Easy Ramen Noodle Coleslaw
This Ramen Noodle Coleslaw is the ultimate summer side—light, tangy, and packed with texture. It comes together in minutes, uses simple pantry staples, and always disappears fast at cookouts, potlucks, and backyard BBQs.
I’ve been making this ramen noodle salad for years, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings and summer parties. It goes perfectly with BBQ chicken legs or brown sugar BBQ ribs. My family loves the crunch, the flavor, and the fact that it’s not your typical creamy slaw. This one never gets old!
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💗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just keeping dinner simple, this crunchy, refreshing asian ramen slaw is the perfect warm-weather companion. It’s proof that simple ingredients can make the most satisfying dishes.
- Crispy and Crunchy: Toasted ramen noodles and sliced almonds add a nice crunch and flavor to this coleslaw.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep ingredients in advance and toss everything together just before serving.
- No Mayo: A sweet and tangy vinegar-based dressing makes it lighter and picnic-safe.
- Great for Grilling: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, pork chops, and more.
- A Total Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves this light and refreshing side dish.
🛒 Ingredients Needed for Asian Ramen Salad
This is just an overview of the ingredients needed for this crunchy coleslaw recipe. Please see the printable recipe card below for exact amounts needed for ramen coleslaw.
- Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral base for the dressing and for toasting the crunchy noodles and slivered almonds.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and tang without overpowering. I also substitute apple cider vinegar at times.
- Sugar: Balances out the vinegar and ties everything together with a touch of sweetness.
- Seasoning: All you’ll need is one ramen noodle seasoning pack for the dressing. It brings a salty, savory depth to the dressing.
- Classic Coleslaw Mix: A blend of shredded cabbage and carrots for easy prep and satisfying crunch.
- Green Onions: Add freshness and color.
- Ramen Noodles: One package ramen noodles, crushed and toasted for crunch.
- Sunflower Seeds: Nutty, salty, and satisfying with every bite.
- Almonds: Sliced or slivered are optional, but they add a nice crunch and flavor.
🥗 How to Make Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
Follow these easy steps to make this Asian coleslaw recipe, and you’ll have the perfect combination of flavors. An easy dinner idea with a zesty dressing that has become a family favorite.
Step 1: Toast the noodles and almonds. Break up the dry ramen noodles into small pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the crushed noodles and sliced almonds. Toast until golden brown, stirring often. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Make the dressing. In a small bowl or Mason jar, combine 1/2 cup oil, vinegar, sugar, and the ramen seasoning packet. Whisk or shake until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well mixed.
Step 3: Mix the slaw base. In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix and chopped green onions. Toss to combine.
Step 4: Assemble and serve. When ready to serve, add the cooled ramen noodles, almonds, and sunflower seeds to the slaw. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss everything together. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
If you love coleslaw recipes, be sure to try my coleslaw with vinegar dressing or my jalapeno coleslaw.
💭 Pro Tips
- Toast: Toast the almonds and noodles to deepen the flavors. This is optional.
- Make-Ahead Dressing: Mix the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Keep the coleslaw mix and dressing separate.
- Wait to Combine: Wait to add the dressing, nuts, and noodles until an hour before serving to retain the crunch.
- Transport: Place the dressing, coleslaw mixture, nuts, and noodles in separate containers. Place everything in a cooler and assemble the salad upon arrival at the event.
- Adjust to taste: Pour in as much or as little dressing as you’d like—start with half and add more to reach your desired level. You can also reserve some on the side so guests can drizzle extra just before serving.
🧺 How to Store Leftovers
- Before Serving: Store all components separately in airtight containers. Combine about an hour before serving.
- After Serving: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The noodles will soften slightly, but the flavor stays fantastic.
- Avoid Freezing: This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, not frozen.
❔ Recipe FAQs
Yes! Toast the noodles and almonds, chop the onions, and make the dressing in advance. Combine everything just before serving for the best texture.
For this asian slaw with ramen noodles, I use chicken flavor. It is classic, but beef or Oriental flavors also work. Please note that this will slightly change the flavor.
You can substitute with chopped cashews, pumpkin seeds, or skip them entirely—though they add great texture!
More Make-Ahead Summer Salad Recipes for Dinner
If you tried this Ramen Noodle Coleslaw or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments. Thanks for visiting!
Ramen Noodle Coleslaw
Ingredients
- ½ Cup plus 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- ⅓ Cup Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 Seasoning packet from Ramen Noodles chicken flavor
- 14-16 oz. bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix
- 4-5 green onions chopped
- 1 package Ramen Noodles dry
- ¼ Cup Roasted Sunflower Seeds
- ½ cup Almonds sliced
Instructions
- Break up Ramen Noodles into small pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of oil. Add dry Ramen Noodles and almonds and cook until slightly toasted. Remove from heat and cool completely. Set aside.
- In a small bowl or Mason jar, whisk together 1/2 cup oil, Vinegar, sugar, and the seasoning packet from the Ramen Noodles. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the bag of coleslaw mix and chopped green onions. Mix well.
- When ready to serve, add sunflower seeds, almonds, and noodles to the slaw mix. Toss with the dressing mix (add half of the dressing to start and more if needed). Serve immediately.
Coleslaw with Ramen noodles pairs perfectly with bbq.