This Asian-style Ramen Noodle Salad is easy to make, budget friendly and the perfect salad to feed a crowd. Crisp fresh veggies, mandarin oranges and crunchy ramen noodles are tossed in a savory, sweet and tangy vinaigrette.
In a small bowl, add the ginger and whisk together with the remaining salad dressing ingredients until well combined and emulsified. Alternatively, you can add all the ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well.
For the Salad
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Crumble the ramen noodles onto the baking sheet and spread them in a single layer along with the almonds.
Bake for about 5-6 minutes, tossing once until the ramen noodles and the almonds are slightly toasted and golden. Keep an eye on them, they toast fast! especially the almonds.Remove from the oven and set aside.
Add the coleslaw mix, edamame, scallions and mandarin oranges to a large bowl. Add the toasted ramen noodles and almonds.
Drizzle the salad dressing and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. Toss until well combined. Serve immediately. You can refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours before serving but the ramen noodles may lose some of their crunch.
If using avocado, add it right before serving.
Notes
Homemade Coleslaw: To make your own homemade coleslaw mix, you will need 6 to 7 cups of shredded cabbage and 1 carrot.
Avocado Madness: Add the avocado when you are ready to serve the salad. At home we serve the avocado slices on the side. When mixed in, the avocado can get a bit mushy.
Baking Secret: Bake the ramen noodles and sliced almonds for 5 minutes. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and add the sesame seeds. bake for 1-2 additional minutes.
Edamame: If using frozen shelled edamame, thaw it first. This can be done quickly by blanching them in hot water for about 1-2 minutes.
Watchful Eye: Watch the almonds and ramen closely while they bake as they tend to browned quickly.