Delicious Cold Noodle Salad Recipe

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I can’t wait to share this Cold Ramen Noodle Salad recipe with you! It’s a delightfully refreshing dish that’s packed with flavors and textures. Plus, it’s perfect for those hot days when you don’t even want to think about turning on the stove.

This recipe tackles busy weeknights, keeps prep simple, reduces reliance on takeout, and provides a light, cooling dish using quick-cook noodles and pantry staples.

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Sometimes, I find myself staring into the fridge and wondering what to make for lunch. You know those days when all you want is something quick and tasty? This salad solves that, it’s ready in just about 20 minutes and can even use up those leftover veggies you have lying around.

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to throw together. You cook the noodles just right so they won’t stick together, then toss them with a vibrant peanut dressing that adds a creamy, nutty punch. Plus, if you let it chill for a bit, the flavors really start to come together.

If you’re a fan of easy meals, this Black Bean Mango Avocado Salad is another quick option for you to try!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Fun Texture : The crunchy veggies paired with the creamy peanut dressing make every bite exciting. It’s a delightful mix that keeps you wanting more.
  • Flavor Variety : With a tangy soy and sesame dressing, you get a burst of nutty and fresh flavors. It’s refreshing and satisfying without being heavy.
  • Meal Prep Friendly : This salad is a breeze to whip up and keeps well in the fridge. You can enjoy it for days without losing that deliciousness.
  • Quick Prep Time : You’ll have this salad ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. It’s as simple as cooking noodles and tossing everything together.

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Delicious Cold Noodle Salad Recipe

Delicious Cold Noodle Salad Recipe

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  • Author: Charlene
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cool Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: salad
  • Method: chilled salad
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A refreshing cold noodle salad with a delicious peanut dressing and fresh vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 packs ramen noodles (~89 oz.)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
  • 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. white sugar
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp. fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 3/4 cup peanuts
  • 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Start by cooking the ramen noodles in boiling water until they are al dente, which should take about 6-7 minutes. This keeps them from becoming mushy. Do not overcook them, or you will end up with a soggy salad.
  2. Rinse & Drizzle Oil: Once the noodles are cooked, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with a little toasted sesame oil right after draining to prevent them from sticking together.
  3. Prep the Veggies: Chop and slice your veggies into bite-sized pieces. Slice the bell pepper, julienne the carrot, and shred the red cabbage. Ensure the pieces are not too small to maintain some texture in your salad.
  4. Mix the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, peanut butter, rice vinegar, white sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic. If the dressing feels too thick, thin it out with a splash more soy sauce or lime juice.
  5. Toss It All Together: In a large bowl, toss the noodles with the veggies and dressing until they are well mixed. Ensure that the sizes of the ingredients are even to provide balanced bites.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Let your salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld for a refreshing experience.
  7. Serve & Enjoy: When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss again to keep everything fresh. Enjoy your cold noodle salad right away while the veggies still have their crunch.

Notes

  • Storage Tips: Store in an air-tight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. To avoid sogginess, consider storing the veggies separately from the noodles and dressing until ready to serve.
  • Expert Tips: If noodles stick together, drizzle with a little toasted sesame oil immediately after draining. If the dressing ends up too thick, adding a1/2 teaspoon or two of soy sauce or lime juice can make it smoother.
  • Reheating Instructions: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with grilled chicken for added protein, or top with hard-boiled eggs for a hearty meal. You can also pair it with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
  • Recipe Variations: You can replace peanut butter with almond butter if you prefer. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Incorporate spicy elements like sriracha to the dressing for extra heat.
  • Ingredient Notes: Ensure your veggies are fresh to enhance the overall flavor. Look for vibrant bell peppers and firm cabbage. You can also add additional vegetables such as cucumbers or edamame for more variety.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: null
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: null
  • Trans Fat: null
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: null

Delicious Cold Noodle Salad Recipe - 1

Recipe Tips

  1. If noodles stick together after cooking, a light drizzle of sesame oil right after draining helps keep them separated.
  2. For a salad that’s not soggy, cooking noodles al dente is key; aim for about 6-7 minutes in boiling water.
  3. When you want to serve a chilled salad, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. If your dressing ends up too thick, adding a teaspoon or two of soy sauce or lime juice can make it smoother.
  5. For crispy veggies, store them separately from the noodles and dressing until ready to serve to avoid wilting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cold ramen noodle salad with grilled chicken to boost protein content. Top it with hard-boiled eggs to create a hearty meal.

Add a side of fresh fruit to complement the dish. This salad can also shine at summer picnics, potlucks, and barbecues.

Consider drizzling sesame sauce over the salad for enhanced flavor. A splash of rice vinegar can also add a refreshing touch.

Recipe variations

  • You can use soba noodles or rice noodles instead of ramen for a different texture and flavor.
  • Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick that complements the creamy peanut butter.
  • Either substitute cucumber for bell peppers for a refreshing twist or try using grated zucchini for added texture.
  • To scale this recipe for a larger group, use 8 packs of ramen noodles (approximately 16-18 oz.) and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

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How to Store?

To keep your cold ramen noodle salad fresh, follow these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing: Place the salad in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Separation: Keep vegetables in a separate container to maintain crispness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you enjoyed this Cold ramen Noodle Salad or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!

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