• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Roots and Radishes

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Subscribe
  • Recipes
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Subscribe
    • Recipes
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Sides

    Healthy Asian Slaw With Ramen

    January 3, 2022 by Tera 2 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    18 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    A serving of healthy Asian slaw with ramen in dark gray bowl with fork, next to mustard-colored linen on light blue and white surface

    This healthy Asian slaw with ramen has quickly become a house favorite! With kale, green onions, slivered almonds, gluten free ramen, sesame seeds, and a simple sesame vinaigrette, this Asian slaw recipe is easy, satisfyingly crunchy, and ready to accompany your favorite protein.

    Healthy Asian slaw with ramen in clear glass bowl with two copper serving spoons this recipe

    Get ready to make your crunchy salad and slaw dreams come true! This recipe is inspired by a dish my family made growing up -- a vinegar-based coleslaw with Napa cabbage, ramen, almonds, and green onions. Truth be told, it was not the healthiest recipe, but it was a Midwest potluck classic that everyone gladly gobbled up.

    Recently, when I noticed new brands of rice-based ramen, I was immediately inspired to reinvent that old Asian coleslaw recipe (delicious as it is). My version of the salad is what I now call healthy Asian slaw with ramen, made with healthier packaged ramen noodles and far less sugar in the dressing than the original recipe. I also swapped cabbage for kale (though both, or a mix, would be delicious), and leaned a bit more into Asian flavors by adding sesame oil, tamari, and rice vinegar to the vinaigrette.

    All that is to say, if you're looking for a crunchy, healthy that's slaw well-dressed in a sesame-soy vinaigrette... you are in the right place, my friend.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • Asian Slaw with Ramen FAQs
    • If you enjoyed this slaw recipe...
    • Healthy Asian Slaw With Ramen

    Ingredients

    This healthy Asian slaw with ramen is very simple and comes together in two parts: the slaw and the vinaigrette. For the slaw, we have five ingredients (excluding whatever oil you have on hand, for toasting), plus five more for the dressing. Moreover, these ingredients are naturally vegan, and they'll also be gluten free depending on the ramen you use (suggestions on that below!).

    Healthy Asian slaw with ramen ingredients on light blue and white surface

    For the slaw, you'll need:

    • Curly kale - Other kinds of kale would work too! I prefer the texture of the curly kale in this recipe.
    • Green onions - For a mild onion flavor.
    • Ramen noodles - From a package (but without the soup mix)! We love the kinds from Lotus Foods, which can be found at Target, Whole Foods, and Kroger grocery stores, just to name a few! The reason we love the Lotus Foods brand so much is because their ramen is made with whole grains, which are more nutrient-dense than refined grains. That said, any rice-based noodle would be good! Just work with what you have access to 🙂
    • Slivered almonds - You can buy these raw or dry toasted. Since we'll be toasting them on a skillet, you may want to choose raw. That said, you can always grab some dry toasted and skip the toasting.
    • Sesame seeds - All about that texture!

    For the vinaigrette, you'll need:

    • Toasted sesame oil - If you can only find un-toasted, that's okay! Toasted sesame oil provides an incredible flavor, though, if you can find it.
    • Tamari - For that salty, soy, umami flavor.
    • Rice vinegar - Brings an acidic balance to the vinaigrette.
    • Maple syrup - To sweeten and balance.
    • Fresh orange juice - I love the flavor that fresh orange brings to this dish!

    Instructions

    To make this Asian slaw recipe, you'll prep the kale and green onions, toast the ramen with almonds, then make and add the sesame-soy dressing.

    Prep the Kale & Onions

    Thoroughly wash and dry your kale, then chop it into bite-size pieces or use a kitchen shears to shred it. Then, slice your green onions (green and white parts), combine both into a bowl, and set aside.

    Shredded curly kale and sliced green onions in clear glass bowl

    Toast the Ramen, Almonds, & Sesame Seeds

    To prep the noodles, use a butter knife handle to smash up the ramen noodles while they're still in their package, breaking up any large chunks and avoiding pieces that are too small (about the size of a whole almond is good). Inevitably there will be smaller pieces, and that's okay. Just avoid pulverizing the entire package into crumbs, or leaving behind large chunks that won't toast thoroughly.

