As we approach Labor Day weekend, I have two things on my mind: a day off from work (woohoo!) and barbecues (yippee!). Labor Day weekend always involves some kind of gathering where we grill and eat outside, enjoying the last few moments of summer before the school year kicks into full swing.
My kids are actually home this week. Day camp is over and school has not yet started for us. It is usually a tough week, although it has gotten easier now that they are older and can fix their own breakfast and lunch and basically fend for themselves. They just need a little supervision to make sure they don't spend all day on the computer or in front of the TV. Luckily, I can work from home when needed, so it all works out one way or another.
Anyway, in the spirit of Labor Day weekend cookouts, I am sharing the recipe for this wonderful coleslaw that I like to bring to picnics. It is not mayonnaise-based, so you don't have to sorry about giving food poisoning to your friends and family (ack!). But it is delicious and I get huge compliments on it every time I bring it to a party. It is super-easy as well. The hardest part is toasting the sesame seeds (sometimes I forget about them in the oven and they burn!).
Thing 2 is not usually pleased with this coleslaw, as you might have guessed. But he will eat it if I tell him he must. Thing 1 loves it, and I have actually had a pretty good success rate with most kids who try it!
📋 Recipe Card
Ramen Noodle Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 3 ounces chicken flavor ramen noodle soup (1 package)
- 16 ounces shredded cabbage/coleslaw mix (1 bag)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds, about 350 degrees in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Mix together the following to make the dressing: olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, green onions, chicken flavor packet from the ramen noodle package.2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ cup chopped green onions, 3 ounces chicken flavor ramen noodle soup
- Crush the ramen noodles until there are no large chunks (small chunks are OK).
- Combine the shredded cabbage and the dressing in a large bowl.16 ounces shredded cabbage/coleslaw mix
- Add about ¾ of the toasted sesame seeds and the ramen noodles. Toss to mix.
- Top with the remaining toasted sesame seeds and almonds. Serve immediately.¼ cup sliced almonds
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the crushed ramen noodles in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Note that it is best to mix in the noodles just prior to serving. If you do in several hours before serving, the slaw gets a little soggy. But, it is still delicious, so if you have some left over and don't mind a little less crunch in your slaw, definitely save it!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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Marlys (This and That)
This looks like a perfect salad to take for a picnic... Love it and sharing it.
Ann from Sumptuous Spoonfuls
This sounds delightful! I am so bringing this on my next picnic 🙂
Nicole
What a creative use for ramen noodles! I love it! 🙂 Hopping along our picnic path...
Deanna Samaan
This looks amazing and yummy! Perfect for a picnic!!!
Liz
Kristin, I LOVE this sort of salad! I usually pile my plate high when anyone brings it to a party! Perfect picnic fare!!!
claudia lamascolo
this is the perfect take along to a picnic I love the noodles
Platter Talk
One of our favorite summer salads, although I have never found a recipe for it. Thanks for doing this one, it is always delicious.
karen
So if I'm reading this right you DO NOT cook the Ramen Noodles. Just crunch them up and add them raw to the cole slaw?
Kristin King
Yes, that is correct, you don't need to cook them. Just crush them a bit and add them to the mix. They will actually absorb the dressing and get soft and yummy! 🙂
sharon
right it gives it a crunchy texture and it is very good
Shawna
We have such humid weather down here in Florida this would be a refreshing side dish. Visiting from TGIF
Tina @epicuricloud.com
Love this kind of slaw Kristin!! Yummy!! I was never a fan of coleslaw until I tried this kind - I could eat the whole batch!! Have a great week ( :
Kristin
I agree, I like this much better than regular cole slaw. This is actually the dish I brought Friday night to BSP! Hope you are enjoying the last bits of summer as the kids get ready to go back to school!