This easy, vibrant, zesty Ramen Noodle Salad with Honey Sesame Dressing is loaded with bold flavor. It’s a healthy, delicious salad that’s easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ok. I’ve got a confession folks.
A few months back the nice people over at Maruchan sent me the loveliest little package in the mail. You know? The ramen noodle people?
It was stuffed with several packets of their ramen in all different flavors and a fabulous bowl and chopsticks to serve it in. I was delighted.
Before that day, I had never, ever tried ramen. I know. Where have I been living? Under a rock you ask? Well, maybe. I guess.
I know every college kid is supposed to be familiar with ramen. It’s cheap, it’s tasty and it’s satisfyingly delicious. And yes, way back in the day when I attended college, yes, there was ramen, but I think we were too busy eating Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in hot pots than eating ramen.
I was actually excited to try it. I mean, I LOVE noodles of any kind, so I read the directions and thought, wow, this couldn’t get any easier. No wonder, it’s a staple among college kids.
The verdict is in. I am now a ramen noodle fan. And not just served according to package directions either. I love adding the noodles to all kinds of dishes.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
It’s Loaded with a capital L with all the healthy things. It’s got romaine, purple cabbage, red bell pepper, carrots, cucumbers and scallions all dressed in a tangy honey sesame dressing.
And how about all those pretty colors?! This is one beautiful healthy salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ramen noodles
- carrots
- purple cabbage
- romaine lettuce
- red bell pepper
- English cucumber
- scallions
- peanuts
- rice vinegar
- olive oil
- sesame oil
- soy sauce
- honey
- garlic
- fresh ginger
- sesame seeds
- salt & pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
The first step is to combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake vigorously. You’ll refrigerate while preparing salad.
The second step is to cook your ramen noodles according to the package directions. You’ll drain and toss noodles with 1/2 cup of the dressing. Set aside.
The third step is to combine your romaine, cabbage, carrots, red bell peppers, cucumber, green onions and peanuts in a large bowl and then toss with 1/3 cup of the dressing. Add the noodles. Toss well. Top with extra peanuts, if desired. Serve with the extra dressing.
I know you’re going to love the honey sesame dressing for this salad too. It’s zippy and zesty, easy to make and absolutely delicious. The entire salad takes less than 30 minutes to make and it’s a wonderful lunch, dinner or snack option.
Please let me know if you give the recipe a try. And if you have any questions about the recipe, just drop a comment below. Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Ramen Noodle Salad with Honey Sesame Dressing
This salad is best enjoyed the day that it is made so the veggies, especially the romaine lettuce, stay crisp.
The recipe for the dressing makes a good amount. I add about 1/2 cup of the dressing to the ramen noodles and toss well before adding the noodles to the salad and I add about 1/3 cup to all the veggies and toss well before I toss everything together.
You can serve the salad with the extra dressing so if anyone prefers more they can use it. If you have extra, it can be refrigerated in a jar for future salads.
More Recipes to Enjoy
Ramen Noodle Salad with Honey Sesame Dressing
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Honey Sesame Dressing
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
- 1 Tbsp, toasted sesame seeds, I use McCormick's
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Ramen Noodle Salad
- 2 3-oz. ramen packets, seasoning packet discarded, I use Maruchan
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 3 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin slices
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped, plus extra for serving if desired
Instructions
Honey Sesame Dressing
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake vigourously. Refrigerate while preparing salad.
Ramen Noodle Salad
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain. Toss noodles with 1/2 cup of the dressing. Set aside.
- Combine romaine, cabbage, carrots, red bell peppers, cucumber, green onions and peanuts in a large bowl. Toss with 1/3 cup of the dressing. Add the noodles. Toss well. Top with extra peanuts, if desired. Serve with the extra dressing.
Notes
We often have ramen noodles but never in salad. This is a perfect change for a week end dinner. Perfect light version for warmer days !
Enjoy Davorka!
I am going to make this delicious looking salad.
Thanks Gerlinde! Enjoy!
What a vibrant, tasty salad, Mary Ann! I can see serving this all summer long alongside whatever we’re grilling!
I just love the colors and textures Marissa! And the honey sesame dressing is just delicious. Bet you’d enjoy it!
I will to try this !! Looks good:)
Thanks Boo!
My daughter was a ramen fan when she lived at home, so I bought a lot of them :) This is such a great way to enjoy noodles and I’m loving the sounds of the honey sesame dressing!
My son Casey has always loved it too Jennifer!
I can’t believe you hadn’t had ramen Mary Ann!! Hah now you’ll never go back. To be fair, I didn’t eat a ton of it in University but I did eat it a lot as a kid. I’ve never had a ramen noodle salad where the noodles are cooked, so I’m excited to try it!! All those veggies too!
Lol! I know, right? Too busy eating mac and cheese back then!
What can I substitute the honey for to make it vegan for my granddaughter when she visits next week?
Hi Philip. You could use maple syrup or agave nectar. Enjoy!
I’m lovin all the flavors in this crunchy salad Mare! What a delicious package to receive… noodles for DAYS!
All kind of textures too Traci! And the dressing is yummy!
I couldn’t get into the kitchen fast enough! My husband and I made this for lunch! Wow, loved it, we both cleaned our plates:) I’m always looking for diabetic friendly recipes and this one fit the bill.
I had to Subsitute toasted slice almonds for the peanuts due to allergies but man was this tasty:)
Yay!! I’m so happy you tried the recipe and enjoyed it! Thank you so much for taking the time to drop a comment!
I made this salad today and realized that I need to bookmark it so that I can make it more often. It’s always a huge hit. The flavors blend so well together and eating it just makes you feel healthy!
So happy you enjoy it Laurie. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!