30-Minute Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad combining crispy toasted ramen noodles and almonds with fresh vegetables, sweet mandarin oranges, and a tangy sesame-lemon dressing. The contrast of textures from tender snow peas, crisp bell peppers, and crunchy water chestnuts creates a satisfying dish perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or light summer meals. The toasted noodle and almond mixture adds an unexpected crunch that sets this Asian-inspired salad apart from traditional coleslaw variations.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 3-ounce packages ramen noodles, crushedchow mein noodles1:1vegetariangluten-free
crispy texture
- 1 ½ cups sliced almonds
- 2 pounds cole slaw, tri-colorshredded cabbage1:1freshvegetarian
crunch
- 8 ounces fresh snow peas, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained wellfresh orange segments1:1freshvegetarian
citrus flavor
- 8 ounces diced water chestnuts, drained well
- 4 green onions, sliced, green parts only
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- sesame seeds, for garnish
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat
- 2
Add crushed noodles and almonds to hot oil
- 3
Cook, stirring often, until toasted and lightly golden brown
- 4
Place toasted mixture on a plate to stop cooking and set aside
- 5
Whisk together oil, sugar, lemon juice, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl
- 6
Combine slaw, snow peas, bell peppers, mandarin oranges, water chestnuts, green onions, cilantro, and noodle almond mixture in a large bowl
- 7
Add dressing and toss to combine
- 8
Serve immediately with sesame seed garnish if desired
Tips
Toast the noodles and almonds carefully to avoid burning, stirring frequently for even browning.
Drain mandarin oranges and water chestnuts thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Serve immediately after adding dressing to maintain the crunch of the toasted elements.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 2 days, though noodles will soften
Can prep vegetables and dressing separately up to 1 day ahead, combine before serving
Serve chilled or at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Don't overdress the salad to avoid soggy noodles
Toast noodles on medium-low heat to prevent burning
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
crispy texture
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
crunch
citrus flavor
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best served immediately after mixing. You can prep components separately up to a day ahead, but combine just before serving to maintain crunch.
What if I don't have snow peas?
Sugar snap peas or thinly sliced sugar snap peas work well as substitutes. You could also use julienned carrots for extra crunch.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerate for up to 2 days, though the toasted noodles will lose their crispness. Add fresh herbs before serving leftovers.