake before eating to mix everything evenly.

10. Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?

Yes! The sesame soy dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. Just shake or stir well before using.

Conclusion: A Fresh, Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion

Cold Ramen Noodle Salad is one of those simple yet flavorful dishes that feels light, satisfying, and refreshing all at once. It’s the perfect balance of chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory dressing that brings everything together. Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a summer picnic, or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that never disappoints.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and customizable, so you can adapt it to fit your taste. Want it spicier? Add chili sauce. Prefer it sweeter? Increase the honey. Need more protein? Toss in tofu or chicken. This recipe is a blank canvas for creativity, making it a staple for anyone who loves easy, delicious, and nutritious meals.

So the next time you’re craving something fresh and flavorful, skip the takeout and try this Cold Ramen Noodle Salad. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen—just like it has in mine.