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    Home » Recipes

    UPDATED: Jun 30, 2021

    Ramen Noodle Salad {Vegan & Gluten-Free}

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    Ramen noodles are good for more than just soup! Switch things up and make a healthy & colorful Vegan Ramen Noodle Salad in 10 minutes with gluten-free rice noodles, crunchy shredded veggies, and a zesty oil-free dressing!

    overhead shot of a ceramic bowl filled with Vegan Ramen Noodle Salad next to wooden chopsticks

    This ramen noodle salad is a perfect dish to take to picnics, BBQs, pot lucks, or even for a regular lunchtime meal. It is great served cold or at room temperature, and it doesn't wilt after you dress it.

    This noodle salad is based on a recipe that my friend always brought to our get-togethers. I wanted to health-ify the salad a bit and I think it's even better than the original!

    I've had so many people tell me this salad was a hit at their gatherings. They love how everyone enjoys it - both vegans and omnivores alike. Here's why:

    It's cool and crunchy, making it excellent fare for hot weather. The yummy peanut dressing is creamy, salty, sweet and spicy, making it totally addictive. And best of all? It's naturally vegan, gluten-free and HEALTHY. What's not to love??

    Jump to:
    • Are Regular Ramen Noodles Vegan?
    • Creating a Healthy Alternative
    • What's in this dish?
    • How to make Ramen Noodle Salad
    • Customize It To Your Liking
    • Prep Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions:
    • Other Salad Recipes You Might Enjoy
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Are Regular Ramen Noodles Vegan?

    Most ramen noodles are made from just a few ingredients such as wheat flour, water, salt, and vegtable oil which are vegan.

    The seasoning packet that goes with ramen noodles, however, is often not vegan. These heavily processed powders can contain beef, chicken, or fish. But don't worry, you can chuck the seasoning packet because we're not going to use it.

    overhead shot of a a tablescape of Healthy Ramen Noodle Salad  in individual ceramic bowls and a large serving platter

    Creating a Healthy Alternative

    From what I remember of my friend's ramen noodle salad recipe, it contained fried noodles, oil- and sugar-packed dressing, and only a few veggies. While the salad tasted really good, all the unhealthy elements made it difficult to fully enjoy.

    I knew there had to be a way to make a delectable vegan noodle salad that I could feel good about. Here are the changes I made for my healthy recipe:

    • Using organic brown rice noodles instead of fried, processed white flour noodles. Not only did this swap save on empty, oil-laden calories, it also made the ramen salad gluten-free!
    • Adding lots more colorful veggies, with all their crunchy, vitamin- and mineral-packed goodness.
    • Subbing a small amount of pure, unrefined maple syrup instead of white sugar for a lower glycemic impact.
    • Making the dressing oil-free.

    These swaps were easy to make, and if I'm being honest, I think they made the salad even better than the original! (Shhhh, don't tell my friend!)

    What's in this dish?

    • Ramen Noodles - I opted to use brown rice ramen noodles to both boost the fiber content and remove the gluten and unnecessary oil from the original. That said, feel free to use any ramen noodles you prefer to buy. Be sure to boil them according to package directions, as different brands will take different amounts of time.
    • Red Cabbage - This is where the "salad" part of my ramen noodle salad comes into play. I love the beautiful color (and resulting healthy anthocyanins) of red cabbage, but you can easily swap in green cabbage if you prefer.
    • Carrot - Any color of carrots will work here. I just love the added crunch and sweetness they add to the noodles.
    • Scallions - Fresh green onions are a mild flavor I associate with many types of Asian cuisine. Don't forget to use both the white AND the green parts! If alliums aren't your thing, you can omit them.
    • Slivered Almonds - Healthy fats and added crunch? Yes please! Feel free to swap in chopped peanuts or cashews instead.
    • Smooth Peanut Butter - Be sure to opt for natural peanut butter here, where the only ingredients are peanuts and salt. Avoid any hydrogenated fats and added sugars. For easy mixing, I recommend allowing it to come to room temperature. If you are allergic to peanuts, you can swap in almond butter, cashew butter or sunbutter instead!
    • Lime - Fresh lime juice gives the peanut dressing a much needed dose of bright acidity. For even more lime flavor, grate a bit of the zest in as well. To get the most juice out of your limes, roll them firmly on the countertop for 10-15 seconds prior to cutting.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar - If you're only going to have one kind of vinegar on hand, my favorite is apple cider vinegar. If possible, get the organic, raw variety that still has the "mother" intact for the most probiotic benefit. You can also swap in mild rice wine vinegar if you prefer!
    • Maple Syrup - This is my personal sweetener of choice. Feel free to substitute agave nectar or date syrup instead.
    • Tamari - Tamari is a gluten-free type of soy sauce. If gluten is not a concern for you, regular or low-sodium soy sauce will also work. If you are allergic to soy, try using liquid aminos or coconut aminos instead.
    • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder - This is one of my favorite kitchen shortcuts. Powdered alliums make life so much simpler! You can get a huge hit of flavor without having sticky, smelly fingers or having to bawl your eyes out. Win, win.

