So excited about this Crunchy Asian Salad recipe on the menu today. I think it’s going to be one of your favorites this summer.
It uses garden fresh ingredients and the dressing is excellent: light and sweet, made with rice wine vinegar and a few other ingredients. This salad packs a lot of crunch with the toasted sesame seeds, almonds and ramen noodles. Use Napa or red cabbage, though why they call it red cabbage is beyond me.
Looks mighty purple to me.
Anyway, this Crunchy Asian Salad recipe is so pretty and uses such colorful veggies. This recipe makes a ton, serves twelve to sixteen generously, so it’s perfect for potlucks, picnics and barbecues. Really feeds a crowd. Also a great recipe to share extra with friends or neighbors.
Lots of yummy crunchies: toasted Ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds.
I first had this salad four or five years ago. The dressing is sweet and the salad has great crunch from the cabbage and toasted ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds. Great combination of flavors.
And the bright colors are so vibrant and cheerful, really makes a great presentation on a dinner plate. (You see this one coming!) Love having a bowl of Crunchy Asian Salad for lunch! Also makes wonderful leftovers. Wherever I take this side dish, I get asked for the recipe.
The key to preparing this salad is to have a good sharp knife or mandoline on hand for slicing the cabbage and Romaine lettuce very thin. Be sure to dice the red peppers small. It makes a world of difference using a sharp knife for this task, so sharpen yours first. You can buy pre-shredded cabbage to save time, but I’ve not found it shredded fine enough for my liking.
I often make this recipe in stages. Ahead of time, I toast up the crunchies in a skillet, then store in an airtight container. I make the dressing next and store in the refrigerator. Then I dice/chop all the veggies just before serving and toss it together with the dressing and crunchies.
Hope you make this Crunchy Asian Salad recipe and do let me know how you like it.
Crunchy Asian Salad
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 1 large head Napa or red cabbage sliced thin
- 1 small head Romaine lettuce sliced thin
- 2-3 large red peppers diced
- 4 green onions diced (use the entire onion)
- Crunchies:
- 2 packages chicken flavored Ramen noodles crumbled
- 1 chicken flavored seasoning packet from the Ramen noodles
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Dressing:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 clove minced garlic or more if you love garlic
Instructions
- Place all prepared vegetables in a large serving bowl.
- Crunchies:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add crumbled Ramen noodles and stir.
- In two minutes, add almonds.
- Watch the almonds closely as they are very easy to burn.
- Salute 'til golden brown.
- Add 1 packet chicken seasoning from Ramen noodles.
- Mix well.
- Add sesame seeds at the very end and stir 'til just golden.
- Quickly remove from heat and cool mixture.
- Dressing:
- Separately, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Just before serving, toss salad, crunchies and dressing.
- Serve immediately.
You may also enjoy: Grilled Corn, Basil & Tomato Salad
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
Delicious. I have a MINOR addiction to Asian salads. The dressing looks great.
Marilyn Sylvester says
This looks delicious! I make a similar Asian salad, but I typically “cheat” using the packaged, shredded cabbage.
Linda Jenkins says
I did receive a similar recipe from Jack’s niece. The only difference is that the noodles are not cooked. I plan to try this recipe at the traditional family get together at the lake this summer. Thanks, Allie. I have tasted this salad, and it is, indeed, delicious. I, too, recommend it.
Marye says
So much gorgeous color and texture here! When it is 110F around here a salad is the only thing anyone feels like eating… this looks so good. Pinning.
Susie Mandel says
This sounds absolutely yummy! Can’t wait to try it.
Denise says
All time fav! When bringing for an event, leave a little at home, there are never leftovers of this! I’ll admit I buy the precut up cabbage and I also use broccoli slaw for the color. I can’t cut the cabbage and lettuce as thin as I’d like to.
Allie says
You are so right Denise! Gotta leave some at home. I can’t cut the lettuce and cabbage anywhere near as thin as I’d like either. (Where’s Sumee when we need her?)
Karla @SmallTownRambler says
This looks delicious! I’m with you…the cabbage is purple! Another dress-like debate…lol.
Candace says
I’m so glad I stopped by to see you before my break, Allie! This is right up my alley. I absolutely love Asian salads. Pinned! This will definitely be a summer treat for me.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
Your salad looks fantastic and I plan to add it to the menu soon! I love all the bright colors!
Diana says
This looks delicious and can’t wait to make it.
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Ok Allie – are you ready for this? At my next party, you need to bring this salad. Because it looks amazing and I know everyone will love it. Can you come over this Saturday? 🙂
Allie says
Kristi – I am so in. I’ll be hopping on that plane stat! With my salad. Whatcha grillin’?
Catherine says
Dear Allie, I love salads like this. What a spectacular dish! All the colors and fresh veggies…the best part are the ramen noodles tossed in. My family would love this! xo, Catherine
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
What a neat concept, Allie! I love that you added Ramen into the mix. 🙂
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
I can never resist a salad like this. I always order it up if I see it on menus or at restaurants. But heck, I’d rather make it at home!
