Ramen Coleslaw

Ramen coleslaw is a unique side dish that stands out at any gathering. It’s so easy to toss together right before a potluck, tailgate or barbecue!

This delightful slaw features crunchy vegetables, broken-up ramen noodle pieces, and a handful of sunflower kernels and almonds to boot. It all comes together with a super-easy, balanced dressing that uses the ramen’s seasoning packet for a huge pop of umami flavor.

Ingredients for Ramen Coleslaw

• Chicken ramen noodles: The seasoning packet in a package of chicken ramen noodles is prefect for this dressing. Beef, shrimp or pork ramen seasoning packets would be too overpowering.
• Broccoli coleslaw mix: Packaged broccoli coleslaw mix removes the need for the time-consuming chopping of vegetables (which is why we love coleslaw mix recipes so much).
• Green onions: Green onions add a pungent oniony taste.
• Broccoli florets: Broccoli florets add a beautiful green color and a hearty crunch to this ramen noodle coleslaw.
• Olives: The salty, vinegary taste of olives lends a pleasing depth to this slaw.
• Sunflower kernels: Sunflower kernels are a great crunchy topping.
• Slivered almonds: Slivered almonds add a wonderfully nutty taste.
• Sugar: Sugar adds a much-needed sweetness to this salty, pungent slaw.
• Cider vinegar: Cider vinegar is a sweeter tasting vinegar that makes this ramen noodle coleslaw pop.
• Oil: Oil adds richness and helps bind everything together.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the coleslaw base

Set aside the ramen noodle seasoning packet to use later. Crush the ramen noodles into bite-sized pieces, and place them in a large bowl. Add the slaw mix, onions, broccoli, olives, sunflower kernels and almonds. Give the mixture a good stir.

Step 2: Create the dressing

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the sugar, vinegar, oil and contents of the seasoning packet. Shake well to combine everything.

Step 3: Toss the coleslaw

Taste Recipes

Once you’re ready to serve the ramen coleslaw, drizzle the dressing over the coleslaw, and toss to coat. Serve the ramen coleslaw immediately.

Ramen Coleslaw Variations

• Skip the olives: Not a fan of olives? Leave ‘em out! You can replace them with capers, cornichons or gherkins for a vinegary, crunchy substitution.
• Bump up the freshness: Mandarin oranges are sweet, bright and citrusy little fruit segments that will add flavor and a gorgeous orange color to the ramen coleslaw.
• Sprinkle in sesame seeds: White or black sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and added crunch. Toasting sesame seeds brings out their flavor even more.
• Use peanuts: Make this salad a bit nuttier with crushed peanuts or a peanut sauce dressing. Bonus points if you use empty peanut butter jars to make Asian peanut sauce.
• Swap vinegars: If you don’t have cider vinegar, feel free to use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar instead.
• Create a punchy dressing: Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil for a zippier dressing.

How to Store Ramen Coleslaw

To store leftovers, transfer your ramen coleslaw to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Note that the vegetables and ramen noodles will get soggier the longer the coleslaw sits.

Ramen Coleslaw Tips

Taste Recipes

How do you serve ramen coleslaw?

Serve ramen coleslaw at potlucks, graduation parties or picnics, or as a side for weeknight meals. It pairs well with barbecued meats or Asian-inspired mains like Mongolian beef, skewered chicken yakitori or Korean pulled pork tacos.

Can you make ramen coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the ramen coleslaw ahead of time. Keep the dressing and vegetable mixture stored separately in the refrigerator, and leave the ramen noodles off until you’re ready to serve. The dressing and vegetables will keep in the fridge up to four days. Once you toss the salad and serve, any leftover slaw will only keep for one more day in the refrigerator.