Name: Crunchy Asian Coleslaw With Ramen
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups); 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional for extra color and crunch); 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional for extra crunch); 2 packages (3 oz each) of ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet); 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional); 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste); 1/4 cup vegetable oil or sesame oil; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; Salt and pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Asian Coleslaw is anything but boring! It’s full of crunch from the cabbage and ramen noodles, and the dressing strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and salty. The toasted ramen noodles add an irresistible crunch that you don’t usually find in traditional coleslaw. The best part is that it’s super customizable—feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or cilantro to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a great last-minute side dish for any meal or a fresh, satisfying salad on its own.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional for extra color and crunch)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional for extra crunch)
2 packages (3 oz each) of ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste)
1/4 cup vegetable oil or sesame oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, slivered almonds, and sunflower seeds (if using).
Toast the ramen noodles: Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces and place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, sesame oil (if using), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the salad: Once the ramen noodles have cooled, add them to the cabbage mixture along with the dressing. Toss the salad well to coat everything evenly in the dressing.
Serve: Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. If you plan to store the salad, keep the ramen noodles and dressing separate and add them just before serving to keep the noodles crispy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting the ramen noodles)
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add protein: To make this a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top of the salad.
Extra vegetables: Add julienned bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded radishes for more color and flavor.
Spicy kick: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for some heat.
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free ramen noodles or another type of gluten-free noodle for the salad, and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This salad is best served fresh, but you can store the prepared salad (without the ramen noodles) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
Reheating: The ramen noodles will lose their crunch if stored with the salad, so it’s best to add them right before serving. The dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.

Conclusion

Crunchy Asian Coleslaw with Ramen is the perfect blend of fresh, crispy vegetables, bold flavors, and satisfying crunch. The combination of the tangy dressing and toasted ramen noodles makes it a fun and delicious twist on traditional coleslaw. Whether you serve it as a side dish, a light meal, or a refreshing picnic salad, this crunchy coleslaw will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s quick, customizable, and sure to impress!