Crunchy Chinese Salad
A crunchy, flavorful Chinese salad featuring fresh vegetables, toasted almonds, and ramen noodles tossed in a tangy sesame vinaigrette, perfect for casual gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the Chinese Napa cabbage, bell pepper, and green onions, then place in a large bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of margarine and toast the slivered almonds and sesame seeds until golden.
- Cook the chicken-flavored ramen noodles according to package instructions, then drain and crush into smaller pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled ramen noodles, toasted almonds and sesame seeds, and the chopped vegetables into the large bowl with the cabbage mixture.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the slivered almonds with walnuts or sunflower seeds if you prefer. If you want to make this dish gluten-free, opt for gluten-free ramen noodles. To enhance the flavor, you can also add a dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Crunchy Chinese Salad is perfect as a light meal or a side dish. It pairs beautifully with main dishes like Moo Goo Gai Pan(Chicken With Mushrooms And Pea Pods) or Chinese Chicken With Spaghetti(Low Calorie). Consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of fried rice or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will soften over time, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you want to enjoy it later, toss the salad with the dressing just before eating to maintain its crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Chinese Salad contains roughly 365 calories, with 11g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (217% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately. Keep the dressing in a jar and refrigerate. Just combine everything right before serving to ensure the vegetables stay crisp.
What can I substitute for the ramen noodles?
If you're looking for alternatives, try using whole wheat noodles, rice noodles, or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb version. Each option will give a different texture and flavor profile to the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the margarine with a plant-based butter or oil, and omit the ramen noodles that contain chicken flavor. Instead, use vegetable-flavored noodles to keep it vegan-friendly.
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).