Napa Cabbage Salad with Crunchy Ramen Topping

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This Napa Cabbage Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, featuring crunchy ramen noodles, nutty almonds, and a tangy sesame soy dressing. It’s topped with tender rotisserie chicken for a satisfying and complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 1 package uncooked ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 head Napa cabbage, shredded
  • 6 green onions, chopped
  • 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (optional for adding protein)

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1/4 cup vinegar (rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, or regular white vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/8 cup sugar

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crunchy Topping:
    • Break the ramen noodles into small pieces while they are still in the package. Set aside.
    • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the broken ramen noodles, sesame seeds, and slivered almonds to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the noodles and nuts are golden brown and toasted. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Make the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the canola oil, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
  3. Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded Napa cabbage, chopped green onions, and drained mandarin oranges.
    • If using, add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the salad bowl.
    • Sprinkle the cooled ramen noodle mixture over the top of the salad.
  4. Dress the Salad:
    • Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the crunchiness of the ramen noodles.

Tips:

  • Dressing Variation: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less sugar according to your taste. You can also use honey as a substitute for sugar for a different flavor.
  • Add Greens: For additional color and nutrients, consider adding other greens like baby spinach or kale.
  • Storage: If preparing ahead, keep the dressing, crunchy toppings, and salad components separate until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Conclusion:

Napa Cabbage Salad with Crunchy Ramen Topping is an easy, refreshing, and delightful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. The combination of crispy textures and savory flavors makes this salad a popular choice for any salad lover looking for something unique and satisfying. Enjoy the wonderful mix of crunch and zest in every bite!