    Next, heat a couple tablespoons of neutral or toasted sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Swirl the oil to coat the skillet, then add the crushed ramen and toast, stirring frequently. For rice-based noodles, you'll notice they almost puff up as they get toasted, transforming from darker-colored and dense to lighter-colored and puffy. It is essential that most, if not all, noodles look like this so that you don't risk breaking teeth on hard, uncooked noodles.

    When the noodles are close to being done, add in the almonds and sesame seeds, and toast until lightly browned and fragrant (~3 minutes). We add these later because the almonds brown more quickly than the noodles.

    Millet and brown rice ramen noodles, sesame seeds, and slivered almonds in black skillet, after being toasted, on cooling rack

    Once the ramen noodles, almonds, and sesame seeds are toasted, remove the skillet from heat and set aside while you make the sesame-soy vinaigrette.

    Make the Sesame-soy Vinaigrette

    For the vinaigrette, combine toasted sesame oil, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and juice from a fresh orange into a mason jar. Shake vigorously for several seconds to fully emulsify the dressing.

    • Sesame soy vinaigrette in mason jar with silver lid
    • Sesame soy dressing in mason jar

    Finally, add the slightly cooled, toasted ramen mixture to the kale and green onions, and toss to combine. Pour in the dressing and toss well to coat everything.

    • Toasted ramen, slivered almonds, and sesame seeds with kale and green onions in clear glass bowl
    • Healthy Asian slaw with ramen being tossed together with two copper salad spoons, in clear glass bowl

    Enjoy with your favorite protein or as a side dish to any meal!

    Healthy Asian slaw with ramen in clear glass bowl with two copper serving spoons

    Hint: For flavorful, tender kale, you can use your fingertips to massage some of the dressing into the kale leaves until the just start to break down.

    Substitutions & Variations

    Below are some substitutions or variations to help make this recipe fit your dietary needs or available ingredients.

    • Kale - You can totally swap kale for Napa cabbage or another cabbage mix! Or, you can add some cabbage in with the kale for even more crunch.
    • Nut-free - To make a nut-free version of this Asian slaw, substitute sunflower seeds for the slivered almonds.
    • Protein-packed - Add edamame or marinated tempeh for a vegan protein option! If you don't follow a plant-based diet, you can add other proteins like hard-cooked eggs, chicken, salmon, or pork.
    • Potluck - If you're bringing this as a dish to pass for a large group, double it!
    • Sweet - Add some mandarin orange or clementine slices for a juicy and sweet flavor spin.
    • Vinaigrette - You can swap apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar, or another sweetener for the maple syrup. Note that this recipe will no longer be vegan if you swap honey for maple syrup.
    A serving of healthy Asian slaw with ramen in dark gray bowl with fork, next to mustard-colored linen on light blue and white surface

    Storage

    Store this salad for up to five days in an airtight (preferably glass) container in the fridge. The noodles get softer as they marinate in the dressing, and it's SO good!

    This salad is best when fresh, so I don't recommend freezing this salad or the ingredients in it.

    Top tip

    As someone who as broken a few teeth (eek!), I can't stress this tip enough! Make SURE the dried ramen is fully toasted. If you are using a rice-based noodle such as the kind from Lotus Foods, the dried noodles will start to puff up slightly and become lighter in color. They will be much easier to chew and reduce the risk of hurting your teeth.

    Asian Slaw with Ramen FAQs

    Can I swap apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar?

    For sure! Use the same amount of apple cider vinegar as rice vinegar (two tablespoons).

    What should I eat with Asian slaw?

    Asian slaw with ramen can go with any meal as a side salad, or pair it with your protein of choice! To keep it vegan or vegetarian, try tempeh (such as teriyaki tempeh) or edamame. Otherwise, pork, chicken, and salmon would be delicious!

    If you enjoyed this slaw recipe...

    Don't miss out on our other favorite grain-based salads! We adore this wild rice and pomegranate salad and this roasted beet and avocado salad.

    Also, make sure to let me know in this comments if you gave this recipe a try!

    Print

    Healthy Asian Slaw With Ramen

    Healthy Asian slaw with ramen in clear glass bowl with two copper serving spoons
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    A healthy Asian slaw recipe that includes crunchy toasted ramen noodles, slivered almonds, sesame seeds, kale, and green onions. Tossed in a simple sesame soy vinaigrette with a hint of orange. It's also naturally vegan and gluten-free if you use gluten-free noodles (we LOVE this kind!).

