Oriental Tossed Salad
This Oriental Tossed Salad is a vibrant and crunchy dish, featuring a delightful mix of textures and flavors from crisp vegetables and savory ramen noodles. The sweet and tangy dressing, combined with the nuttiness of walnuts, makes it perfect for gatherings or as a light meal that appeals to various palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together right before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider using a combination of sesame oil and olive oil instead of regular oil. You can also substitute the walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds for a different flavor profile. To add some freshness, toss in some shredded carrots or bell peppers. If you're short on time, pre-packaged salad greens can work in place of romaine lettuce.
Serving Suggestions
This Oriental Tossed Salad is best served fresh, making it a great choice for gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, such as teriyaki chicken or shrimp. For a complete meal, serve alongside Poached Chicken Breast In Wine. Consider offering a variety of dressings on the side for guests to customize their salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The noodles may absorb the dressing and soften, so it's best to keep the dressing separate if possible. When ready to eat, you can refresh the salad by adding a little extra dressing or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Tossed Salad contains roughly 307 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 551mg per serving (24% 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?
While you can prepare the ingredients in advance, it's best to mix the salad right before serving to keep the noodles crunchy and the greens fresh. If you want to prepare the dressing ahead of time, store it separately in the fridge and mix it in just before serving.
What can I substitute for Ramen noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice noodles or crispy chickpea snacks. For a healthier version, you could also use spiralized vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to replace the noodles while keeping the crunch and texture.
Can I use different vegetables in this salad?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile, and you can add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even shredded cabbage. Feel free to get creative and use seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand to enhance the flavors and textures.
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).