Bok Choy Oriental Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad featuring shredded bok choy, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crushed ramen noodles, dressed in a sweet and tangy sesame vinaigrette. Perfect for light lunches or side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast sesame seed and sliced almonds at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until golden.
- Shred the bok choy into thin strips and place in a large bowl.
- Add sliced scallions and crushed ramen noodles to the bok choy.
- Mix oil, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and the chicken seasoning packet from the noodles to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.
- Add toasted nuts to the salad and toss again to distribute evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try substituting the bok choy with shredded Napa cabbage or kale for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a vegan option, replace the chicken-flavored ramen with plain ramen and omit the seasoning packet. To enhance the crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds along with the almonds and sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or fish, and it pairs beautifully with Chicken Honolulu Style. For a complete meal, consider adding cooked chicken or tofu for protein. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become soggy as the dressing marinates, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. When reheating, if needed, do so gently in a microwave to avoid overcooking the bok choy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bok Choy Oriental Salad contains roughly 718 calories, with 13g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use a different type of vinegar in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different taste. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dressing, so choose based on your preference.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make the salad gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles or substitute them with rice noodles. Ensure that the peanut oil and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to this salad for extra protein. For a vegetarian option, consider adding edamame or tofu to make it more filling and nutritious.
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).