    • Author: Tera
    • Prep Time: 8 minutes
    • Cook Time: 7 minutes
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: ~12 cups
    • Category: Salad, Lunch
    • Method: Stovetop, combine
    • Cuisine: Asian

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 12 cups curly kale, chopped or shredded
    • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil (or a neutral oil)
    • 2 blocks ramen, without seasoning packets (we use the rice ramen from Lotus Foods!)
    • ¾ cup slivered almonds
    • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
    • ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
    • ¼ cup tamari
    • ¼ cup rice vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • 1 fresh orange, juiced

    Instructions

    1. Prep the kale & green onions. Combine kale and green onions in a large bowl and set aside.
    2. Toast the ramen, almonds, and sesame seeds. In a large skillet, heat a couple tablespoons of toasted sesame (or other neutral) oil over medium heat. Use a butter knife handle to smash the ramen while still in its package, taking care not to fully pulverize the noodles (aim for whole almond-sized or slightly larger pieces). Add the noodles to the skillet and toast, stirring frequently. The noodles are toasted when they puff up slightly and get larger in color. Once the noodles are 90% toasted, add the slivered almonds and sesame seeds. Stir to continue toasting, then remove from heat.
    3. Make sesame soy vinaigrette. Combine toasted sesame oil, tamari, rice vinegar, pure maple syrup, and orange juice in a mason jar. Shake vigorously until fully emulsified.
    4. Toss salad and serve. Add the slightly cooled ramen, almonds, and sesame seeds to the kale and green onions, and toss to combine. Pour the vinaigrette all over the slaw and toss again to thoroughly coat. Serve as a side dish or add your favorite protein for a hearty lunch or dinner salad!

    Notes

    1. Ramen: Make sure the ramen is fully toasted! Dried ramen is hard on your teeth, and toasting it puffs it up and helps it soften more so it can be safely chewed.

    Keywords: healthy Asian slaw, Asian slaw with ramen

    Did you make this recipe?

    If you loved this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating (below)! Star ratings help Roots and Radishes recipes reach more people, which helps support the continued production of our content. Also, we'd LOVE to see what you make! Tag @rootsnradishes on Instagram and hashtag it #rootsnradishes

    More Sides

    • Air fryer green beans being speared with a fork
      Air Fryer Green Beans
    • Air-fried delicata squash on white plate with golden fork
      Easy Air Fryer Squash
    • Pesto potato salad scooped into large copper spoon resting on small white ceramic plate, next to bowl of potato salad and small white bowl of pesto
      Easy Pesto Potato Salad
    • Fresh pineapple chunks on small wooden plate with two forks on beige and white surface, next to gold linen
      How to Cut a Pineapple

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Zeo

      January 10, 2022 at 9:17 pm

      One of the best ways to eat kale; thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Tera

        January 11, 2022 at 7:38 pm

        Totally agree! Thank you, Zeo!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Yum

    Welcome to Roots and Radishes! Here you'll find healthy, simple whole foods recipes for home cooks. I'm Tera -- the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind this site. Have a look around!

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Popular Right Now

    • Simple coconut chia granola on parchment paper lined sheet pan
      Simple Coconut Chia Granola
    • Chickpea flour pie crust in clear glass pie dish on pastry mat
      All Butter Chickpea Flour Pie Crust
    • Vinegar cucumber salad in small white bowl with freshly cracked pepper on top
      Vinegar Cucumber Salad
    • Spelt flour banana bread with chocolate chips in loaf pan lined with parchment paper
      Spelt Flour Banana Bread

    Make this for Spring

    • Lemon dill hummus in beige serving dish with olive oil drizzled on top, with golden spoon
      Easy Lemon Dill Hummus
    • Lemon dill salmon pieces topped with lemon slices, on dark gray plate with fork
      Weeknight Lemon Dill Salmon
    • One skillet chicken with leeks and farro in cast iron skillet fresh out of the oven with lemon slices on top, wooden spoon, teal linen around the handle, on white and blue surface
      One Skillet Chicken with Leeks and Farro
    • Healthy egg salad sandwich, open-faced with top slice of sourdough on the side, on dark gray plate, on light gray surface
      Healthy Egg Salad with Greek Yogurt
    save 20% at feastdesignco.com

    Connect with me

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Snapchat
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Info

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for recipes and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Roots and Radishes on the Foodie Pro Theme

    Copyright © 2023 Roots and Radishes on the Foodie Pro Theme

    18 shares