Arizona Salad With Dressing
A vibrant, crunchy salad featuring fresh lettuce, cabbage, almonds, and ramen noodles, dressed in a tangy sesame vinaigrette—perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tear the red leaf lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Cut the Nappa cabbage into strips and chop on a diagonal, then add to the bowl.
- Chop the green onions and add to the lettuce and cabbage mixture.
- Crumble the ramen noodles (without seasoning) and add to the bowl.
- Refrigerate the salad for several hours to allow flavors to meld.
- In a skillet, sauté the slivered almonds and sesame seeds in olive oil until golden brown, then drain.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the salad and toss gently.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Arizona Salad, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dressing for balance. If you're looking for a crunchier texture, substitute the slivered almonds with toasted walnuts or pecans. For a lighter option, use a light olive oil or replace it with avocado oil. This salad is also great with added fruits like mandarin oranges for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant Arizona Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Harry'S Slaw for a delightful variety of textures and flavors. For a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas or black beans for protein, making it a satisfying main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. If reheating the salad, avoid the toasted nuts and sesame seeds as they lose their crunch when warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arizona Salad With Dressing contains roughly 240 calories, with 8g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Arizona Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the toasted almonds and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch. The flavors will meld nicely if refrigerated for a couple of hours.
What can I use instead of ramen noodles?
If you prefer a gluten-free option or don't have ramen noodles on hand, you can substitute with rice noodles or even thinly sliced zucchini for a low-carb alternative. Both will add texture and absorb the dressing well.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this Arizona Salad can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based sugar alternative and ensuring your soy sauce is gluten-free. The salad is already packed with vegetables and can be a hearty option for those following vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).