Every family has that one iconic potluck dish—the one that disappears from the table before anything else. For millions of home cooks, that dish is the Classic Ramen Noodle Salad. A beloved combination of crunchy noodles, shredded cabbage, toasted almonds, and a tangy-sweet Asian-inspired dressing, this salad brings bold flavor and incredible texture with almost no effort. It has been a staple at picnics, barbecues, baby showers, holidays, and weeknight dinners for decades.

This recipe first rose to popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, when ramen noodles became a pantry staple across North America. Creative home cooks quickly discovered that ramen is more than a budget-friendly soup—it’s also a fantastic crunchy topping, especially when toasted. When paired with a simple homemade dressing, the noodles soften slightly while still keeping their crisp bite, resulting in a salad that’s refreshing, flavorful, and satisfying.

The best part? You don’t even have to cook the noodles. This simple, no-fuss recipe is ready in minutes and can be customized endlessly to fit your taste or what you have in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into everything that makes this salad a timeless classic and how to make the best version right at home.

---

Why This Salad Is So Popular

1. Incredibly Easy to Make

Minimal prep, minimal dishes, maximum flavor. This recipe is perfect for beginners and busy home cooks.

2. The Crunch Factor

Crunchy, toasted ramen noodles combined with crisp cabbage and nuts create an irresistible texture.

3. Budget-Friendly

Ramen noodles are affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are simple pantry staples.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

From picnics to family dinners to holiday potlucks, this salad is always a hit.

5. Versatile and Customizable

Add chicken for protein, toss in fruit for sweetness, or incorporate more veggies for extra color.

---

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 packages uncooked ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage (or more green)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

For the Dressing

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar or honey
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crunchy Noodles

1. Crush the ramen noodles into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the noodles and sliced almonds for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until lightly golden and fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

2. Mix the Salad Base

4. In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds.

3. Make the Dressing

5. Whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar (or honey), sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully combined.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.

4. Assemble the Salad

7. Add the toasted ramen noodles and almonds to the cabbage mixture.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

5. Serve

9. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for 1–2 hours if you prefer a softer noodle texture.

---

Tips for the Best Ramen Noodle Salad

1. Don’t Skip Toasting

Toasting ramen noodles enhances their flavor and maintains their crunch longer.

2. Dress at the Right Time

• For super crunchy noodles: Dress right before serving.
• For softer, more infused noodles: Chill for 1–2 hours.

3. Customize with Add-ins

This salad is incredibly versatile. Try:

• Protein: shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, shrimp
• Fruit: mandarin oranges, pineapple, apples
• Veggies: bell peppers, edamame, cucumbers
• Nuts: cashews, peanuts, walnuts

4. Use Coleslaw Mix for Convenience

A bag of coleslaw mix cuts prep in half and works perfectly.

---

Serving Suggestions

Classic Ramen Noodle Salad is delicious with:

• BBQ chicken or ribs
• Grilled salmon
• Burgers or sliders
• Teriyaki chicken
• Potluck dinners
• Picnic sandwiches
• Holiday buffets

Its tangy, crunchy profile pairs well with smoky, rich, or savory dishes.

---

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• If preparing ahead, keep noodles separate to prevent sogginess.
• Dressing stays fresh up to 5 days in the fridge.

---

Fun Fact About Ramen Salad

Ramen salads became popular in the Midwest of the United States before spreading nationwide. They often appeared in church cookbooks, school functions, and community gatherings—making them a nostalgic dish for many families.