If you are on the hunt for a salad that bursts with crunch, flavor, and a hint of whimsy, then this Broccoli Slaw with Ramen Noodles and Almonds Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It’s wonderfully easy to make, combining fresh broccoli slaw with the delightful surprise of crunchy ramen noodles and toasted almonds, all tossed in a sweetly tangy dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or bringing it to a lively potluck, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant texture and bright flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this salad is a breeze because each one plays a special role to create a perfect balance of color, crunch, and zest. From the fresh broccoli slaw mix to the toasted almonds, every component adds a unique layer that makes the salad exciting and satisfying.
- Broccoli slaw mix: The base of your salad, providing a fresh, crisp texture with subtle cabbage and broccoli flavors.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a mild, oniony bite and a splash of green color that livens up the dish.
- Salted sunflower seeds: A salty crunch that complements the nuts and noodles perfectly.
- Slivered almonds: Brings a toasty crunch with a slightly sweet nuttiness that balances everything.
- Ramen noodles (3-oz package, divided): Crushed for a crispy element that adds fun texture contrast.
- Canola oil: The neutral oil base in the dressing that helps bind the flavors without overpowering.
- Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar and savory seasoning.
- White wine vinegar: Adds bright acidity that lifts the whole salad.
How to Make Broccoli Slaw with Ramen Noodles and Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Toss the Main Ingredients Together
Begin by combining all the fresh and crunchy elements in a large bowl. Pour the broccoli slaw mix, chopped green onions, salted sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, and half-crushed ramen noodles into the bowl. The ramen noodles should be gently crushed to maintain bite-size pieces for that perfect crunch. This colorful base sets the stage for all the wonderful flavors to mingle.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together canola oil, sugar, white wine vinegar, and the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles. This dressing is the magic behind the dish—it balances sweetness, tang, and savory notes that beautifully complement the fresh, crunchy salad components. Once mixed, pour this dressing over your broccoli slaw mixture and toss everything thoroughly so each bite is coated with flavorful goodness.
Step 3: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Letting the salad chill for at least an hour allows the flavors to marry and the noodles to soften just enough while staying crunchy. This simple waiting step takes your Broccoli Slaw with Ramen Noodles and Almonds Recipe from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve Broccoli Slaw with Ramen Noodles and Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad, sprinkle additional toasted almonds or sunflower seeds on top just before serving. A few extra chopped green onions or even fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten the colors and add a refreshing note that excites the palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, barbeque ribs, or even a hearty sandwich. It’s a perfect contrast to rich or smoky dishes thanks to its fresh crunch and zesty dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this broccoli slaw in individual mason jars or colorful bowls. You can also pile it generously on lettuce leaves as a fresh, handheld wrap option that makes for a lively presentation at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and crunchy for up to three days, making it a great option to prepare ahead for busy weekdays or unexpected guests.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the slaw and noodles will become soggy once thawed.
Reheating
No reheating needed here. This salad shines served cold or at room temperature straight from the fridge, maintaining its signature crispness and vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular cabbage instead of broccoli slaw mix?
Absolutely! Regular cabbage will work just fine, though broccoli slaw adds a bit more texture and a subtle broccoli flavor that’s quite special. You can even mix both for extra crunch.
What if I’m allergic to nuts?
You can omit the almonds and sunflower seeds or swap them for toasted pumpkin seeds to keep that satisfying crunch without the nut allergens.
How long should I crush the ramen noodles?
Just enough to break them into bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to mingle with the other ingredients but still large enough to provide a crispy texture.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Definitely! Simply make sure to use ramen noodles without any animal-based seasoning and swap out the sugar for a vegan-friendly alternative if needed.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a fantastic meal prep option since it keeps well for a few days and only gets better after the flavors mingle in the fridge. Just keep an eye if you add fresh herbs as they may wilt faster.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about a salad that’s crunchy, flavorful, and so easy to throw together like this Broccoli Slaw with Ramen Noodles and Almonds Recipe. It’s a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can create a sensational dish that brightens up any meal. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in every bite as I do!
Print
Broccoli Slaw with Ramen Noodles and Almonds Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This refreshing Broccoli Slaw recipe combines crunchy broccoli slaw mix with green onions, sunflower seeds, almonds, and crushed ramen noodles, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made from canola oil, sugar, white wine vinegar, and the ramen seasoning packet. Perfect as a make-ahead side dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors with minimal prep and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Slaw Mix
- 1 (12-oz) broccoli slaw mix
- ¾ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 1 (3-oz) package ramen noodles, divided
Dressing
- ½ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- Ramen seasoning packet (from the ramen noodle package)
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli slaw mix, chopped green onions, salted sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, and half of the ramen noodles crushed. This creates the crunchy base for your slaw.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola oil, sugar, white wine vinegar, and the ramen seasoning packet until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well mixed.
- Mix and season: Pour the dressing over the broccoli slaw mixture and toss everything thoroughly to coat the ingredients evenly. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together and the noodles to crisp slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute canola oil with another neutral oil such as vegetable or grapeseed oil if preferred.
- For extra crunch, add more crushed ramen noodles just before serving.
- Keep the slaw refrigerated and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Feel free to add other nuts or seeds if you want to customize the texture and flavor.
