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3 Comments

Asian Slaw with Ramen Noodle Salad

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Jun 1, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Looking at a large bowl of Asian Slaw with green onions, cilantro, cashews, mandarin oranges in a slaw salad base.
A bowl of ramen noodle salad with mandarin oranges, nuts, seeds, in a flavorful asian dressing.

An addictive, easy Healthy Ramen Noodle Salad, a coleslaw if you will. Loaded with bright flavorful veggies and with ramen noodle crunch along with cashews and sesame seeds, holds up well under heat and is dressed in a reduced sugar sweet-sour dressing.

Ramen noodle salad bright, crunchy, fresh in a salad bowl.
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  • ✅ Why This Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe Works
  • Ramen Coleslaw Salad Ingredients
  • How to Make Asian Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
  • How to Store Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
  • Asian Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles

Make it for dinner or a luncheon, add shredded chicken, toss in some crunchy water chestnuts, peanuts, cashews or chow mein noodles to enhance it even further, I have even put in diced fresh avocado!

I love this wildly popular salad recipe, it holds up well in most types of weather and stays crispy and fresh long after other salads have wilted. So what makes this one different?

✅ Why This Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe Works

  • Toasting matters – Toasting the ramen, nuts, and seeds adds a nutty, rich flavor and extra crunch in every bite.
  • Make-ahead friendly – Marinate the salad ahead, store the crunchy toppings separately, and toss everything together just before serving.
  • Wholesome ingredients – No seasoning packets or mystery mixes—just fresh, real food and a homemade Asian dressing with less sugar and more flavor.
Photo of an asian ramen noodle salad with mandarin oranges, cashews, ramen noodles, parsley and coleslaw in a bowl ready to be served.

Ramen Coleslaw Salad Ingredients

For the Dressing:

  • Neutral Oil – I usually use grapeseed or avocado oil for a light, clean flavor. But any vegetable oil will work.
  • Rice Vinegar or White Wine Vinegar – Adds that classic tang.
  • Soy Sauce – Use regular, Tamari, Bragg’s, or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Natural Cane Sugar – Just a bit to balance the acidity.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil – Adds depth and a rich, sesame flavor.
  • Brown Sugar – For a little extra sweetness and richness.

For the Asian Ramen Salad:

  • Bagged Coleslaw Mix – Aka Slaw Mix – I prefer using one bag of regular mixed coleslaw and one of angel hair cabbage for the best texture.
  • Ramen Noodles – Use uncooked ramen for crunch (I love Organic Ramen, but any kind works, flavor doesn’t matter, we’re not using the packet).
  • Mandarin Oranges – A small can, drained; they add a pop of sweetness.
  • Nuts & Seeds – You’ll need slivered almonds (sliced works too) and sesame seeds for crunchy, nutty flavor!
  • Green Onions – Chopped for a mild onion bite.
  • Water Chestnuts – Adds a fun, crispy texture. We love them!
  • Cooked Chicken (Optional) – Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this salad hearty enough to serve as a meal.
  • Garnish: Chopped fresh cilantro adds great flavor, then toss in a few roasted cashews — extra garnish and crunch.

Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

dressing ingredients for Asian Ramen salad; Bragg's Liquid aminos, grapeseed oil, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar for Asian Noodle Salad from thefreshcooky.com
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All-natural ingredients, that’s what! I have a personal vendetta against MSG and other ingredients I can’t pronounce. This recipe utilizes simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry or fridge, without sacrificing taste.

A pinterest image for Asian Ramen Noodle Salad with a square bowl with a cabbage salad, mixed with ramen noodles, cashews, cilantro, mandarin oranges with asian dressing

How to Make Asian Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles

Many of the recipes call for using the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles in the dressing. Have you read the ingredients?! EW! I have found these Organic Ramen Noodles, and they work beautifully for this dish.

A pinterest image for Asian Ramen Noodle Salad with a square bowl with a cabbage salad, mixed with ramen noodles, cashews, cilantro, mandarin oranges with asian dressing. Recipe via thefreshcooky.com

But I digress back to the dressing, place all of your dressing ingredients into a mason jar with a tight fitting lid, shake wildly; it will still separate, but at least you have a start.

