Okay, so get this – my friend Sarah just shared the *easiest* recipe with me, and I just HAD to pass it on! It’s for this crazy good easy crunchy ramen noodle salad recipe with broccoli slaw, craisins, and sunflower seeds. Seriously, I’m already obsessed. She brought it to our last BBQ, and it was GONE in minutes. Everyone was asking for the recipe, so I figured I’d share it here. It’s seriously perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, you name it! This easy crunchy ramen noodle salad recipe is about to become your new go-to side dish, trust me. You just throw everything together – how easy is that?!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Cranisins and Sunflower Seeds
Okay, so what’s not to love, right? This salad is seriously addictive, and here’s why:
Quick and Easy
Seriously, you can whip this up in like, 10 minutes flat! I mean, who doesn’t love a super speedy recipe? Perfect for when you’re short on time!
Crunchy Texture and Flavorful Combination
The crunch is real! The ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and broccoli slaw? It’s a party in your mouth! And the sweet and tangy dressing? Ugh, so good!
Perfect for Potlucks and BBQs
This salad travels like a champ. Take it to any potluck or BBQ, and watch it disappear. Everyone will be begging you for the recipe!
Ingredients for Your Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Cranisins and Sunflower Seeds
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen. Don’t even *think* about skipping anything – each thing adds its own special something! You’ll want:
- 24 ounces broccoli slaw – Yep, the pre-shredded kind is totally fine!
- 12 ounces chicken flavor ramen noodles, uncooked and broken up – Trust me on the chicken flavor, it just works!
- 1 cup craisins – These give it that perfect chewy sweetness.
- ½ cup sunflower seeds – Adds a nutty crunch that’s just *chef’s kiss*.
- 3 tablespoon sesame seeds – Don’t skip these, they add a lil’ somethin’ somethin’.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – For that touch of sweetness!
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar – Tangy perfection!
- ¾ cup vegetable oil – Keeps it all nice and coated.
- Chopped scallions (optional) – For a bit of freshness!
- Shredded chicken (optional) – Wanna make it a meal? Add some chicken!
How to Make This Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Cranisins and Sunflower Seeds
Okay, ready to get your crunch on? This is seriously the easiest thing *ever*. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on this salad in no time!
Combining the Salad Ingredients
First things first, grab a HUGE bowl. I’m talking, like, the biggest one you’ve got! Dump in that broccoli slaw, the uncooked ramen noodles (crush ’em up a bit first!), the craisins, and those yummy sunflower seeds. Easy peasy!
Mixing the Dressing
Now for the magic sauce! In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. BUT WAIT! Don’t forget the secret ingredient: those little seasoning packets from the ramen! Yep, dump ’em right in! Whisk it all together until the sugar dissolves. Give it a taste – you might want a little more sugar or vinegar, depending on your tastebuds!
Assembling the Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Cranisins and Sunflower Seeds
Alright, the grand finale! Pour that dressing over the salad ingredients in the big bowl. Now, toss it all together until *everything* is coated. Don’t be shy – get in there and mix it up good! You want every single piece of broccoli slaw and ramen noodle to get a little love from that dressing. And that’s it! Seriously, how easy was that?!
Tips for the Best Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Cranisins and Sunflower Seeds
Want to take this salad from “good” to “OMG AMAZING?” I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve!
Ingredient Freshness
Okay, so this might sound obvious, but fresh ingredients *really* make a difference. I mean, nobody wants sad, wilted broccoli slaw, right? The fresher, the better!
Adjusting the Dressing
Taste, taste, TASTE! Seriously, before you dump that dressing all over the salad, give it a little taste. Is it sweet enough? Tangy enough? Add a pinch more sugar or a splash more vinegar until it’s *perfect* for you!
Letting the Salad Sit
Okay, this is my secret weapon: let the salad sit for like, 10-15 minutes before serving. It lets all those flavors meld together and get all happy and delicious. Trust me on this one!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Cranisins and Sunflower Seeds
Okay, so let’s break down these ingredients a little more, and talk about some swaps you can make. Don’t worry, it’s all gonna be delicious!
Broccoli Slaw
Seriously, just grab the pre-packaged stuff. I mean, who has time to chop all that broccoli? It’s so easy and convenient. Plus, it’s already perfectly shredded!
Ramen Noodles
Okay, so I’m a chicken ramen kinda gal, but honestly, you can use *any* flavor you like! Beef? Shrimp? Go wild! Chicken just happens to be my fave in this easy crunchy ramen noodle salad recipe!
Sunflower Seeds
Don’t have sunflower seeds? No problem! Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) would be AMAZING. Or even just a little extra sesame seed action. Use what you got!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Cranisins and Sunflower Seeds
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing salad… now what do you serve it with? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Grilled Chicken or Fish
Seriously, some grilled chicken or flaky white fish is *amazing* with this! The fresh, light salad is the perfect contrast to the smoky grill flavors. Yum!
Burgers or Sandwiches
Having a BBQ? This is the PERFECT side! Skip the boring potato salad and serve this alongside some juicy burgers or tasty sandwiches. Everyone will thank you, promise!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Cranisins and Sunflower Seeds
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some FAQs about this crazy-delicious salad:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Okay, so you *can*, but it’s best served fresh. The ramen noodles tend to get a little soggy if it sits too long. If you *have* to make it ahead, I’d suggest adding the dressing right before serving to keep that crunch!
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Totally! Apple cider vinegar gives it a nice tang, but you could also use white vinegar, or even rice vinegar for a slightly milder flavor. Just experiment and see what you like best!
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Heck yeah! Sliced almonds or chopped pecans would be AMAZING in this. Their flavor goes super well with the sweetness of the craisins. Just don’t add too many, or they’ll overpower the other flavors!
Storing Your Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Craisins and Sunflower Seeds
Okay, so you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it as yummy as possible.
Storage Instructions
Pop that salad into an airtight container and shove it in the fridge ASAP. Seriously, the sooner, the better!
Reheating Instructions
Okay, so here’s the deal: this salad is *definitely* best enjoyed cold. Reheating it? Not so much. The noodles will get kinda sad and lose their crunch. Just sayin’!
Nutritional Information for Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Craisins and Sunflower Seeds
Okay, so here’s the thing: I’m not a nutritionist, so I can’t give you super-precise numbers. Just keep in mind that the nutritional info can totally vary depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with those craisins! So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?
Ready To Make This Easy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe with Broccoli Slaw, Cranisins and Sunflower Seeds?
So, are you ready to get your crunch on?! Let me know what you think in the comments! And hey, don’t forget to share it on Insta – tag me so I can see your creations!
Easy Crunchy Ramen Salad Recipe: Sarah’s Stolen 10-Min Hit
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy ramen noodle salad is a crunchy and flavorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings. It combines broccoli slaw, ramen noodles, craisins, and sunflower seeds in a sweet and tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces broccoli slaw
- 12 ounces chicken flavor ramen noodles, uncooked and broken up
- 1 cup craisins
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 3 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- Chopped scallions (optional)
- Shredded chicken (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, including the seasoning packets from the ramen, in a large bowl.
- Mix until evenly coated.
Notes
- Add chopped scallions or shredded chicken for extra flavor and protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg