Mary Ann'S Salad
A crunchy, savory salad featuring toasted walnuts and ramen noodles, fresh romaine and broccoli, perfect for casual gatherings or light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute walnuts and ramen noodles in unsalted butter until toasted and fragrant.
- Chop romaine lettuce and broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine lettuce, broccoli, green onions, and the toasted walnuts and noodles in a large bowl.
- Toss gently to mix and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider toasting the walnuts and ramen noodles in a bit of garlic or using olive oil instead of butter. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, swap out the butter for a plant-based option. You can also mix in some dried cranberries or feta cheese for a unique twist that complements the salad's crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a perfect side dish for grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Earlene'S Pound Cake for dessert. You can also pair it with a light vinaigrette for extra flavor or serve it as part of a vegetarian feast with other salads from American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispness of the greens, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If reheating, consider warming the toasted noodles and walnuts slightly, but be cautious not to wilt the fresh ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Ann'S Salad contains roughly 1074 calories, with 10g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 6g 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the lettuce and broccoli and store them in the fridge. However, it's best to toast the walnuts and ramen noodles just before serving to maintain their crispness. Combine everything right before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Both options will add a nice crunch without overwhelming the salad's overall taste. You could also use slivered almonds for a different texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be meal-prepped. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to preserve the freshness of the greens. Portion out the salad into individual containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch option throughout the week.
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).