    How to make Ramen Noodle Salad

    This easy recipe is so simple, I kind of feel silly writing out the instructions. Here's what you need to do:

    Step One: Prep Veggies and Noodles

    Using either a mandoline, a food processor, a box grater or a sharp knife and cutting board, slice your veggies into shreds. Boil and drain your noodles.

    TIP: Short on time? Buy a package of pre-shredded cole slaw mix to get your cabbage and carrots without needing to bust out the food processor!

    Step Two: Make Dressing

    Add all dressing ingredients together in a bowl or glass. Whisk until combined.

    Step Three: Assemble

    Place all the veggies and noodles into a bowl. Pour the dressing over top and toss to combine. Enjoy!

    Customize It To Your Liking

    This vegan ramen noodle salad is a favorite of mine not only because of how simple it is to make but also because it is so easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to help you make this salad your own:

    • Add other shredded veggies that are languishing in your crisper drawer. Snap peas, green beans, and bell peppers all come to mind, but feel free to experiment. Let me know what veggies you love to add in the comments below!
    • Change the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs. I love cilantro, Thai basil, regular basil, or mint for this recipe.
    • Add or change the nuts/seeds - Swap out the peanut butter for something that works for you. Cashew butter, almond butter, sunflower butter, or tahini all work. For added crunch, any chopped and roasted nuts or seeds like pumpkin & sunflower will do!
    • Make it spicy - drizzle a little sriracha or sambal oelek into the dressing to give it some heat. You can also add sliced or diced jalapeño peppers to the salad for some fresh spice.
    • Add protein - grilled tofu, baked tofu, chickpeas, tempeh, soy curls, and steamed edamame are all great ways to add more protein to this salad.

    This list isn't intended to be comprehensive, rather is just a jumping off point for your own creativity. Feel free to have fun with it!

    While this ramen noodle salad is perfect for any occasion, it's especially refreshing in warmer climates. For instance, in South Florida, where temperatures can soar year-round, this cool and crunchy salad makes for an ideal light meal or side dish. The combination of fresh vegetables and zesty dressing is particularly appealing in humid coastal areas, offering a refreshing alternative to heavier dishes. Plus, the no-cook nature of this salad (aside from boiling the noodles) means you won't have to heat up your kitchen on those sweltering South Florida days. Whether you're enjoying it at a beachside picnic or a backyard barbecue, this versatile salad is sure to be a hit in any tropical setting.

    Prep Tips

    • Embrace store-bought time savers: I like to make things as easy as possible so I often purchase pre-shredded/grated vegetables. It makes life even easier and if I have any leftovers, they're perfect for other wraps or salads.
    • Using the right equipment: If I can't find all the veggies pre-shredded, I'll use my mandolin or food processor to shred them. It only takes a few minutes and much less hassle than cutting them. Be sure to check out my tools for a plant-based kitchen post for more on that).
    • Meal Prep for success: If you know you're going to be in a rush the day you make the salad, you can pre-shred the veggies and pre-make the dressing the day before so all you have to do the day of is cook the noodles, throw everything into a bowl, and you're done!
    • Don't let them stick: If you opt to pre-cook your noodles, give them a light drizzle of olive oil and toss them before storing them in the fridge. This will keep them from clumping together into a ball.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Can I make this ramen noodle salad ahead of time?

    Absolutely! I think it's the perfect potluck dish because it can stay at room temperature for several hours and the veggies won't get soggy or wilt on you after dressing. Any leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to a week, if you have that kind of self control. I certainly don't.

    What if I have a peanut allergy?

    No problem! Simply swap in an alternative nut or seed butter in the dressing. Cashew and almond butter are my personal favorites, but tahini or sunflower seed butter will absolutely do the trick if all nuts are off the table.

    What about a soy allergy?

    Simply swap in liquid aminos (which contain gluten) or coconut aminos (which do not) in place of the soy sauce.

