Summer Ramen Noodle Salad
Summer Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and refreshing dishes, and the Summer Ramen Noodle Salad is a fantastic option! This dish combines vibrant vegetables with tender ramen noodles and your choice of protein for a deliciously satisfying meal. You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, making it great for picnics, barbecues, or light family dinners.
Why Make This Recipe
The Summer Ramen Noodle Salad is not only tasty but also incredibly versatile. The colorful veggies and savory dressing create a delightful flavor combination. It’s a healthier alternative to heavier pasta salads and is customizable based on the ingredients you love. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
How to Make Summer Ramen Noodle Salad
Follow this easy step-by-step guide to prepare your own Summer Ramen Noodle Salad:
Ingredients
- Ramen noodles
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Green onions
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu (your choice of protein)
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Honey or sugar
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Ramen Noodles: Prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to cool them down quickly.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and chopped green onions. These veggies will add a refreshing crunch to the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and either honey or sugar. This dressing is key to giving the salad its delicious flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled ramen noodles and your choice of protein (grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu) to the vegetable mixture.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and red pepper flakes over the top for added flavor and visual appeal, if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your Summer Ramen Noodle Salad chilled or at room temperature, and savor the flavors of summer!
How to Serve Summer Ramen Noodle Salad
Present your Summer Ramen Noodle Salad in a large serving bowl to showcase its vibrant colors. You can also divide it into individual portions for a personalized touch. Garnish each serving with additional sesame seeds and green onions to enhance its visual appeal.
How to Store Summer Ramen Noodle Salad
To keep leftovers fresh, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty for up to three days. If possible, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the noodles from becoming too soggy.
Tips to Make Summer Ramen Noodle Salad
- Chill the Ingredients: For an extra refreshing dish, chill all ingredients, including the veggies and dressing, before mixing.
- Customize Your Protein: Experiment with different proteins or keep it plant-based by adding chickpeas or edamame.
- Adjust the Spice: If you enjoy spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for additional heat.
Variations
- Substitute your choice of vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as snap peas, shredded cabbage, or radishes.
- Use different dressings, such as a peanut sauce, for a unique flavor twist.
- For a gluten-free option, choose rice noodles instead of traditional ramen noodles.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it to keep the noodles from getting soggy.
2. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just portion it into meal prep containers with the dressing on the side.
3. Can I add other proteins to the salad?
Yes! Feel free to mix it up with tofu, tempeh, or any grilled meats. The salad is very adaptable!
Enjoy making and sharing your delightful Summer Ramen Noodle Salad! It’s a beautiful dish that captures the essence of summer dining.
Summer Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packs Ramen noodles Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 cup Sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup Shredded carrots
- 1 cup Diced bell peppers Any color you prefer.
- 1 cup Chopped green onions
- 1 cup Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu Choose your preferred protein.
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce Low sodium soy sauce can be used.
- 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey or sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional for spice.
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to cool them down quickly.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and chopped green onions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and either honey or sugar.
- Add the cooled ramen noodles and your choice of protein to the vegetable mixture.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and red pepper flakes on top for garnish.
Serving
- Serve the Summer Ramen Noodle Salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions as desired.
