KEWANEE WEATHER

In the kitchen with Kim: Crunchy Ramen Cabbage Salad


By Kim Gehling    June 20, 2026
Crunchy Ramen Cabbage Salad is a potluck favorite. [Photos by Kim Gehling]

Crunchy Ramen Cabbage Salad has been a favorite at potlucks, family dinners and church gatherings for years. The combination of crisp cabbage, toasted ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds creates a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.

A sweet and tangy dressing coats every bite, bringing together flavors and textures that complement one another perfectly. It’s a simple salad that never seems to go out of style.

This recipe features Napa cabbage, a variety of Chinese cabbage known for its crisp texture, mild flavor and pale green leaves. Despite the name, it isn’t connected to California’s Napa Valley.

The word “Napa” comes from a Japanese term meaning “leafy greens.” Its crunchy texture makes it a popular choice for fresh salads, slaws, and Asian-inspired dishes.

I recently made this salad when friends came to visit, and it went over well with all ages. I served it alongside smoked pork loin and cheesy potatoes, and the combination was delicious. The crisp, crunchy salad balanced the rich flavors of the meal and added a refreshing element to the plate.

One thing to keep in mind is that this salad is best assembled just before serving. The crunchy topping is what makes it so special, and you’ll want to preserve that texture by tossing everything together at the last minute.

From our kitchen to yours — enjoy!

Crunchy Ramen Cabbage Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 1 head Napa cabbage
  • 1 bunch green onions, white and green parts minced
  • ⅓ c. butter
  • 1 (3 oz.) package ramen noodles, broken into pieces
  • 1 c. slivered or sliced almonds
  • 2 T. sesame seeds
  • ¾ c. vegetable oil
  • ½ c. white sugar
  • ¼ c. cider vinegar
  • 2 T. soy sauce

Directions

–Finely cut or shred the Napa cabbage and place it in a large bowl with the green onions. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
–Preheat oven to 350℉.
–Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the broken ramen noodles, almonds, and sesame seeds until coated.
–Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted and golden brown. Remove and allow to cool.
–In a small saucepan, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
–Just before serving, add the crunchy noodle mixture and dressing to the cabbage. Toss until evenly coated and serve immediately.

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