Grilled Ramen Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing
A refreshing noodle salad featuring grilled ramen noodles tossed in a tangy sesame-ginger dressing with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs. This asian-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends fresh ramen noodles, vegetable oil, red cabbage, shredded into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh ramen noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz fresh ramen noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: Toss the cooled noodles with 2 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Spread the noodles out on a sheet of foil and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until slightly crispy and smoky. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove until emulsified.
- Step 5: Add grilled noodles, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1 julienned carrot, 1 thinly sliced cucumber, 3 sliced green onions, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the dressing.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the salad before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Ramen Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Ramen Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Ramen Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Ramen Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Grilled Ramen Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.