Nappa Oriental Salad
A crunchy, savory salad featuring shredded napa cabbage, toasted ramen noodles, almonds, and green onions, tossed with a sesame seed dressing for a flavorful Asian-inspired side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up the cabbage and green onions.
- Refrigerate the cabbage and onions overnight or all day.
- In a large frying pan, lightly brown the crushed ramen noodles, slivered almonds, and sesame seeds.
- Drain the toasted mixture on paper towels to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to the salad. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute margarine with olive oil or a light cooking spray. For a gluten-free version, replace ramen noodles with gluten-free noodles or omit them entirely. You can also add shredded carrots for extra color and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Nappa Oriental Salad can be served as a light main dish or a refreshing side salad. It pairs beautifully with Maui Ribs for a complete meal. Consider adding grilled chicken or tofu for added protein. For a delightful finish, serve with a light fruit dessert or browse more vegan recipes for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 toasted mixture separate until ready to serve. To refresh the salad, lightly toss it and add a bit of fresh dressing if needed before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nappa Oriental Salad contains roughly 518 calories, with 14g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 8g 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 cabbage and green onions in advance and refrigerate them. Just remember to add the toasted noodle mixture right before serving to maintain the crunchiness. This way, the flavors meld together while keeping the texture intact.
What can I use instead of almonds?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute slivered almonds with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. These alternatives will still give a nice crunch while adding a unique taste to the salad.
Is there a dressing I should use?
A simple homemade dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of sesame oil complements this salad perfectly. You can also experiment with a light Asian vinaigrette or even a citrus dressing for a refreshing twist.
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).