Cousin Patti'S Salad
A crunchy, flavorful salad combining ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and toasted nuts, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings with a savory-sweet dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break up the ramen noodles and discard the seasoning packet.
- Combine the coleslaw mix, sunflower seeds, toasted slivered almonds, and chopped green onions in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, and vinegar to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the broken ramen noodles to the salad just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider toasting the sunflower seeds and almonds before adding them to the salad. You can substitute the coleslaw mix with shredded cabbage and carrots if desired. If you want a healthier dressing, replace half of the oil with Greek yogurt or a light vinaigrette. This salad is versatile and can complement various meals, such as Braised Barbecued Short Ribs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cousin Patti's Salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. Consider serving it alongside hearty dishes like Super Meatballs or Kathy's Cheese Ball for a complete meal experience. Garnish with additional green onions for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crunchiness of the ramen noodles, keep them separate from the salad until you're ready to serve. If necessary, you can refresh the salad by adding a bit more dressing before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cousin Patti'S Salad contains roughly 1326 calories, with 15g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. 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 make Cousin Patti's Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Combine them just before serving to ensure the ramen stays crunchy and the salad remains fresh.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free ramen noodles or substitute them with crispy chickpeas or rice crackers for a crunchy element. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the dressing, are also gluten-free.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu would make excellent additions, turning this salad into a more substantial meal. Just ensure they are cooked and seasoned to your liking before mixing them in.
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).