Crunchy Noodle Salad
Asian inspired salad that everyone asks me to bring, make or share. I updated and modified it to be healthier and easier!
Asian inspired salad that everyone asks me to bring, make or share. I updated and modified it to be healthier and easier!
- 1 bunch green onion chopped
- 1 can simply shred a head of cabbage)
- 2 packages oriental-flavor instant ramen noodles, other flav
- 4 ounces sesame seeds toasted (optional)
- 4 ounces slivered almonds toasted
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (olive oil will get solid in refr
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar or 1/3 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar or 1/4 cup splenda granular
- Carbohydrate 9.03399228588647 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 18.7408048495204 g
- Fiber 4.71532217950919 g
- Protein 7.48769510222196 g
- Saturated Fat 2.02220600070182 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving(s) (45g)
- Sodium 3.37195255624298 mg
- Sugar 4.31867010637728 g
- Trans Fat 0.932096353192119 g
- Calories 219 calories
Step-by-step
- Place sesame and almonds on a microwave-safe plate and cook until browned (about 1 minute – watch carefully!). Allow to cool.
- Mix cabbage, sesame seeds, and almonds together in a large bowl.
- Dressing: Mix the spice packets from the noodles with the green onions, oil, vinegar, and sugar. Shake or stir until well blended. Refrigerate separately until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve: Break RAW ramen noodles into small pieces and mix into the cabbage mixture. DO NOT COOK NOODLES!
- Pour dressing over cabbage and noodles and mix well.
- NOTE: Can be made a meal by adding some cooked shredded chicken or thawed frozen salad shrimp. Experiment! Toasting the seeds and nuts brings out the flavor – You can also add the RAW noodles to the toasting step for more added flavor.
My Award-Winning Crunchy Noodle Salad: A Recipe for Success
This isn't just any salad; it's the Crunchy Noodle Salad that's taken my family, my friends, and even the local television station by storm! It all started with a simple desire to create a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired salad. Little did I know, this recipe would eventually land me a brand-new wok – a $320 wok, to be exact! And the best part? It's a recipe that's incredibly adaptable and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Over time, I've tweaked and improved the recipe, making it even healthier and simpler to prepare.
What makes this salad truly special? The delightful crunch! The toasted sesame seeds and almonds add a wonderful textural element that complements the fresh cabbage perfectly. The flavorful dressing, made with the seasoning packets from ramen noodles, is a secret ingredient that elevates the entire dish. And the raw ramen noodles? Don't worry; they don't need to be cooked! The unique texture they add is part of what makes this salad so addictive. The uncooked noodles soak up the delicious dressing without becoming mushy, contributing to the overall delightful textural experience. The raw ramen noodles, therefore, are not only simple to use, but also offer an unexpected level of tastiness that has always been a surprise for many of my guests.
Beyond the Bowl: Leftover Magic
Initially, I struggled with how to best utilize leftovers. The crunchy elements tended to soften over time, diminishing that signature crunch. But then, a culinary epiphany struck! Why not repurpose the leftover salad into delicious wraps? This ingenious idea completely transformed my leftover salad woes into a delightful new culinary experience. The warm tortilla provides a soft yet satisfying counterpoint to the crisp salad, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. I simply place the tortilla in a skillet, warm it up, and then add sliced deli meat (any kind you like), some more warm tortilla, and finally, the drained salad. Rolling it all up creates a satisfying, flavorful, and portable meal that's perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
Endless Possibilities: Customize Your Crunchy Noodle Salad
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with additions! We've added everything from raisins and dried cranberries to shredded carrots and chopped celery, all of which add their own unique flavors and textures. You can also easily transform this salad into a complete meal by incorporating cooked chicken or shrimp. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination. I encourage you to get creative and find your own favorite variations.
A Recipe for Success: More Than Just a Salad
This Crunchy Noodle Salad is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, creative improvisation, and a willingness to embrace culinary adventures. From its unexpected television debut to its repurposing as delicious wraps, this salad has brought joy and flavor to countless gatherings. It's a recipe that continues to evolve and adapt to my family's ever-changing tastes, and I hope it brings the same joy and satisfaction to your kitchen. And who knows? Maybe your own version of this salad will also achieve award-winning status! So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the delightful crunch for yourself.
