No Bull Ranch Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, shredded cabbage, green onions, and flavorful ramen noodles, perfect for a light, satisfying dish suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. slivered almonds, toasted ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted ⓘ
- 1 small head cabbage, shredded
- 2 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- Ramen noodles (chicken flavored)
- chicken (optional) ⓘ
- mandarin oranges (optional) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Ramen seasoning (chicken flavored) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together the toasted almonds, toasted sesame seeds, shredded cabbage, chopped green onions, ramen noodles, chicken (if using), and mandarin oranges (if using) in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together sugar, olive oil, salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and the ramen seasoning packet.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill the salad for several hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, try substituting the slivered almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using a sugar substitute in the dressing. This salad can also be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots. For a twist, add some edamame for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
This No Bull Ranch Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a light main course. Consider serving it alongside dishes like Japanese Chicken Over Rice or a refreshing Vegetarian Chicken Salad for a complete meal. It's great for potlucks or picnics and can be garnished with additional sesame seeds for presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become soggy over time due to the dressing, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. If you need to reheat any chicken, do so gently in a microwave to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Bull Ranch Salad contains roughly 130 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1759mg per serving (76% 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, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This will help maintain the crispness of the vegetables and noodles. Allowing the flavors to meld overnight will enhance the taste.
What can I substitute for ramen noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice noodles or quinoa instead of ramen noodles. For a low-carb version, you could use spiralized zucchini or cabbage noodles. Both alternatives will still provide a great texture and absorb the dressing well.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
You can easily adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Start with less and add more gradually until you reach your desired sweetness.
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).