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This retro ramen noodle salad has two types of crunchy noodles and is loaded with seeds, nuts, and vegetables, all tossed in a dark zesty sesame-flavored dressing! This is not the usual salad at a family BBQ or potluck, so be ready to hand out this special recipe when people ask for the recipe.
This recipe came from my sister, who got the recipe from a coworker many years ago, and is the classic ” photocopied handwritten recipe” that was handed out to people after every office potluck, we just made a few additions to make it even better!
Ramen Noodle Salad
Ramen isn’t the first thing you think of for adding to a salad, as you have to add it with the right kind of dressing for it to be spectacular. The ramen and the cooked crunchy chow mein noodles paired with toasted sunflower seeds, almond slivers, and toasted sesame seeds make this one crunchy, filling salad.
This ramen noodle salad is a little different than most as it has a few different ingredients. We have added a touch of sesame oil to the dressing, making that sesame flavor pop. As well we have also used the original flavor ramen noodle packet giving it even more depth of flavor and making it easier for you to make!
Use Steam Dried Chow Mein
Steamed chow mein noodles are the orange crunchy ones found in the photo below. They are steamed, cooked, and then dried, and are not raw noodles, so make sure you get the correct kind for this salad.
How to Prepare Ramen Noodle Salad
Ramen noodle salad is easy to prepare quickly for a last-minute family potluck or dinner, for detailed instructions see the recipe card below.
- Add all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Toss or mix gently until combined.
- Shake all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until the salad is well coated. Serve within the hour, and refrigerate until serving.
- Enjoy!
The Best Flavor of Ramen
The original Sapporo Ichiban soup base flavor packet is the best one to use in the dressing for this salad, but feel free to play around with flavors. I think chicken or mushroom-flavored ramen noodles would be excellent in this salad as well.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
If you want to serve this salad crunchy, make it right before serving. The noodles will soften after an hour or two in the fridge and aren’t as good in my opinion. I love the crunch!
Alternatively, you can make the salad and dressing, but add in the two types of noodles right before serving.
This homemade ramen noodle salad surprised Mr Magpie as he thought it would be similar to a prepackaged store-bought salad. Ha! Was he ever surprised and decided to eat a whole bowl for lunch, adding this recipe to our family favorites!
Happy Cooking
Love,
Karlynn
More Tasty Salads
Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 bag coleslaw 14-16 ounce bag
- 2-3 cups bean sprouts
- 1 cup chow mein noodles crispy steamed
- 1 package original Ichiban Noodles (save seasoning packet)
- ½ cup sunflower seeds toasted
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
- ½ cup slivered almonds toasted
- ½ cup chopped green onions
Dressing
- 1 package soup seasoning from the Ichiban noodles
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl with a lid, add all of the salad ingredients. Toss or mix gently until combined.
- In a small lidded mason jar or a salad dressing shaker, add the dressing ingredients. Place the lid on tightly.
- Shake the dressing well until combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until the salad is well coated. Refrigerate until serving. See notes below.
- Toss gently before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
All calories and info are based on a third party calculator and are only an estimate. Actual nutritional info will vary with brands used, your measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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marilyn says
This sounds yummy but can’t figure out the noodles you are using. You state there are 2 kinds of noodles and they are shown in the photo. Do you just break up the bar of noodles that comes in the ramen pack and use them as is for one package and them cook and drain another package of ramen for the other one???? Please explain not sure what crispy steamed means????? thanks so much
Karlynn J says
If you look up crispy steamed chow mein noodles, the brand Farkay will usually show up. They are available in grocery stores everywhere. You do not want to use raw chow mein noodles, they are called crispy fried or crispy steamed because they are already cooked and put into a bag. Then you also just use a package of ramen.
I hope you enjoy the salad. It’s one of my favorites!
Jan Jarrett says
Love your recipes and your attitude.
Karlynn J says
Aw thanks Jan! I’m so glad that you’re enjoying my recipes!