Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw Recipe
If you’re looking for a side dish that balances vibrant color, irresistible crunch, and a zippy sweet-and-savory flavor profile, Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw is about to become your not-so-secret weapon. This playful salad is incredibly quick to put together, yet loaded with texture from toasty ramen noodles, nutty seeds, and crisp veggies. It’s the kind of salad that mysteriously disappears at potlucks—always a sure sign you’ve found a keeper. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight or bringing it to a BBQ, one bite will have everyone hooked on that signature crunch and tang.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The genius of Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw lies in its short list of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each one brings something to the table, contributing depth, contrast, or that all-important crunch.
- Broccoli slaw mix: The veggie backbone of the salad, this pre-shredded mix keeps things colorful, crunchy, and effortless.
- Ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded): The surprise crunch! Breaking up the noodles makes every bite fun and satisfying.
- Sliced almonds: Toasted with the ramen, these add a nutty richness and even more crackly texture.
- Sunflower seeds: Little pops of salt and crunch to round out the texture party.
- Green onions: These add fresh, oniony brightness without overpowering the dish.
- Vegetable oil: Gives the dressing its rich, glossy finish and helps everything bind together.
- Apple cider vinegar: A hit of gentle acidity that keeps the slaw tasting light and lively.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to balance the tangy vinegar and salty soy sauce.
- Soy sauce: A splash of savoriness to round out the dressing and amplify all the flavors.
- Salt: Enhances every other ingredient—season to your liking!
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle little kick to the background.
How to Make Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw
Step 1: Toast the Ramen and Almonds
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the ramen noodles and gently break them into small, bite-sized pieces (think: about the size of oyster crackers). Scatter them in a single layer on a baking sheet, along with your sliced almonds. Toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through so nothing burns, until everything is golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool—these crunchy bits are the star of Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw.
Step 2: Prep the Slaw Base
In a big mixing bowl, toss together your broccoli slaw mix, sunflower seeds, and freshly sliced green onions. This beautiful jumble of veggies and seeds creates a fresh, vibrant canvas for the salad.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl (or your favorite dressing jar), whisk together the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely and the dressing looks glossy and well mixed. This is the liquid magic that brings all the flavors together.
Step 4: Assemble and Toss
Right before you’re ready to serve, add your cooled, toasted ramen and almonds into the veggie mixture. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until thoroughly coated. It’s crucial to do this step last minute so your Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw keeps its lively crunch from the very first bite.
How to Serve Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw
Garnishes
A scatter of extra sliced green onions or a handful of fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley) right before serving makes your salad pop with color and freshness. For added zing, a sprinkle of sesame seeds lends a final layer of crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad plays well with just about anything! Pair it alongside grilled meats, veggie burgers, or BBQ favorites for a fabulous picnic plate. It’s especially delightful next to tangy pulled pork, roast chicken, or even your favorite vegan mains—Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw is versatile enough for any spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the slaw in a large, shallow platter for a casual buffet, or scoop it into individual mason jars for a fun, portable lunch. For a playful twist, use lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer, or pile it high on crostini as a vibrant, crunchy topping at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge. While the noodles will soften a bit overnight, you’ll still get a pleasant chew and all the flavor remains just as bold and satisfying.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, since the raw veggies and toasted toppings lose their texture after thawing. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will still be tasty for a day or two if well refrigerated.
Reheating
Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s been stored in the fridge, just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.
FAQs
Can I use a different slaw mix instead of broccoli slaw?
Absolutely! While the broccoli base adds a delightful crunch and color, you can swap in classic cabbage slaw or even a kale slaw if that’s what’s on hand. Just keep the proportions similar for perfect results.
Do I need to use the ramen flavor packets?
Nope—those packets can be set aside (or saved for another use). This recipe gets its bold, balanced flavor entirely from the homemade dressing, so you can use any flavor of ramen for the crunchy noodles themselves.
What’s the best way to keep the ramen crunchy?
The secret is to toss the toasted noodles and almonds into the salad right before serving. If you mix them in too early, they’ll absorb the dressing and lose their crisp. Prepping all components ahead is great, but combine just at the last minute for maximum crunch.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced grilled tofu, or even cooked edamame are delicious protein additions. Just fold them in with the slaw for a more filling meal with all the crunch you love.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional ramen noodles contain wheat, so the standard version isn’t gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free ramen or another crispy noodle option to make Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw fit your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that checks every box—colorful, crunchy, make-ahead friendly, and full of flavor—give Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw a spot on your table. One taste, and you’ll see why it’s a salad worth sharing with everyone you know!
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Crunchy Ramen Broccoli Slaw Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and crunchy broccoli slaw salad featuring toasted ramen noodles, sliced almonds, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag broccoli slaw mix
- 2 packages ramen noodles (any flavor, seasoning packets discarded)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Break the ramen noodles into small pieces and spread them on a baking sheet along with the sliced almonds. Toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli slaw mix, sunflower seeds, and green onions.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
- Just before serving, add the toasted ramen and almonds to the slaw mixture. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Notes
- For added protein, toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken.
- You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but wait to add the ramen until right before serving to keep it crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
