Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad

Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad is one of those recipes that swoops in like a culinary superhero when you’re staring at your fridge thinking, “I need something quick, crunchy, and crowd-pleasing—but I don’t want to cook for hours.” It’s the salad that moms bring to potlucks and suddenly become everyone’s favorite person.

Packed with that signature crunch from crumbled Ramen noodles, sweet-and-tangy dressing, and loads of texture, this salad isn’t just easy—it’s downright addictive. The Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad fits into busy schedules, picky eater lineups, and last-minute BBQ invites with grace. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or juggling back-to-back meetings, this salad is your no-fuss summer lifesaver. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through how to whip it up, step-by-step, without breaking a sweat or a nail.

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What is Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad?

Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad is a cold, crunchy salad that blends instant Ramen noodles (yes, the same ones we all devoured in college) with a zesty dressing, coleslaw mix, green onions, sesame seeds, and slivered almonds. Think of it as the ultimate summer side dish—simple, bold, and super satisfying.

The Pioneer Woman popularized it by giving it that magic touch of ease and flavor we all crave. The magic lies in how the raw Ramen noodles soak in the sweet and tangy dressing, softening just slightly while still keeping their crunch. It’s retro, it’s reliable, and it’s so much better than it sounds if you’ve never tried it. Plus, it’s endlessly riffable—add shredded chicken for a protein boost, or toss in mandarin oranges for a citrusy pop. It’s like a crunchy slaw met an Asian noodle bowl and had a delightfully chaotic baby.

Reasons to Try Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad

Honestly, there are plenty of reasons Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad deserves a spot in your weekly lineup. First, it’s crazy quick—about 15 minutes from pantry to plate. For all the moms, busy bees, or anyone who just doesn’t want to cook in 95°F weather, this salad is your ride-or-die. It feeds a crowd, scales easily, and doesn’t wilt into sadness after an hour.

Second, the combo of crunchy noodles, nutty sesame, and tangy-sweet dressing hits all the right notes. It’s light enough for summer but still filling. Finally, it’s super budget-friendly—Ramen noodles and coleslaw mix don’t exactly scream “fancy,” but they sure deliver on flavor. Want more crunch? Toss in sunflower seeds. Want protein? Add rotisserie chicken. No matter how you tweak it, it works. You’ll love how it brings together convenience, affordability, and big taste without the drama.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad

Here’s everything you need to make this crave-worthy salad:

• 2 packages of Ramen noodles (3 oz each, any flavor—seasoning packets discarded)
• 16 oz bag of coleslaw mix
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (about 4–5 stalks)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

That’s it—simple pantry and fridge staples, no fancy ingredients required. And remember, don’t use the Ramen seasoning packets—they’ve done their duty in college. Let’s give the salad a fresh start.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad

Making Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad is easy-breezy. You won’t even need to turn on your stove unless you want to toast your almonds for extra flavor (totally optional, but worth it). Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Prep the Ramen Noodles

Start by grabbing those Ramen noodle packs, opening them up, and tossing the seasoning packets—those won’t be needed today. Crush the dry noodles into small, bite-sized pieces. You want them broken enough to mingle nicely with the other salad components, but not so much that they turn into powder. Think “mini crunchy pillows” instead of “Ramen dust.” Toss the crumbled noodles into a large mixing bowl—the bigger, the better. You’ll want room to toss later without flinging sesame seeds across the kitchen.

Step 2: Add the Fresh and Crunchy Ingredients

To that same bowl, add the 16 oz of coleslaw mix, 1 cup of slivered almonds, 3 tablespoons of sesame seeds, and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions. If you have a few minutes to spare, you can toast the almonds and sesame seeds for even more flavor—just toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. But if time’s tight, skip it. This salad is meant to be stress-free.

Step 3: Make the Sweet-and-Tangy Dressing

In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the dressing looks cohesive and glossy. If you’re the kind of person who always has mason jars around (shout-out to my organized meal preppers!), just shake it up in a jar—it’s easier and less cleanup.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Pour the dressing over your big bowl of noodle and veggie goodness. Then grab a pair of tongs or your favorite wooden spoons and get to tossing. Make sure everything is well coated. You want those Ramen pieces to soak up some dressing while keeping that amazing crunch. Serve right away if you’re going for max crunch. Or, if you like things a bit softer, let it sit for 20–30 minutes. Either way, it’s cold salad bliss.

Want to try another light summer salad? You’ll probably love our Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad for its tangy twist and creamy parmesan vibes. Or dive into a protein-packed meal with this fresh Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad—equally easy, just as satisfying.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad

This salad plays well with others. It’s the perfect sidekick for grilled meats—especially Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken or juicy Teriyaki Chicken. It also pairs beautifully with fish or tofu if you’re keeping it light. Hosting a summer gathering? Set this salad next to hot dogs, burgers, or a big bowl of Easy Mango Slaw for a colorful cookout spread. If you’re craving something creamy to balance the crunch, our Best Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice adds richness to your plate. And hey, don’t forget dessert—something like Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake is always a good idea.

Key Tips for Making Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad

First, don’t skip the step of breaking the noodles before mixing. Whole Ramen bricks are not salad-friendly, unless you’re feeding a family of giraffes. Second, always add the dressing just before serving to preserve the crunch, unless you prefer a slightly softened texture. Toasting the almonds and sesame seeds gives you bonus flavor points, but it’s totally optional. If you’re making this salad ahead of time for a potluck, store the dressing separately and toss everything right before serving. You can also play around with mix-ins: try chopped mango, shredded carrots, or even some cooked shrimp. Got leftovers? Keep ‘em in the fridge for lunch—you’ll be the envy of the break room.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad

Technically, this salad doesn’t need reheating—it’s served cold—but if you’ve made too much (guilty), here’s how to store it. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the noodles will soften and soak up the dressing. Still delicious, just less crunchy. If you’re prepping in advance, store the dry ingredients and dressing separately and mix them just before serving. Pro tip: add a handful of fresh coleslaw mix and a drizzle of oil before eating leftovers to revive the texture. This salad does not freeze well—Ramen noodles and frozen dressing are not a match made in heaven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil in the dressing?
Yep! You can swap the olive oil for avocado oil or even canola oil if that’s what you’ve got.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Not unless you use gluten-free Ramen noodles—but those are easy to find at health food stores.

Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu cubes, or cooked shrimp are all awesome add-ins.

How far ahead can I make this?
Make it up to 24 hours in advance—but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for best crunch.

What flavor of Ramen should I use?
Any kind—since we’re ditching the seasoning packets, the flavor doesn’t really matter.

Final Thoughts

Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad is more than just a nostalgic nod to your college pantry—it’s a practical, delicious, and downright fun dish that works for weeknights, picnics, or potlucks. With just a few pantry staples and a little chopping and whisking, you’ve got a cold salad that delivers big on flavor and even bigger on texture. Don’t let the Ramen fool you—this salad’s got personality, versatility, and crunch for days. Keep a few Ramen packs in your pantry, and you’ll always be just minutes away from your new go-to side. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our collection of other easy, satisfying salads like BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad and Rainbow Orzo Salad. Happy crunching!

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