Gayla'S Nappa Cabbage Salad
A crunchy, savory cabbage salad with toasted ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and almonds, tossed in a tangy vinegar and oil dressing, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crunch ramen noodles into small pieces.
- Saute noodles, sunflower seeds, and sliced almonds in a little bit of oil on low heat until lightly toasted.
- Stir to combine.
- Mix the cooked noodle mixture with chopped napa cabbage and sliced green onions.
- In a separate bowl, combine oil, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, dry mustard, and ramen seasoning mix to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using roasted pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds. If you're looking for a healthier dressing, substitute half the oil with Greek yogurt. This salad can also benefit from the freshness of herbs like cilantro or mint. Adjust the sugar level as per your taste; you can also use honey or agave for a natural sweetener.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or family gatherings, complementing grilled meats or tofu nicely. It pairs beautifully with Lorna'S Cranberry Salad, offering a nice contrast in flavors. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become soggy over time, so it’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If reheating, gently warm the noodle mixture in a skillet, but serve the salad cold for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gayla'S Nappa Cabbage Salad contains roughly 638 calories, with 14g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1217mg per serving (53% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time, but it's best to mix the dressing just before serving to keep the cabbage crisp. If made in advance, store the dressing separately and combine just before enjoying.
What can I use instead of Ramen noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use rice noodles or even cooked quinoa. Both will provide a different texture but will still work well with the other ingredients in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad is vegan-friendly! Just ensure that the Ramen noodles and any other packaged ingredients you use do not contain animal products. The dressing is plant-based, making it a great choice for those following vegan recipes.
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).