    45 degree angle close up shot of Vegan Ramen Noodle Salad garnished with green onions and sliced almonds

    Other Salad Recipes You Might Enjoy

    If you're looking for some more tasty food to bring to a BBQ or potluck, try these out:

    • Easy Peanut Noodles
    • Ranch Pasta Salad
    • Easy Vegan Pasta Salad
    • Herbed Potato Salad
    • Thai Quinoa Salad
    • Buffalo Soy Curl Salad
    [mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement="false" doNotOptimizePlacement="false" jsonLd="true" key="vx6lw4n0vtrzvrdtemta" ratio="16:9" thumbnail="https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1508350216/nyfpilfxsefap0kldn63.jpg" title="Vegan Ramen Noodle Salad" volume="70"]

    If you make this recipe and LOVE IT, please give it 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan Ramen Noodle Salad

    Author: Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition
    This colorful Vegan Ramen Noodle Salad is perfect for BBQs, potlucks or even to brighten a regular meal. It's so easy to make, healthy and a fun twist on lunch or dinner. 
    4.83 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    Email Recipe & Ingredients
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 5
    Calories 185.5 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    Ramen Noodle Salad

    • 1 pack (8oz) ramen noodles cooked, just slightly al dente*
    • 3 cups red cabbage shredded
    • 1 cup carrot grated
    • 5 scallion stalks sliced
    • ¼ cup slivered almonds

    Dressing

    • 3 Tablespoons warm water
    • ¼ cup smooth peanut butter (room temp pb makes it easier to whisk)
    • ½ lime juiced
    • 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
    • 2 Tablespoons tamari or soy sauce if not gf
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder

    Instructions
     

    • Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk salad dressing ingredients. If the dressing is too thick for your liking, feel free to add a little more warm water until you get the consistency you desire. 

    Video

    Notes

    * I used non-fried brown rice ramen but you can use any kind you would like
    **If you pre-cook the noodles, add a little olive oil to them before putting them in the fridge so they don't stick together.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 185.5kcalCarbohydrates: 20.8gProtein: 6.4gFat: 9gFiber: 3.5gVitamin A: 7500IUVitamin C: 37.1mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1.3mg

    PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.

    Mary Ellen
    Mary Ellen

    Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. 

    Mary Ellen
    Website |  + postsBio

    Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them.Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. 

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    Comments

    1. Jaime says

      June 09, 2021 at 10:52 pm

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delicious! I added julienned red and yellow bell peppers. I ended up having to make another half batch of sauce after the finished salad sat in the fridge for 2 hours, as it had dried up just a bit. Overall, an absolutely great recioe. Easy to make and quite refreshing for a hot Florida summer evening. Will definitely make again.

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        June 10, 2021 at 7:29 am

        So happy you enjoyed it, Jamie! I'll make a note in the recipe for extra sauce if someone is not eating the salad right away.
        Thanks so much for coming back to leave a review!

        Reply
    2. joti sidhu says

      March 02, 2021 at 1:28 pm

      wonderful recipes

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        March 02, 2021 at 1:43 pm

        Thanks so much, Joti!

        Reply
    3. Colleen says

      August 22, 2020 at 8:26 am

      5 stars
      This is SO GOOD! My Omni husband had two huge helpings and declared "I could eat that every week!'
      Especially good during a heat wave! Thanks for a delicious oil-free recipe!!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        August 22, 2020 at 1:08 pm

        So happy your husband enjoyed it, Colleen! It's one of my go-to summer recipes!

        Reply
    4. Sherry says

      July 30, 2020 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      Really good salad, my husband loved it too. I did add about 1/2 cup peas and1/2 cup black beans. And a little Sriracha to the dressing to soften the sweetness. Will be making it again. Thanks

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        July 30, 2020 at 1:27 pm

        So happy you both enjoyed, Sherry! I like the addition of the peas, beans, and sriracha!

        Reply
    5. Dawn Kracht says

      May 31, 2020 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      I’ve made this recipe twice in the last 3 weeks. It is absolutely delicious as a side or as a main dish. It is so easy to prepare and appeals to both vegans and non-vegans.
      Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        June 01, 2020 at 10:25 am

        I'm so happy you're enjoying it, Dawn! Yes, I found that non-vegans really enjoy it as well without it being to "vegan" for them lol. 🙂

        Thank you for coming back to comment and leave a review!

