Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw

Okay, let’s talk about the easiest, crunchiest, most flavor-packed slaw ever—Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw. I made this once for a BBQ, and let me tell you… it was gone in minutes! It’s crunchy, a little sweet, a little tangy, and just so, so good.

The best part? It takes almost no effort. I just toss together some broccoli slaw, crunchy ramen noodles, almonds, and a super simple dressing. And guess what? It actually tastes even better the next day.

If you love a good crunchy salad (or just need a quick side dish that people will actually eat), this is it. It’s cheap, easy, and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ready to make the easiest slaw ever? Let’s go—I’ll show you exactly how to do it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Just toss everything together—no cooking needed!
• Crowd Favorite: A hit at every gathering, thanks to its crunchy texture and bold flavors.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh and flavorful even after chilling.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like ramen noodles and vinegar.
• Customizable: Swap out nuts, add protein, or adjust the dressing to your taste!

Key Ingredients

Here’s what makes this slaw so irresistible:

• Ramen Noodles: The secret crunch factor! They soak up the dressing while staying crispy.
• Broccoli Slaw Mix: A nutritious, crunchy base made of shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and cabbage.
• Toasted Almonds & Sunflower Seeds: Add a nutty crunch to balance the soft veggies.
• Green Onions: A mild, fresh bite that enhances the overall flavor.
• Sweet & Tangy Dressing: A blend of sugar, oil, white vinegar, and ramen seasoning that ties everything together.

Required Kitchen Tools

You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe—just a few basics:

• Large Mixing Bowl: To toss everything together easily.
• Small Bowl or Jar: For mixing the dressing.
• Whisk or Fork: To blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping green onions.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To get the perfect dressing balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Open the ramen noodle packages, discard (or reserve) the seasoning packets, and break the noodles into small bite-sized pieces.
• Chop the green onions into thin slices.
• Toast the almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.

2. Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ cup oil
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 1 ramen seasoning packet (optional, for extra flavor)
• Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Assemble the Slaw

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Broccoli slaw mix
  • Toasted almonds & sunflower seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Broken ramen noodles
• Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss everything well to coat.

4. Let It Rest (Optional, But Recommended!)

• For the best flavor, let the slaw sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the noodles to slightly soften while keeping their crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This crunchy slaw is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• As a Side Dish: Serve it with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or burgers for a refreshing contrast.
• In Wraps: Stuff it into a tortilla with shredded rotisserie chicken for a crunchy wrap.
• Topped on Salads: Use it as a topping for leafy greens to add texture and flavor.
• With Asian-Inspired Dishes: Pair it with teriyaki salmon, sesame chicken, or stir-fried tofu.
• At Potlucks & Picnics: A guaranteed hit that stays fresh even after a few hours!

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

• Short-Term Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The noodles will soften over time, but the flavor remains delicious!
• Make-Ahead Tip: For the crunchiest texture, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare all the dry ingredients in advance and toss them with fresh dressing when ready to eat.

Variations & Customizations

Make this slaw your own with these simple swaps and add-ins:

• Protein Boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp for a complete meal.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap almonds and sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds or crispy chickpeas.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in crispy wonton strips or sesame sticks.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing.
• Sweeter Twist: Mix in dried cranberries or mandarin oranges for a hint of sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with honey or a sugar substitute.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Break the Ramen Noodles Just Right: Aim for bite-sized pieces—not too big or too small—so they mix evenly in the slaw.
• Toast the Almonds for Extra Flavor: A quick toast in a dry pan brings out their natural nutty taste.
• Let It Sit for 10-15 Minutes: This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the crunch.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a tangier dressing, reduce the sugar slightly.
• Serve Fresh for Maximum Crunch: While it tastes great the next day, the ramen noodles will soften over time.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	1 cup
Calories	~250 kcal
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	5g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	7g

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw FAQs

1. Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Yes! For best results, mix the dry ingredients separately and add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the ramen crunchy.

2. Can I use a different type of oil?

Absolutely! While vegetable or canola oil works best, you can use sesame oil for a more Asian-inspired flavor.

3. What can I use instead of ramen noodles?

Try crispy chow mein noodles or even crushed tortilla chips for a different twist.

4. Can I make this slaw gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free ramen or swap it out for crunchy rice noodles. Also, check that your vinegar and seasonings are gluten-free.

5. How do I make the dressing healthier?

Use honey instead of sugar, reduce the oil slightly, or use apple cider vinegar for added health benefits.

Conclusion

This Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw is the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors—all in just 10 minutes! Whether you’re making it for a summer BBQ, a holiday potluck, or a quick weeknight side dish, this slaw is always a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and let me know what you think!