I used Bragg’s Liquid Aminos in place of Soy Sauce, but you can use any good Tamari or Soy Sauce (or GF).

You can use any mild oil, I do love Grapeseed Oil and Avocado oils.

Please don’t replace the Toasted Sesame Oil — if you have never cooked with it, you are in for a treat!! And it stores beautifully in the fridge.

I love the mildness of Rice Vinegar, but it can be replaced with white wine vinegar, regular vinegar or apple cider vinegar (it will have a stronger vinegar taste with ACV).

Small pitcher filled with all natural asian dressing.

Before you put that jar in the fridge, though, use it to crush the ramen noodles gently; you don’t want them smashed to smithereens, but small, even chunks. Now, go put the bottle in the fridge. Sorry, I’ve been told I’m bossy!

Please preheat your oven to 350°F (175° C)

Mason jar full of dressing, crushing a bag of ramen noodles for salad.

Next, for the BEST part, the “CRUNCHIES” as I call them.

Measure out the slivered almonds and the sesame seeds and place on a small sheet pan, I love (it’s well loved) my quarter sheet pan!

Toast in a 350°F (175° C) oven for 5-7 minutes, shake them about halfway through, you want them lightly toasted. Watch closely, the sesame seeds will toast fast; if preferred, toast the sesame seeds in a hot skillet instead.

Pro Tip: If you are in a hurry, you can skip the toasting and toss your ramen noodles, nuts, and seeds right in!

Toasting ramen noodles and slivered almonds.

Once your crunchies are toasted, set aside to cool completely; it won’t take long.

Place your shredded cabbage into a large bowl. I typically use regular cabbage mix and a package of angel hair slaw mix — you are more than welcome to shred your own!

Chop the green onions, and if you have larger mandarin oranges, cut them in half, drain, and add to the bowl.

Ingredients for Asian Ramen Noodle Salad | www.thefreshcooky.com #asianramennoodlesalad
I use one of my covered bowls for the salad, so it can marinate, then I spoon the salad into a pretty serving bowl when ready to serve. Although, if you are traveling with the salad, these bowls are tops!
Do you like water chestnuts? Now is a good time to toss them in the salad. I did a rough chop on mine, I love their watery crunch. And if you are adding chicken to make this heartier, add it now, shredding it a bit into bite size pieces.
Asian Ramen Salad Ingredients | www.thefreshcooky.com #asianramennoodesalad
Toss in your cooled “crunchies” and then pour your dressing over everything; like all coleslaws, initially it may not seem like enough, but as the cabbage shrinks and absorbs the dressing it will be more than enough.
Give it a good mix. Cover the container and refrigerate for about an hour before serving, it can withstand longer if need be, heck it’s even decent the next day, though starts bordering on leftovers for me.
Asian Ramen Noodle Salad in bowl | www.thefreshcooky.com #asianramennoodlesalad
This is a wonderful side dish with or without the chicken and easily makes a full meal with the chicken. Wonderful for a luncheon, potluck, picnic, party, or barbecue!
Asian Ramen Noodle Salad | #thefreshcooky #asiansalad #sidesalad #cabbage #ramen #ramensalad #salad #easyrecipe

Variations for Asian Slaw with Ramen

This easy salad is so easy to customize with what you have on hand or what your family loves! Here are some of my favorite ways to change it up:

  • Add protein – Toss in cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great), grilled shrimp, sauted tofu or shelled edamame for a protein boost.
  • Vegetables – Chopped red bell pepper, shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, adding a fresh, sweet crunch and a pop of color. In addition to the slaw mix, you can add purple cabbage or Romaine lettuce.
  • Mix up the nuts and seeds – Try roasted peanuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds for different textures and flavors.
  • Crunchies: Add even more crunch by tossing in crispy wonton strips, chow mein noodles or
  • Try a different slaw – broccoli slaw works great as a substitute for or in combination with traditional cabbage slaw.
  • Dressing upgrade – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the dressing for a bit of heat. Add a dash of garlic, onion powder or ginger to the dressing. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
  • Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free ramen and Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

How to Store Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

Got leftovers? This salad holds up surprisingly well, but the key is how you store it.

