Modern Ramen Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing

Chilled ramen salads take the springy bite of ramen noodles and turn them into a fresh, filling lunch rather than a hot soup. Here, the noodles are cooled thoroughly and tossed with edamame, cucumber and carrot for a mix of chew, crunch and sweetness. The dressing keeps the flavour clean and savoury, using soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil and a little maple syrup for gentle depth. Nori and roasted sesame seeds add a distinctly umami finish, while keeping the texture light enough for make-ahead meals, packed lunches or warm-weather eating.
Cuisine style Japanese-inspired noodle salad
Flavor profile Light and fresh • Savoury • Sesame and ginger
Techniques Boiling • Cold rinsing • Whisked dressing
Cooking style Meal prep friendly • Make-ahead friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Fresh texture: Cold ramen gives the salad substance, while cucumber, carrot, edamame, nori and sesame keep each bowl crisp and varied.
  • Balanced dressing: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, ginger and sesame oil bring saltiness, acidity, sweetness and savoury richness without needing a cooked sauce.
  • Fast cold lunch: Only the noodles and edamame need cooking; everything else is sliced, whisked and tossed.

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Timing notes

  • Short chill: Chilling the dressed salad briefly helps the sesame-soy dressing settle into the noodles while keeping the vegetables crisp.
  • Serve cold: This salad is best served fully chilled, with the nori added at the last moment for the crispest finish.

Texture tips

  • Drain thoroughly: Rinse the noodles until cold, then shake off excess water well so the dressing clings rather than becoming diluted.
  • Keep the noodles springy: Cook the ramen only until just tender, as it will soften slightly once tossed with the dressing.

Make-ahead tips

  • Keep nori separate: Store the salad in the fridge but add the nori just before serving so it stays crisp.
  • Good for lunch prep: The noodles, edamame and vegetables can be chilled together in a sealed container, then tossed again before eating to redistribute the dressing.

Ingredient swaps

  • Use soba noodles: Soba noodles make the salad nuttier and slightly firmer, while keeping the same cold noodle format.
  • Sharpen the dressing: White wine vinegar can replace rice vinegar if you prefer a brighter, more assertive acidity.
  • Swap the sweetener: Honey can be used instead of maple syrup for a rounder sweetness, but the salad will no longer be vegan.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Cook the ramen noodles until just tender, then add the edamame for the final 1 minute to warm through. Drain in a colander and rinse well under cold running water until completely cool.
  2. Shake the colander firmly to remove excess water, then tip the noodles and edamame into a mixing bowl. Slice the cucumber into thin matchsticks and peel the carrot into ribbons or fine strips, then add both to the bowl. Chill while you make the dressing so the salad stays crisp.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, finely grated ginger and sesame oil until glossy. Pour over the salad and toss thoroughly so everything is evenly coated. Chill for 10 minutes for the flavours to settle.
  4. Cut the nori sheets into thin strips with kitchen scissors. Divide the salad between bowls and finish with the nori and roasted sesame seeds. Serve cold.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, rinse the noodles until they are fully cold, then drain very well so the dressing clings rather than dilutes.
  • If making ahead, keep the nori separate and add it just before serving so it stays crisp.
  • Food safety: if serving to vulnerable groups, ensure the edamame is cooked until piping hot before chilling.

Substitutions

  • Replace Rice vinegar with White wine vinegar for a slightly sharper dressing.
  • Replace Maple syrup with Honey for a sweeter, less smoky note (not vegan).
  • Replace Ramen noodles with Soba noodles for a nuttier flavour and a slightly firmer bite.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Store in a sealed container in the fridge. For the crispest finish, add the nori just before serving; if the salad has been chilled, toss again to redistribute the dressing.

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Modern Ramen Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Allergens:
    Gluten Sesame Soybeans Wheat
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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