Mediterranean Ramen Noodle Salad
Description
This Mediterranean ramen noodle salad is a fresh, colourful, and satisfying dish that combines tender ramen noodles with crisp vegetables, chickpeas, feta cheese, olives, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch packed with Mediterranean flavours.
Ingredients
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, chickpeas, feta, and parsley.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Add cooled noodles to the vegetables, pour over the dressing, and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavour. Garnish with extra parsley and feta if desired.
Notes
- Rinse noodles with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Add feta just before serving for the freshest texture.
- Adjust lemon juice to your preferred level of tanginess.
Tips
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna for extra protein.
- Toss in spinach, arugula, or roasted red peppers for more vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Servings
6 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
Health Benefits
- Rich in fibre from chickpeas and fresh vegetables.
- Contains heart-healthy fats from olive oil.
- Feta provides calcium and protein.
- Fresh vegetables supply vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- A balanced meal that’s filling and easy to prepare.
Q&A
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Q: Can I use whole wheat or rice noodles?
A: Absolutely. Either works well as a healthier alternative.
Q: Is it vegetarian?
A: Yes. For a vegan version, simply omit or replace the feta with a plant-based alternative.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: No. Fresh vegetables and noodles lose their texture after freezing.
Q: What pairs well with this salad?
A: Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or warm pita bread make excellent accompaniments.