How to Make Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw
If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful twist on classic coleslaw, Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw is your new go-to dish. This vibrant salad combines fresh broccoli, crunchy ramen noodles, and a tangy dressing to deliver a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this easy-to-make recipe will brighten up any meal and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy delight: Each bite offers a satisfying crunch thanks to fresh broccoli and crispy ramen noodles.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh veggies, it’s refreshingly easy to prepare.
- Versatile dish: Perfect as a salad, side, or potluck star—it pairs well with many main courses.
- Flavor-packed: The tangy dressing with hints of sweetness and savory notes complements every ingredient.
- Quick to make: You can whip up this Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw in under 20 minutes, perfect for a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, crunchy, and flavorful ingredients makes this Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw so irresistible. Each component adds its own unique texture and taste, resulting in a well-rounded salad that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- Broccoli florets: The star veggie that provides a fresh, crisp base full of nutrients.
- Ramen noodles: Use instant ramen without the seasoning packet to add a crispy crunch.
- Slivered almonds: These add a nutty flavor and extra crunch to the salad.
- Green onions: Bring a mild sharpness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Shredded carrots: Offer a touch of sweetness and bright orange hues.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle for subtle nuttiness and a delicate finish.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing that ties all flavors together.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to balance the richness of the mayo.
- Sugar: A small amount enhances the flavor by bringing a touch of sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Contributes umami depth to the dressing.
Variations for Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw
One of the joys of Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw is how effortlessly you can customize it. Whether you want to adjust based on dietary preferences or just experiment with flavors, the possibilities are endless and easy to swap.
- Vegan twist: Swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo or a tahini-based dressing for a plant-based version.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame to make it a heartier meal.
- Spice it up: Mix in a dash of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Alternative nuts: Substitute slivered almonds with chopped cashews or peanuts to vary the crunch and flavor.
- More veggies: Toss in snap peas, red cabbage, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
How to Make Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli and Veggies
Wash and chop fresh broccoli into small florets, then shred carrots and thinly slice green onions. This ensures every bite is evenly flavored and perfectly crunchy.
Step 2: Crush the Ramen Noodles
Take one or two packets of uncooked ramen noodles (without the seasoning) and gently crush them into smaller pieces for a delightful crunch in every mouthful.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli, carrots, green onions, slivered almonds, sesame seeds, and crushed ramen noodles. Pour the dressing over and gently mix until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For best flavor, refrigerate the Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw for at least an hour before serving so the ingredients meld beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw
- Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables and crush the ramen noodles a day before for quicker assembly.
- Keep it crunchy: Add the ramen noodles just before serving if you like them extra crispy.
- Balance flavors: Taste the dressing and adjust vinegar or sugar to perfectly suit your preferred tanginess or sweetness.
- Double the recipe: This salad is great for sharing and stores well in the fridge for potlucks or BBQs.
- Toast the nuts: Lightly toasting almonds or sesame seeds will deepen their flavor and add a warm aroma.
How to Serve Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw
Garnishes
Top with extra slivered almonds, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even chopped fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or even Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki salmon or crispy tofu for a refreshing companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it in crisp cabbage leaf cups or as a filling inside lettuce wraps for a fun appetizer. Another idea is layering it in a clear glass bowl to showcase its vibrant colors at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the salad stays fresh and crisp.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and mayonnaise, this coleslaw does not freeze well—it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles instead of ramen?
Absolutely! Crunchy chow mein noodles or even broken-up tortilla chips can substitute for ramen noodles, though the traditional crunch that ramen provides is unique.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to avoid gluten.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling for at least one hour allows the flavors to meld, but you can refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving for an even tastier result.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, making the dressing in advance is convenient and helps the flavors develop; just store it in a sealed container in the fridge and mix before tossing with the salad.
What can I add to make this a main dish?
Add cooked protein such as shredded chicken, tofu, or edamame to transform this crunchy slaw into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful salad that’s incredibly simple to make and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish for dinner or a crowd-pleaser to take along to your next gathering, this recipe truly shines. Give it a try—you’ll be delighted at how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection!
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PrintOriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw
Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw is a vibrant and crunchy twist on classic coleslaw, combining fresh broccoli florets, crispy ramen noodles, slivered almonds, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this versatile salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or a stand-out potluck favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Vegetables & Nuts
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Noodles
- 1–2 packets instant ramen noodles (without seasoning), crushed
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Broccoli and Veggies: Wash and chop fresh broccoli into small florets. Shred the carrots and thinly slice the green onions to ensure every bite is evenly flavored and perfectly crunchy.
- Crush the Ramen Noodles: Take one or two packets of uncooked ramen noodles without the seasoning packets and gently crush them into smaller pieces to add a delightful crunch to every mouthful.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli, shredded carrots, green onions, slivered almonds, sesame seeds, and crushed ramen noodles. Pour the dressing over and gently mix everything until well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Prep ahead by chopping the vegetables and crushing the ramen noodles a day before for quicker assembly.
- Add the ramen noodles just before serving if you prefer them extra crispy.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the amount of vinegar or sugar to suit your preferred tanginess or sweetness.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings; the salad stores well in the fridge.
- Lightly toast the almonds or sesame seeds to deepen their flavor and add a warm aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: coleslaw, broccoli slaw, ramen noodles, crunchy salad, Asian salad, potluck recipe, easy salad, gluten free salad