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Viral Crunchy Cabbage Salad – The Internet's Favorite Salad for Good Reason

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • Salad:
  • 4 cups 280g green cabbage, very thinly shredded
  • 2 cups 140g purple cabbage, very thinly shredded
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • ½ cup 70g sliced almonds
  • ¼ cup 35g sunflower seeds
  • 2 packages 85g each instant ramen noodles, uncooked and broken into pieces (discard seasoning)
  • ¼ cup 10g fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil for toasting
  • Sesame Dressing:
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or neutral oil
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Shred both cabbages as thinly as possible and place in a large mixing bowl.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, toast the broken ramen pieces, sliced almonds, and sunflower seeds in butter or oil for 3 to 4 minutes until deeply golden. Spread on a plate and cool completely.
  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a sealed jar until combined. Taste and adjust.
  • Add green onions and cilantro to the cabbage. Pour dressing over and toss thoroughly until every strand is coated.
  • Add cooled toasted ramen, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Toss once more. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Shred cabbage as thin as possible — fine ribbons absorb dressing and crunch beautifully
  • Always toast the ramen and nuts — raw ramen is starchy and flavorless
  • Cool toasted elements fully before adding to avoid wilting the cabbage
  • Dress the cabbage first, then add the crunchy elements last to preserve texture
  • Add ramen just before serving for maximum crunch
  • Make extra dressing — it keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week
  • Store dressed cabbage and crunchy elements separately for up to 3 days
  • Pre-shredded coleslaw mix works as a great time-saving substitute
  • Add shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal
  • Use tamari and rice noodles instead of ramen for a gluten-free version