Crunchy Broccoli Slaw Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
A refreshing and crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad featuring shredded broccoli slaw, broken chicken-flavored ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and a tangy-sweet dressing made with rice and apple cider vinegars. This easy no-cook salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect as a side dish or light meal. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld and softens the noodles slightly, providing a versatile taste experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 24 oz shredded broccoli slaw (about 2 bags of 12 oz each)
- 2 (3 oz) packages chicken flavored ramen noodles, broken into small pieces (reserve seasoning packets)
- ½ cup chopped green onions (about 6 green onions, sliced)
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup canola oil, vegetable oil, or light olive oil
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Reserved seasoning packets from both ramen noodle packages
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded broccoli slaw, broken ramen noodles, chopped green onions, and sunflower seeds. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dressing.
- Prepare dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil of your choice, sugar, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and the reserved seasoning packets from the ramen noodles until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined.
- Toss salad with dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the salad ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and allow the ramen noodles to soften slightly. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture. The salad can be enjoyed the same day for a crunchier texture or the next day for softer noodles.
Notes
- Using fresh green onions provides a mild onion flavor that complements the salad well. You can substitute with chives if desired.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for no heat.
- This salad is best served the same day for a crispier texture, but it will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute ramen noodles with gluten-free crunchy noodles, and ensure the seasoning packets are gluten-free or omitted.
- Sunflower seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor; you can substitute with slivered almonds or chopped peanuts if preferred.