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Crunchy Ramen Noodle Pasta Salad with Easy Sesame Dressing

crunchy ramen noodle pasta salad with sesame dressing - featured image

A cold, crunchy ramen noodle pasta salad tossed with coleslaw mix, edamame, and a savory-sweet sesame dressing. Perfect for potlucks, summer dinners, or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packages (3 oz each) ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
  • 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup shelled edamame, thawed
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Break ramen noodles into quarters and cook for exactly 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Shake off excess water.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk or shake until well combined.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, edamame, and shredded carrots (if using). Toss gently.
  5. Add the drained, cooled ramen noodles to the bowl and toss to combine, breaking up any clumps.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the salad and toss gently.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Give the salad a final toss before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

For best texture, do not overcook the ramen noodles. Toast seeds and nuts carefully as they burn quickly. The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave. For gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: crunchy ramen noodle pasta salad, sesame dressing, cold pasta salad, Asian salad, potluck salad, easy summer salad