The Ultimate Crunchy Asian Ramen Cabbage Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing: A Potluck Favorite!
Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly vibrant and satisfying Asian Ramen Cabbage Salad. It’s an explosion of textures and flavors, featuring crisp napa and purple cabbage, sweet shredded carrots, fresh scallions, protein-packed shelled edamame, and the star of the show: addictively crunchy toasted ramen noodles and slivered almonds. All of these delightful ingredients are perfectly coated in a luscious, homemade peanut sesame dressing that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
My journey to creating this ultimate crunchy ramen cabbage salad began just a few weeks ago. My wonderful mother-in-law brought an Asian cabbage salad to a family barbecue that completely stole the show. Everyone, including myself, went absolutely nuts for it! The combination of fresh crispness and a unique, savory-sweet dressing was simply unforgettable. Naturally, I immediately had to get my hands on the recipe.
Inspired by the fantastic original recipe from this amazing blog, I decided to craft my own enhanced version. I took what was already a phenomenal cabbage salad and elevated it, adding more colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables and refining the balance of flavors to create something truly spectacular. This fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful Asian ramen cabbage salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s an ideal side dish for any gathering, from casual potlucks to elegant dinner parties. Its robust nature also makes it perfect for meal-prepping lunches throughout the week. And for those nights when you need a complete and satisfying meal, simply add your favorite protein like grilled chicken or roasted salmon, and you’re all set for a delicious dinner. There are genuinely countless ways to enjoy and adore this versatile salad!
What Makes This Asian Ramen Cabbage Salad So Special?
The magic of this irresistible salad lies in its three perfectly harmonized components: a foundation of fresh, crisp vegetables, the essential addition of crunchy ramen noodles, and a rich, savory homemade peanut sesame dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Each part plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of textures and tastes.
The Vibrant Fresh Veggies: A Rainbow of Goodness
For the base of this extraordinary salad, I’ve opted for a delightful combination of napa cabbage and purple cabbage. Napa cabbage is a fantastic choice, often preferred over standard green cabbage for its more tender, lettuce-like leaves. Its unique ruffled texture does an excellent job of catching and holding onto the delicious peanut sesame dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Plus, its delicate texture offers a more refined mouthfeel than its tougher green counterpart, making it a truly pleasant eating experience. While napa cabbage might be slightly more expensive, it remains incredibly affordable and is readily available in most grocery stores. However, if green cabbage is all you have on hand, it will certainly work as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
Beyond the cabbage, we’re piling in even more fresh goodness to enhance both flavor and visual appeal. This salad boasts finely shredded carrots, adding a touch of sweetness and a vibrant orange hue. Freshly chopped scallions contribute a mild oniony bite, while shelled edamame (also known as mukimame) provides a wonderful pop of green and a boost of plant-based protein. Finally, a generous handful of fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the Asian-inspired flavors. Just take a moment to admire all those beautiful colors! This is truly a “taste the rainbow” salad that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
The Irresistible Crunchy Ramen Noodles: A Secret Weapon
No Asian ramen cabbage salad would be complete without its signature crunch, and that’s exactly what we achieve by toasting crushed ramen noodles. Yes, those same affordable noodles found in instant ramen packs! But we’re not using the seasoning packet here; instead, we transform the plain noodles into golden, crispy bits. We combine these crushed ramen noodles with slivered almonds and sesame seeds, then toast them in a touch of butter in a skillet over the stove. This simple step is absolutely crucial and truly elevates the salad. The butter helps create a rich, nutty flavor as the mixture toasts, turning the noodles, almonds, and sesame seeds into an incredibly satisfying, golden-brown crunch that is impossible to resist. This crunchy mixture provides a fantastic textural contrast to the tender cabbage and fresh vegetables, making every spoonful an exciting experience. Seriously, do not skip this step – it’s the secret ingredient that takes this salad from good to extraordinary!
The Luscious Homemade Peanut Sesame Dressing: The Flavorful Glue
The dressing for this Asian Ramen Cabbage Salad is so incredibly easy to make, yet it delivers an extraordinary depth of flavor that perfectly binds all the ingredients together. Forget store-bought dressings; this homemade version is fresh, vibrant, and customizable. Simply gather the following ingredients, add them to a jar with a secure lid, and shake vigorously until everything is beautifully combined into a smooth, creamy emulsion:
- Vegetable oil: Provides the base for the dressing, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Sesame oil: Adds that unmistakable, aromatic nutty flavor essential to Asian cuisine.
- Creamy peanut butter: Gives the dressing its rich texture and a delightful sweet and savory note.
- Rice vinegar: Contributes a tangy, bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.
- Sugar: Balances the savory and tangy elements with a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Soy sauce: Brings a crucial umami depth and savory foundation to the dressing.
