🥗 Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad – Flavor-Packed & Irresistibly Crunchy!

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A vibrant, texture-loaded salad that’s as craveable as it is simple. This Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is a W-W-friendly twist on the potluck classic—minus the unnecessary sodium and calories. Packed with shredded cabbage, toasty almonds, sunflower seeds, and a soy-sesame vinaigrette, it’s light, refreshing, and seriously addictive!

đź“‹ Quick Look:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 5 minutes

  • Total Time: 20 minutes

  • Servings: 6

  • W-W Points: ~4–5 (based on ingredient brands)

  • Calories: ~200 per serving

🥢 Introduction

I’m absolutely obsessed with this salad—it hits all the marks: crunchy, nutty, slightly sweet, and tangy with just a whisper of sesame. It’s the perfect side dish for a spring or summer dinner, and my kids love it too (which is always a win in my book!). This updated version ditches the ramen seasoning packet for a wholesome, homemade dressing that’s bursting with flavor and W-W-friendly goodness.

Whether you’re heading to a picnic, meal prepping for the week, or just need something to jazz up dinner, this salad will steal the show.

đź“Ś Table of Contents

  • What Makes This Salad Special

  • Ingredients Needed

  • Step-by-Step: How to Make It

  • Storage Tips

  • FAQs & Customizations

  • W-W Nutritional Breakdown

  • Kristy’s Personal Tip

  • More W-W Side Dishes

  • Let’s Get Social!

🥗 What Makes This Salad Special

This is not your average coleslaw! It’s bursting with flavor and textures—crispy ramen, crunchy seeds, and slivered almonds all brought together by a tangy-sweet soy vinaigrette. It’s a total game-changer for your side dish rotation, and it fits seamlessly into your W-W lifestyle.

💚 W-W Friendly – Low in points with clean ingredients.
🌱 Plant-forward – No mayo or heavy cream here.
⏱ Quick & Easy – On the table in under 20 minutes.
🥡 Meal-Prep Ready – Keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days.

đź›’ Ingredients Needed

Salad Base:

  • 2 (3 oz) packages ramen noodles – discard the seasoning; we’re using just the noodles!

  • 4 cups coleslaw mix – shredded cabbage and carrots

  • ½ cup sliced almonds – toasted for flavor and crunch

  • â…“ cup sunflower seeds – adds healthy fats and texture

  • 4 green onions – thinly sliced

  • ÂĽ cup fresh cilantro – optional, but brightens the whole dish

Dressing:

  • ÂĽ cup olive oil

  • ÂĽ cup rice vinegar – tangy and W-W-friendly

  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp honey or zero-point sweetener

  • 1 tsp sesame oil – a little goes a long way!

🔪 How to Make It

  1. Toast the Ramen
    Break noodles into small pieces and toast in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until golden. Let cool.

  2. Mix the Salad
    Combine coleslaw mix, toasted noodles, almonds, sunflower seeds, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl.

  3. Whisk the Dressing
    In a small bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth.

  4. Toss & Serve
    Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for deeper flavor infusion.

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Note: the noodles may soften slightly over time.

  • Prep Ahead Tip: Keep dressing and toasted noodles separate and mix just before serving to retain maximum crunch.

âť“ FAQs & Variations

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free ramen and tamari instead of soy sauce.

What can I substitute for honey?
Try agave syrup, monk fruit sweetener, or a few drops of Stevia.

Want to add protein?
Add grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal!

đź“Š W-W Nutritional Info (Per Serving):

  • Calories: ~200 kcal

  • W-W Points: 4–5 (depends on oil and sweetener used)

  • Fat: 12g | Carbs: 16g | Fiber: 3g | Protein: 6g

  • Zero-Point Options: Use spray oil and a sugar-free sweetener to reduce points.

👩‍🍳 Kristy’s Note

I first made this salad for a neighborhood block party, and let me tell you—it disappeared in minutes. Since then, I’ve been asked to bring “that crunchy ramen salad” to almost every gathering. It’s proof that healthy, W-W-friendly food doesn’t have to be boring!

🥄 More W-W Side Dishes to Try

  • W-W Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

  • Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix

  • Air-Fried Zucchini Chips

  • Light & Creamy Broccoli Slaw

💬 Let’s Get Social!

Tried this Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad? I’d love to see it! Tag me @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram or drop a comment below with your twist. Let’s inspire each other to stay on track—deliciously!

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