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
Such a colorful salad Allie. Love the dressing. 🙂
Tracy says
oh my!!!!! This looks fantastic! So pretty too!!!! Can’t wait to try it.
Abigail says
This looks delicious – I love Asian salad! The crunch, great textures, explosion of flavors – what more can I ask for?
Carol Borchardt says
This is the type of salad I would make and eat it all myself! Wonderful flavors and wonderful photos!
Matt @ Plating Pixels says
This looks so fresh and colorful! I like the use of ramen noodles and the seasoning pack.
GrammyK says
I made this on 3 July, then mixed it all together for a picnic on the 4th. It was a Huge Hit. It was beautiful AND delicious. I did add a few shakes of sesame oil to the dressing for more flavor, and added a can of well drained mandarin oranges to the veggies. This recipe is a keeper!
Allie says
I’m so excited to hear it was a hit on July 4th GrammyK. Your additions sound delightful, and I bet those mandarin oranges really gave a color pop with the purple cabbage! Many thanks for dropping by!
Kristen@ A Mind Full Mom says
Asian salads are one of my all time favorite things to eat in the summer. I am totally craving this!!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
This salad looks SO full of flavor! I love Asian salads ?
Richa says
That salad looks delicious and I personally love Asian flavors!
Amy Stafford says
This is a gorgeous salad! I can’t wait to try it!
Ramona W says
I have had Asian style salads before, but never tried it with Ramen…. now that has to change! What a great idea!! I love all the flavors and texture you have going on this this yummy salad. 🙂
Nancy mcmahan says
Love Asian salads. Pinned and sharing. Looks too good not to.
Allie says
Awwww…thanks Nancy. You’re the best!
Kelly @ TastingPage says
You’re right Allie, this definitely looks like a great summer go-to salad. Love the crunch and great flavors!
Sylvie says
Sounds like a great salad to bring to a bbq!
Adina says
I make a very similar salad with Napa cabbage, sunflower seeds and ramen noodles. Absolutely delicious! I will try it with red cabagge and sesame as well, it sounds great.
Aunt Pinkie says
Looks sooo good! Love the crunchies!
Allie says
Thanks Aunt Pinkie – this is one of my favorites!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
How did you know that crunchy AND colorful are just how I love my salads, Allie?! And I see you made heaps so I’m heading over with a bowl and fork – though airport security might confiscate my fork! I think I could convince them to let me bring it on board if I flash them a picture of this salad though! YUM! 🙂
BTW Red cabbage is way more purple to me too!
Happy Wednesday – I hope y’all had a lovely long weekend and the week has been wonderful too!
XOXO
Allie says
Shashi – I would love to share this salad with you – don’t you know it! And guess what, I have extra forks here. How convenient. 🙂 XO
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Do they call it red cabbage??? I’ve been calling it purple all these years!! lol.. clearly I’m an idiot and I just went with the color of the actual cabbage. Wait, so am I really an idiot? or SHOULD it be called purple? I ramble.. and I digress. Anyways, LOOOVE this salad!! Crunchy salads are the BEST and I LOOOVE Asian salads, so clearly I feel like you made this salad just for ME! 🙂 I’ll take a few serving bowls full of this crunchy deliciousness please!! Cheers, lovely! xo
Allie says
I’m with you girlfriend. I go with purple. But the bin at my store says red. Go figure. (Like is French toast really french anyway?) Glad you like this salad, maybe someday we’ll share a bowl together. That I would love. Have a wonderful birthday today my friend, and an awesome year ahead! Clink clink. To you, a successful blogging year to come, and a year filled with blessings and health! Cheers!! xo
Carina says
Oh Allie! This salad is mouth-watering! I tried making it and everyone LOVED it (me most of all!) I love cabbage (purple or red! Lol), and the dressing is perfect. I am inspired to make this again, soon! Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe. Hope you and your family are enjoying July! Xoxo
Allie says
So glad everyone liked it Carina. It’s such a treat around here too! I need to make it again soon!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kithcen says
Asian flavors are winner in my book. And that crunchy salad is just — making me drool. Absolutely delicious and so vibrant! This is the BEST crunchy salad with so many great textures and flavors. I love ramen salads, but I have yet to try one, so glad that you shared this amazing recipe. Can’t wait to give it a go.
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
I love this salad! I have never tried toasting the ramen noodles. That just adds another depth of flavor. Great idea! This is one of my families favorties and now they are going to love it even more!
brigitte says
De belles couleurs,de bonnes saveurs tous les ingrédients pour une merveilleuse salade,belle journée Allie!
Beautiful colors, good taste all the ingredients for a wonderful salad, Allie beautiful day!
Tracy says
A gorgeous looking salad! I just love these flavors. I make a similar salad without red cabbage and some of the other ingredients that put this one over the top!
Allie says
Thanks so much Tracy! 🙂
Eva says
Miam miam, cette salade est magnifique, je comprends bien qui fera partie des tes recettes fétiches cet été, je crois que il faut l’essayer d’urgence ! Bon weekend Allie 😉 xoxox
Heather Kinnaird says
SO delicious!! this salad is one of my a time favorite lunches