Ramen Noodle Salad

Cool and refreshing, this ramen noodle salad packs a flavor punch and is loaded with crisp, colorful veggies. Prepared with quick-cooking ramen noodles tossed in a zippy peanut vinaigrette with baby bok choy and cabbage, this recipe is the perfect option as a bring-along lunch or light dinner!

A light and refreshing noodle salad

Whenever we're craving a really quick little meal, my hubs and I will often grab a package of ramen noodle soup from our pantry and whip that up.

We love to toss in our own tasty add-ins to make the soup nutritious and a bit heartier. It does the trick when we want something comfy and cozy to fill our bellies in a pinch.

Having said that, we usually keep a few ramen noodle packages in our pantry, and me being me, I like to get creative with them. So I prepare this cool, refreshing and vibrant ramen noodle salad. It has a delicious Asian twist, which we just can't resist!

My recipe comes complete with a scrumptious and zippy peanut vinaigrette, and it's a breeze to make with a few pantry staples plus a few fresh ingredients. You can keep it stashed in the fridge for a couple of days during the work week as a really delicious option for lunch, or even a lazy, fuss-free dinner.

My recipe for ramen noodle salad

Making this ramen noodle salad recipe takes just a few minutes, and the only actual cooking you'll do is boil the ramen noodles for just 2 to 3 minutes until tender.

The rest of the ingredients are pretty much ready to go as is, such as the fresh bok choy (a super nutritious green, by the way!) and the red cabbage. I also love to add cilantro and crushed peanuts to this salad for added texture and fresh, vibrant flavor.

And, of course, a salad must have its tasty and zesty dressing!

My mildly spicy peanut vinaigrette is prepared with a touch of real peanut butter, a kiss of honey, some chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of garlic. It's probably one of my favorite vinaigrettes, and so easy to simply whisk together in a bowl.

Here's a peek at my ramen noodle salad recipe: (or just jump to the full recipe...)

1. To get started, I prep my peanut vinaigrette to have ready and on hand to dress the ramen noodle salad.
2. Next, I cook my ramen noodles according to package instructions (typically just 2 to 3 minutes), then drain and rinse them in cold water.
3. I add the ramen noodles to a large bowl, and add in the veggies and some crushed peanuts, then toss the salad with the peanut vinaigrette, and place onto a salad platter or into a large salad bowl.
4. To serve, I spoon out the ramen noodle salad and top with a little more crushed peanuts, plus some cilantro leaves for flavor.

Recipe

Ramen Noodle Salad

by Ingrid Beer

Print Recipe

This ramen noodle salad is tossed with a mouthwatering and zesty peanut vinaigrette, loaded with colorful veggies and crushed peanuts!

Category: Salad
Cuisine: Asian-American

Yield: Serves 4

Nutrition Info: 391 calories per serving

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Total time: 23 minutes

Ramen Noodle Salad Ingredients:

• 2 packages ramen noodle soup, noodles only (discard flavor packets or save for another use)
• 2 baby bok choy, sliced thinly
• 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
• ¼ cup crushed peanuts
• Cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)

Peanut Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 2 (heaping) tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or more if you like it spicier)
• 1 tablespoon water

Preparation:

1. Begin by gathering and prepping all of your peanut vinaigrette ingredients according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
2. To make the vinaigrette, add the ingredients to a large bowl, and whisk together until smooth and well-blended. Set aside.
3. Next, gather and prep all of your ramen noodle salad ingredients according to ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
4. To make the salad, cook your ramen noodles as directed on the package, roughly 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water, and allow them to thoroughly drain of water.
5. Next, add the drained ramen noodles to a large bowl along with the sliced bok choy, the red cabbage, and about half of the crushed peanuts, and toss together with the peanut vinaigrette.
6. Spoon into a serving platter or into a large salad bowl to keep, and then serve individually in bowls with a sprinkle of the remaining crushed peanuts as garnish, and some optional cilantro leaves, if desired.

Tips & Tidbits for my ramen noodle salad recipe:

• Packaged dry ramen noodles, or fresh: The packaged dry ramen noodles come as part of a ramen noodle soup package (there are many brands, some organic), and the fresh ramen noodles you can typically find in the refrigerated section of the market where the tofu and other Asian ingredients are kept. If using the dry soup noodles, you can discard the soup flavoring packet. Either will work fine here, the choice is yours as to which you prefer, or find more convenient.
• Get creative with the vibrant veggies: I love baby bok choy and red cabbage here, but feel free to get creative and change up the greens and veggies. Terrific options are red bell peppers, a handful of spinach or "super" greens, shredded carrots, or radishes.
• Prep this ramen noodle salad ahead: If you'd like to have this salad pretty much prepped and on hand to serve at a later time, you can make the salad and toss with the veggies, but wait to toss with the vinaigrette before serving to keep it fresher. This also goes for having this salad as an "on-the-go" lunch. Just pack it up with the dressing on the side, and toss or drizzle over top before enjoying.

Craving more scrumptious and refreshing salad recipes? Check out my recipe for Thai Chicken Satay Salad, Cucumber Salad, Ahi Tuna Salad, Bok Choy Salad, Curried Chicken Salad, Panzanella Salad, or my recipe for Summer Pasta Salad!

Cook's Note: This recipe was originally published in 2018, and has been updated with even more love!