This Oriental salad is a vibrant, crunchy dish that blends fresh vegetables, savory?seasonings, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. With its combination of textures¡ªfrom crisp cabbage and carrots to the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds and ramen noodles¡ªthis salad is as delightful to the palate as it is to the eyes. The dressing is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy, with a hint of sesame and ginger that really ties all the ingredients together. Whether served as a light lunch or a side dish to a larger meal, this salad is a crowd-pleaser and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. It¡¯s quick to make, and you can even prepare the dressing and vegetables in advance for a convenient, go-to meal.
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE SALAD:
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? 4 cups shredded napa cabbage or green cabbage
? 2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
? 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
? 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
? 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
? 1/2 cup crispy fried wonton strips or ramen noodles (broken into pieces)
? 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
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FOR THE DRESSING:
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? 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or sesame oil for a richer flavor)
? 1/4 cup rice vinegar
? 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
? 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
? 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
? 1 small garlic clove, minced
? 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
? 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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INSTRUCTIONS:
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1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
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? In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions. Toss them together gently to mix.
? Add the toasted slivered almonds and the crispy wonton strips or broken ramen noodles. Toss everything lightly once more.
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2. Make the Dressing:
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? In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. For added heat,
stir in the red pepper flakes. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness as needed.
? Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving, and toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
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3. Serve:
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? Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the crispy toppings can become soggy if
left too long in the dressing.
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