If you’re craving a dish that’s both vibrant and refreshing, this Classic Oriental Noodle Salad is just the ticket. It’s a delightful mix of crunchy veggies, savory noodles, and a tangy-sweet dressing that feels like a hug from the East. Perfect for light lunches or a snappy dinner side!
Ramen noodles are the heart of this salad, providing a satisfying chew and soaking up the flavors of the dressing. Shredded cabbage adds a crunchy bite, while grated carrots bring a hint of sweetness and color. Sliced green onions offer a mild, oniony kick that complements the other ingredients. Toasted sliced almonds and sunflower seeds introduce a nutty, crunchy element that elevates the texture. The dressing, made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, fresh ginger, and a touch of garlic powder, ties everything together with a flavorful punch.
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal. It also complements a simple fried egg or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Serve it as a side with your favorite Asian-style dishes, like teriyaki or stir-fry, for a complete feast.
Start by cooking the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, but remember to skip the seasoning packet — we’re crafting our own flavor bomb. Once cooked, drain the noodles and let them cool to room temperature. This prevents them from wilting your veggies when mixed.
While the noodles cool, grab a large bowl and toss in the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced green onions, toasted sliced almonds, and sunflower seeds. Give it a gentle mix to combine all those crisp veggies and nuts.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, and garlic powder. This is your dressing, the magical elixir that’ll bring everything together. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely for a smooth finish.
Once your noodles are cool, add them to the veggie mixture. Pour the dressing over everything, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand of noodle and piece of veggie is coated. Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully, making every bite a delight.
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