        Reply
    6. Colleen says

      July 24, 2019 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner, using Lotus foods brown rice and millet ramen noodles. Love the crunch! Thank you

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        July 24, 2019 at 6:55 pm

        Colleen, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, the crunch is my favorite part! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Alex says

      September 01, 2018 at 8:00 am

      5 stars
      This salad was a huge hit a my BBQ! Thank you! I’m wondering, what is a serving size for this salad? One cup?

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        September 02, 2018 at 10:53 am

        I'm so glad everyone enjoyed it Alex! That makes me so happy!
        The full recipe makes about 5 servings so I'd say it would be about a cup per serving.

        Reply
    8. Tamika says

      September 24, 2017 at 11:49 am

      5 stars
      Great looking dish! 💕 I was wondering if agave could be used in place of the maple syrup?

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        September 26, 2017 at 10:04 am

        Thanks Tamika! I think it could, though I've ever tried it. I would do a little less agave though because agave can taste sweeter than maple syrup sometimes. Maybe start with 1TB. Let me know what you think if you get to try it. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Kimmythevegan says

      May 31, 2017 at 11:33 pm

      Holy moly that's a pretty salad. I have never had anything like this before. I'm usually not a fan of ramen-y things as I'm not a huge soup person, but this noodle salad sounds dee-licious.
      Looking forward to trying it out at a potluck!

      Reply
    10. Holli says

      May 23, 2017 at 1:50 pm

      What is the gluten-free option? I think I missed that somehow. Looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 23, 2017 at 1:56 pm

        Hi Holli, the link for ramen noodles in the recipe part goes to gluten-free brown rice ramen noodles. They're the Lotus Foods brand. I like them and a few of my gf friends have said they enjoy them too. 🙂 Maybe I should link to them somewhere in my post as well just to be sure people see that.

        Reply
    11. All That I'm Eating says

      May 19, 2017 at 8:01 am

      This is so full of colour and flavour. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 19, 2017 at 8:07 am

        Thank you so much! Yes, it's totally great for lunch or a quick dinner!

        Reply
    12. Marci says

      May 13, 2017 at 11:29 am

      5 stars
      I pinned this immediately after you commented that this would be great to bring to a potluck so you have something to eat. Looks fantastic and I plan to make it this weekend. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 13, 2017 at 12:01 pm

        Thank you so much Mari! I really hope you like it! It's an easy recipe and will be my go-to for BBQs and potlucks this summer. And I think it looks fun so even non-veg people will be wanting to try it. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Sarah says

      May 12, 2017 at 6:34 pm

      Oh my gosh, this looks so good! My family are pasta addicts, so this is a great spin!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 13, 2017 at 11:20 am

        Thanks so much Sarah, we're pasta addicts around here too!

        Reply
    14. All That I'm Eating says

      May 12, 2017 at 6:03 am

      I love ramen but I never make it for myself at home, yours looks so colourful I should give it a try!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 12, 2017 at 7:00 am

        Thanks! It's so easy to make. If you give it a try let me know what you think!

        Reply
    15. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

      May 10, 2017 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      This looks incredible!!! I love how easy it is and all the pretty colors in it! Tweeted for you!

      Reply
    16. Christine @ Run Plant Based says

      May 10, 2017 at 9:17 am

      Love the colors and flavors, this is so perfect for a summer party. Thanks!

      Reply
    17. Dianne says

      May 09, 2017 at 5:27 pm

      This would be perfect for summertime potlucks!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 10, 2017 at 7:29 am

        Yes, that's what I was thinking too Dianne!

        Reply
    18. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says

      May 09, 2017 at 1:44 pm

      5 stars
      I love this salad! The dressing is so delicious! I like to use gluten-free rice ramen. I also love the video! It shows just how easy it is to make this salad.

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 10, 2017 at 7:28 am

        Thanks so much Amy! The salad is so easy to make. I'm loving the brown rice ramen for a gf option! 🙂

        Reply
    19. Becky Striepe says

      May 09, 2017 at 11:51 am

      5 stars
      Loving this rainbow in a bowl, and great job on the video!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 10, 2017 at 7:27 am

        Thanks Becky! That means a lot coming from you!

        Reply
    20. onesonicbite says

      May 09, 2017 at 10:09 am

      I love noodle salads. Totally underated. I betcha this would taste great with udon noodles as well.

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 09, 2017 at 11:05 am

        Ooh, that is a great idea, Jennifer! I actually have some udon noodles around from my trip to the Asian food market so I'll try that too. That reminds me - I couldn't find any of that miso you posted on IG. 🙁

        Reply

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