Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 (3 ounce) package ramen noodles, crushed (discard the seasoning packet)
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Make Crispy Cabbage and Ramen Salad with Sesame Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Shred the cabbage: Start by washing the cabbage thoroughly. Cut it in half, remove the core, and then slice it finely into strips. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to make the task easier.
2. Shred the carrots: Peel and grate the carrots into thin strips using a box grater or a food processor. The fresh, sweet crunch of the carrots will balance the bitterness of the cabbage, providing a satisfying texture and flavor contrast.

Step 2: Toast the Ramen Noodles and Sesame Seeds

1. Crush the ramen noodles: Open the package of ramen noodles and discard the seasoning packet. Use your hands or a rolling pin to crush the ramen into small pieces. These broken noodles will add a crunchy texture to the salad.
2. Toast the ramen noodles: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed ramen noodles to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, until they are golden and crispy.
3. Toast the sesame seeds: Add the sesame seeds to the skillet and toast them for another 1-2 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, white sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well-combined.
2. Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors if needed. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar. For extra tanginess, a splash more rice vinegar can be added.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, toasted ramen noodles, and sesame seeds. Toss everything together to ensure that the vegetables and noodles are evenly distributed.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.

Step 5: Serve

1. This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the noodles and vegetables. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can store the shredded cabbage and carrots, along with the dressing, separately. Add the toasted noodles and sesame seeds just before serving for the perfect crunch.

Servings and Nutritional Information

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories (per serving): ~250 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

Why This Salad is Timeless

Crispy cabbage and ramen salad has earned its place as a timeless favorite for several reasons. First, its simplicity makes it easy to prepare, and it requires only a handful of ingredients that are both affordable and widely available. The vibrant combination of fresh cabbage, carrots, and toasted ramen noodles provides a satisfying crunch that is enhanced by the nutty flavor of sesame seeds and the sweet, tangy dressing.

The versatility of the salad is another reason why it has stood the test of time. It can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you like more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. If you prefer a richer dressing, you can incorporate a little more sesame oil. This salad is also very adaptable in terms of its ingredients—you can switch out the cabbage for another leafy green, or use toasted sunflower seeds or peanuts in place of sesame seeds.

Moreover, it’s a salad that pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main dishes, from grilled meats to fish and even vegetarian mains. It’s light yet satisfying, making it a fantastic side dish for summer barbecues, holiday dinners, or even as a quick weeknight meal.

This salad’s popularity also lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crunch of the cabbage, the crisp ramen noodles, and the toasted sesame seeds provide a dynamic eating experience that engages all the senses. With its simple ingredients and bold flavor profile, it’s no wonder that this salad continues to be a go-to recipe for gatherings and special occasions.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage, carrots, and dressing ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the toasted ramen noodles and sesame seeds just before serving to ensure they remain crispy.

2. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
While Napa cabbage is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use green or purple cabbage for a similar crunch. Just be sure to shred it finely to ensure the salad has the right texture.

3. Can I use a different type of oil for the dressing?
While olive oil is commonly used in this recipe, you could substitute it with other neutral oils, like vegetable oil or grapeseed oil. However, sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor, so it’s best to keep that in the recipe.

4. Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free ramen noodles or substituting them with another crunchy element like gluten-free rice noodles or even crushed rice crackers.

Tips for Making the Best Crispy Cabbage and Ramen Salad

1. Make sure the noodles are crispy: Toasting the ramen noodles and sesame seeds ensures they maintain their crunch and flavor. Make sure not to burn them during the toasting process.
2. Customize the dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or acidity of the dressing. Adding a little extra sugar or vinegar can help you tailor the flavor to your liking.
3. Use fresh vegetables: For the best flavor and crunch, use fresh cabbage and carrots. Wilted or soggy vegetables won’t give the same satisfying texture.

Storage Tips

1. Storing Leftovers: While this salad is best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the noodles and sesame seeds may lose their crunch, so it’s recommended to store the noodles separately if you plan to keep the salad for longer.
2. Make it Ahead: If you need to prepare the salad in advance, you can assemble all the ingredients except for the ramen noodles and sesame seeds. Add them just before serving to keep everything crispy.

Conclusion

Crispy cabbage and ramen salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines fresh ingredients with a tangy, savory dressing, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this salad brings together a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and adaptability to various dietary preferences, it’s no wonder that this salad has become a timeless classic in kitchens around the world. It’s a recipe that is sure to please at any occasion, making it a must-try for your next family meal or gathering.