Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw

Crisp, vibrant, and bursting with savory-sweet flavor, Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. This refreshing slaw combines the satisfying crunch of ramen noodles with the wholesome goodness of broccoli slaw mix, all tied together with an irresistible Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners, this no-cook wonder comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. You’ll learn how to balance flavors perfectly while creating a memorable salad that stands out from ordinary coleslaw recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings something special to any table. First, the textural contrast is absolutely addictive – crunchy ramen noodles and toasted almonds play against the crisp freshness of broccoli slaw for a symphony of textures in every bite. The dressing strikes that perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and umami flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

What’s truly wonderful about this broccoli ramen slaw is how it manages to be both light and satisfying at the same time. It’s refreshing enough for hot summer days but substantial enough to serve as a main dish with added protein. Plus, the convenience factor is unbeatable – it comes together in just 15 minutes with minimal preparation and zero cooking (apart from optional toasting of the ramen and nuts).

The versatility of this Asian ramen slaw is another major selling point. It travels beautifully to gatherings, tastes even better the next day as leftovers, and pairs wonderfully with practically any main dish from grilled chicken to burgers. It’s the recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, simply because everyone loves it so much.

Ingredients

For the Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw, you’ll need:

• 2 packages (3 oz each) oriental-flavored ramen noodles
• 1 bag (12-14 oz) broccoli slaw mix
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Both seasoning packets from ramen packages

The broccoli slaw mix is the foundation of this dish – it typically contains shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and red cabbage, offering a nutritious and colorful base. Oriental-flavored ramen provides both the crunchy texture when broken up and the seasoning that gives this slaw its signature taste. The almonds and sunflower seeds add a delightful nuttiness and extra crunch, while green onions provide a gentle bite that complements the sweetness of the dressing. For the best flavor, use fresh rice vinegar rather than regular white vinegar as it has a milder, more rounded acidity that works perfectly in Asian-inspired dressings.

Pro Tips

Toast For Maximum Flavor

For an outstanding Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw, take the time to toast both the broken ramen noodles and nuts before adding them to your slaw. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. This simple step amplifies the nutty flavor profile and ensures maximum crunchiness in every bite. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as both can go from perfectly toasted to overdone in seconds.

Dressing Timing Matters

The key to perfect texture in your broccoli ramen slaw lies in when you add the dressing. For a crispy, fresh-tasting slaw, mix the dressing separately and add it just before serving. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture where the flavors have melded together, dress the slaw about 30 minutes before serving. Never add the dressing more than 2 hours in advance, or you’ll lose the delightful contrast between crunchy and tender elements.

Seasoning Packet Control

The flavor intensity of your Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw can be perfectly customized by adjusting how much of the seasoning packets you use. For a more subtle flavor, start with just one packet and taste before adding more. If serving to guests who may be sensitive to sodium, consider using only half of each packet and supplementing with a tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil for authentic Asian flavor without the extra salt.

Instructions

Step 1

Begin your Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw by crushing both packages of ramen noodles while they’re still in their packaging. You want pieces that are small enough to eat easily but not pulverized into powder. When you open the packages, set aside the seasoning packets for the dressing and place the broken noodles in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

Add the broccoli slaw mix to the bowl with the broken ramen noodles. The vibrant colors of the carrots, broccoli stems, and cabbage will immediately make your slaw visually appealing. Toss in the sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, and green onions, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 3

In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, prepare your dressing by combining the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Whisk vigorously until the sugar begins to dissolve. Add the ramen seasoning packets to the liquid mixture and continue whisking until thoroughly blended. The dressing should look slightly emulsified and have that signature tangy-sweet aroma.

Step 4

When you’re ready to serve, pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to lift from the bottom of the bowl, ensuring even distribution of the dressing. The noodles will begin absorbing the flavorful liquid almost immediately.

Step 5

For the best texture contrast in your Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld slightly while maintaining the crunch. If preparing for a party, you can keep the dressing separate and combine everything just before guests arrive for maximum freshness and crunch.

Variations

Protein-Packed Meal Version

Transform your Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw into a complete meal by adding protein. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving option that pairs beautifully with the Asian flavors. For a vegetarian alternative, add edamame beans or cubed extra-firm tofu that’s been lightly sautéed in a tablespoon of soy sauce. This variation turns a side dish into a satisfying main course that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Fruit-Enhanced Sweet Twist

For a sweeter variation that’s perfect for summer gatherings, incorporate fresh fruit into your broccoli ramen slaw. Try adding 1 cup of mandarin orange segments or diced mango, which complement the Asian flavors beautifully. This addition not only enhances the flavor profile with natural sweetness but also adds vibrant color and a juicy texture contrast to the crunchy elements. For an extra tropical touch, substitute pineapple juice for half of the sugar in the dressing.

Spicy Kick Version

Heat lovers can easily transform the standard Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw into a spicy sensation. Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the dressing for a complex heat that builds with each bite. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh jalapeños and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for both visual appeal and an extra kick. This variation pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats and cold beverages.

Storage and Serving

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw is best consumed within 24 hours of preparation for optimal crunch factor. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the ramen noodles will continue to soften over time, changing the texture of the dish. If you plan to make this ahead, consider keeping the dressing, noodles, and nut mixture separate from the slaw until shortly before serving.

For serving, this vibrant slaw makes a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, particularly teriyaki chicken or Korean beef. It also works wonderfully alongside hamburgers or pulled pork sandwiches as an alternative to traditional coleslaw. For an impressive presentation, serve your broccoli ramen slaw in a large wooden bowl and garnish with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.

To elevate this dish to main course status, serve it atop a bed of mixed greens with grilled chicken or salmon. You can also stuff it into lettuce cups for an appetizer that combines fresh flavors with satisfying crunch in every bite.

FAQs

Can I make Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw ahead of time?
You can prepare components ahead, but for best results, combine them no more than 30 minutes before serving. Store the slaw mix, toasted noodles/nuts, and dressing separately in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! Reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons, use olive oil instead of vegetable oil, and increase the vegetables by adding shredded red cabbage or julienned bell peppers. You can also use just one seasoning packet to lower the sodium content.

Can I use a different flavor of ramen noodles?
Yes, chicken-flavored ramen works well as an alternative, though it will slightly change the flavor profile. For vegetarians, use a vegetable flavor packet or create your own seasoning with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder.

Why did my slaw get soggy?
The most common reason is dressing the slaw too far in advance. The salt in the seasoning draws moisture from the vegetables, and the noodles absorb liquid over time. For crispy slaw, dress it just before serving.

What can I substitute for broccoli slaw mix?
If you can’t find broccoli slaw, use traditional cabbage coleslaw mix or make your own by shredding broccoli stems, carrots, and cabbage in a food processor. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.

Conclusion

This Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw is comfort food at its finest — vibrant, crunchy, and bursting with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions, bringing everyone back for seconds and prompting requests for the recipe. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, weeknight dinner, or holiday potluck, this versatile slaw delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Make it once, and watch it quickly become a staple in your recipe collection!

Print