Crunchy Romaine Toss
Crunchy Romaine Toss is a vibrant salad combining crispy walnuts, ramen noodles, and fresh vegetables with a sweet and tangy dressing. Its crunchy texture and savory flavors make it perfect for casual gatherings or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped ⓘ
- 1 package ramen noodles, broken ⓘ
- 2 to 4 Tbsp unsalted butter ⓘ
- Almond slices (optional)
- 1 bunch broccoli, chopped ⓘ
- 1 head or bag romaine lettuce, torn in pieces
- 4 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar or 12 packages Splenda ⓘ
- 1/4 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown in a skillet the walnuts, broken ramen noodles, butter, and almond slices.
- Set aside and let cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped broccoli, torn romaine lettuce, and chopped green onions.
- In a small bowl, mix together oil, sugar or Splenda, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled nut mixture to the salad and toss to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad. You can substitute the ramen noodles with crispy chow mein noodles for a different texture. If you're looking for a healthier option, replace sugar with honey or agave syrup. You can also customize the dressing by adding a dash of sesame oil for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Corn Pudding(Serve As A Vegetable.) or Lana'S Peasant Bread for a complete meal. Consider topping it with grilled shrimp or tofu for a heartier option, making it suitable for both lunch and dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Crunchy Romaine Toss in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the salad. When reheating, avoid microwaving; instead, enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Romaine Toss contains roughly 552 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2537mg per serving (110% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours ahead. However, it's best to assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting. You can also prepare the dressing and store it separately in the fridge until you're ready to toss everything together.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance its flavor profile by adding more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers. For a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or edamame, making it a satisfying meal for vegetarians.
What other nuts can I use in this recipe?
You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor. If you're allergic to nuts, try using pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. These alternatives will still provide a satisfying texture while accommodating different dietary needs.
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).