  • If already mixed: Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The noodles will soften over time, but the flavor stays delicious.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Combine all the ingredients except the noodles, seeds, and nuts together. Toss with dressing and refrigerate. Keep the toasted ramen and nuts in a zip-lock baggie or an airtight container at room temperature and mix them in right before eating.

More Asian Inspired Recipes

  • Easy Beef and Broccoli
  • Coconut Lime Chicken
  • Asian Marinated Pork

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

Recipe Card
Ramen noodle salad bright, crunchy, fresh in a salad bowl.

Asian Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles

5 from 1 reader
Author: Kathleen Pope
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 – 10 servings
Print Pin SaveSaved!
Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is powered with crisp cabbage, organic ramen noodles, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, green onions, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, cashews; dressed in a sweet-sour (reduced sugar) Asian dressing.

Equipment

  • OXO Good Grips Little Salad Dressing Shaker, Black
  • Olive Wood Salad Server set
  • Mini Glass Pitcher 9 ounces

Ingredients 
US Customary – Metric

Salad

  • 2 bags shredded cabbage I use 1 bag regular mixed coleslaw and 1 bag angel hair
  • 1 package ramen noodles uncooked (I like Koyu, Organic Ramen Noodles), crushed
  • 1 can mandarin oranges small can, drained
  • โ…“ cup slivered almonds heaping cup; toasted
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 1 can water chestnuts small can, optional
  • 1 cup shredded rotisserie cooked chicken breast optional
  • 3-4 sprigs chopped cilantro optional garnish
  • 2 tablespoons roasted cashews optional garnish

Dressing

  • 1 cup oil I use grapeseed or avocado oil
  • ½ cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Tamari, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or GF Soy all work
  • 2 tablespoons sugar I used, natural cane sugar
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175° C)
  • Make your dressing. Pour all dressing ingredients into a mason jar, with a tight fitting lid and shake until combined. Use the bottle to gently crush the ramen noodles (in package), then store dressing in fridge until ready to use.
    1 cup oil, ½ cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Place your almonds, sesame seeds, and crushed ramen noodles onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, watch closely – you want them just golden. Remove from oven and cool completely.
    Pro Tip: Toasting is an extra step I love taking, if you are in a hurry, you can skip this step and still enjoy your ramen salad.
    โ…“ cup slivered almonds, 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, 1 package ramen noodles
  • Combine cabbage, noodles, almonds, sesame seeds, green onions, chicken and mandarin oranges, water chestnuts (optional) toss to mix up. Shake dressing until combined again, pour over salad, mixing well. Refrigerate for an hour or two for best flavors. Add chopped or shredded chicken for a meal.
    2 bags shredded cabbage, 1 can mandarin oranges, 3 green onions, 1 can water chestnuts, 1 cup shredded rotisserie cooked chicken breast
  • Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and roasted cashews (optional). If you don’t plan on having any leftover, you can also add some chopped romaine, but it will get wilty if leftover.
    3-4 sprigs chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons roasted cashews
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

OPTIONAL ADD-INS
  • Shredded cooked chicken
  • Roasted cashews
  • Peanuts
  • Diced Avocado
  • Shredded Purple Cabbage
  • Chow Mein or Rice Noodles
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? This salad holds up surprisingly well, but the key is how you store it.
  • If already mixed: Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The noodles will soften over time, but the flavor stays delicious.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Combine all the ingredients except the noodles, seeds, and nuts together. Toss with dressing and refrigerate. Keep the toasted ramen and nuts in a zip-lock baggie or an airtight container at room temperature and mix them in right before eating.
 
 
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 326mg | Potassium: 163mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 215IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
Ramen noodle salad bright, crunchy, fresh in a salad bowl.
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Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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  1. Cameron

    Sat, Jun 15, 2019 at 7:14 am

    Yum! This is making me want a serving of Asian salad right now (and it’s 7am!). Making …
    We ordered the salad bowl and new wooden salad servers you linked to last month; they are perfect. So now it’s time for salad! Thanks!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Sat, Jun 15, 2019 at 8:29 am

      Oh yay!! So glad you love them and the salad!!

      Reply
  2. Anonymous

    Fri, May 3, 2019 at 5:46 pm

    5 stars

    Reply

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