Occasionally, if your peanut butter is particularly thick or cold, it might resist fully incorporating with the other liquid ingredients. Don’t fret! A quick trick is to microwave the dressing in the jar (without the lid, if it’s metal) for just 20-30 seconds. This gentle warmth will help the peanut butter melt slightly, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the other components when you shake it again. The result is a perfectly smooth, irresistibly delicious dressing that coats every leaf and morsel of your salad with unparalleled flavor.
Elevate Your Meal: Adding Protein to Your Salad
While this Asian Ramen Cabbage Salad shines brightly as a vibrant side dish, it’s also incredibly versatile and can easily be transformed into a hearty, complete meal by adding your favorite protein. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also makes it a satisfying main course for lunch or dinner. Here are a few suggestions to get your creative culinary juices flowing, but remember, feel free to add whatever protein you love most:
- Grilled or Shredded Chicken: Marinate chicken breast or thighs in a little soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, then grill or bake. Shred it once cooked and toss it in for a classic, lean protein option. Rotisserie chicken also works wonders for a quick addition!
- Roasted Salmon: Flaky, omega-rich salmon pairs beautifully with the Asian flavors. Roast a salmon fillet with a simple glaze of soy sauce and honey, then flake it into the salad for a healthy and sophisticated touch.
- Flank Steak: For a more substantial meal, thinly slice grilled or pan-seared flank steak. The rich, beefy flavor is a fantastic contrast to the crisp veggies and tangy dressing.
- Shrimp: Quick-cooking shrimp, sautéed with garlic or simply steamed, adds a delicious seafood element. It’s light, flavorful, and cooks in minutes.
- Fried Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and then pan-fried or air-fried until golden and crispy, offers a wonderful texture and absorbs the dressing beautifully. Marinate it first in soy sauce for extra flavor!
Whichever protein you choose, or even if you enjoy it just as it is, I promise you’re going to absolutely love this salad! Its dynamic flavors and satisfying crunch make it a truly memorable dish.
Tips for the Perfect Asian Ramen Cabbage Salad
To ensure your Asian Ramen Cabbage Salad is consistently delicious and maintains its fantastic crunch, consider these helpful tips:
- Prep Ahead for Convenience: This salad is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep. You can chop all your vegetables (napa cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, scallions, cilantro) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Prepare the crunchy ramen noodle mixture and store it separately in its own airtight container at room temperature. The dressing can also be made several days in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Timing is Key for Crunch: The secret to preventing a soggy salad is to combine the fresh veggies, crunchy ramen noodles, and the peanut sesame dressing right before you plan to serve it. This keeps the noodles and almonds perfectly crisp and the cabbage wonderfully firm.
- Shredding Cabbage for Texture: For the best results, use a sharp knife to thinly slice the cabbage, or employ a mandoline for perfectly uniform shreds. This ensures a delicate texture that readily absorbs the dressing.
- Adjusting Dressing Consistency: If your peanut butter dressing is too thick, especially after refrigeration, you can thin it out with a tiny splash of hot water or even a little extra rice vinegar until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
- Customizing Sweetness and Spice: The recipe provides a balanced sweetness, but feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different type of cabbage? Yes, while napa and purple cabbage offer the best texture and color, you can use regular green cabbage or a pre-packaged coleslaw mix for convenience.
- How long does this salad last? When stored separately (dressing, crunchy mix, and veggies), components can last 3-4 days in the fridge. Once assembled with dressing, it’s best enjoyed within a few hours to maintain optimal crunch.
- Is this salad spicy? The base recipe is not spicy, making it kid-friendly. However, you can easily add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra kick.
- Can I make it vegan? Absolutely! Ensure your peanut butter is vegan-friendly, and simply omit the butter in the crunchy noodle mixture, substituting it with a plant-based butter alternative or a neutral oil like vegetable oil.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to mastering this delightful Asian Ramen Cabbage Salad, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a healthy addition to any meal!
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Ingredients
Crunchy ramen noodles:
- 2 packages ramen noodles (flavoring packet discarded)
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup butter
Peanut sesame dressing:
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Salad:
- 1 lb napa cabbage (1 small head), shredded
- ½ lb purple cabbage (1/2 small head), shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 bunch green onions , chopped
- 1 cup mukimame/shelled edamame
- Large handful cilantro
Instructions
To make crunchy ramen noodles:
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Crush ramen noodles into small pieces.
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Add ramen, almonds, sesame seeds and butter to skillet over medium heat.
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Cook until noodles, almonds and sesame seeds are toasted and golden brown, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
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Set aside to cool.
To make dressing:
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Combine all ingredients in a jar with lid.
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Shake vigorously until combined.
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If peanut butter won’t incorporate, microwave for 20-30 seconds until it melts into the other ingredients.
To assemble salad:
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Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, mukimame, and cilantro to a large bowl.
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Toss with dressing and add ramen noodles.
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Serve immediately.
Notes