Crunchy Oriental Salad
A crunchy, savory oriental salad featuring crispy ramen noodles, fresh broccoli, and a sweet-savory dressing, perfect for gatherings or light lunches with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush ramen noodles and lightly brown them in butter and cashews.
- Chop broccoli well and lightly stem; cool completely.
- Drain cashews and noodles on paper towels.
- Combine vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Blend the dressing well and pour over the salad mixture.
- Toss the salad to combine and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using toasted almonds or sunflower seeds as a substitution for cashews. If you're short on time, pre-packaged salad greens can be a great shortcut instead of chopping romaine lettuce. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to make the dressing healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light main dish or as a refreshing side. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal. Consider serving with a side of Vegetarian Derma for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. For an added touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the salad's crunch, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you need to reheat any components, such as the noodles, do so gently in a skillet with a bit of oil to avoid them becoming too soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Oriental Salad contains roughly 403 calories, with 4g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2048mg per serving (89% 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 this salad ahead of time?
While you can prepare the individual components in advance, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the noodles and fresh vegetables. You can mix the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
What can I add for more protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. These additions can make the salad more filling and satisfying, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.
Is there a gluten-free version of this salad?
Yes! You can swap the traditional ramen noodles for gluten-free noodles made from rice or buckwheat. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce used is labeled gluten-free, or substitute with tamari for a similar flavor without gluten.
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).