Oriental Salad Recipe

Do you crave a salad that is refreshing, satisfying, and bursting with flavor? Look no further than the crunchy Oriental Salad. This recipe takes the traditional Oriental salad to new heights by incorporating a convenient coleslaw mix that includes shredded cabbage and carrots. Adding crispy Ramen noodles and the nutty goodness of sunflower seeds elevates this salad to a new level of deliciousness. Whether looking for a refreshing side dish or a light meal, this crunchy Oriental Salad will satisfy your cravings. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a healthy lunch option.

This Oriental Salad recipe invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine with its enticing combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy dressing. Feel free to customize it by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or any other favorite protein, making it a complete and filling meal. Prepare to awaken your taste buds and experience the bold and harmonious flavors that make Oriental cuisine so beloved worldwide.

Oriental Salad

The Oriental Salad bursts with vibrant flavors, combining the refreshing crunch of vegetables with the tangy dressing and a hint of nuttiness from the added ingredients. This versatile salad serves as a delightful side dish or a light and satisfying meal. Its refreshing taste makes it a perfect choice for parties and picnics or a nutritious lunch or dinner option.

Oriental Salad Ingredients

These ingredients work harmoniously to create a vibrant and flavorful Oriental Salad, offering a delightful combination of textures, colors, and tastes.

• Coleslaw Mix (Shredded Cabbage and Carrots): The coleslaw mix offers convenience and a mix of textures. The shredded cabbage provides a crisp and slightly sweet base, while the carrots add vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
• Red Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced red bell peppers bring a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, along with a vibrant pop of color, to the salad, enhancing both the taste and visual appeal.
• Cucumbers: Slices of fresh cucumbers contribute a refreshing and cool element to the salad, balancing the flavors and providing a pleasant crunch.
• Scallions (Green Onions): Chopped scallions add a mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness, adding depth and aroma to the overall salad.
• Fresh Cilantro: The chopped cilantro leaves bring a vibrant burst of freshness to the salad, elevating the flavor profile with their herbaceous and citrusy notes.
• Sunflower Seeds: These delightful seeds provide a nutty and satisfying crunch, complementing the vegetables while adding a subtle richness to the salad.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: With their toasty and nutty flavor, toasted sesame seeds contribute a delightful depth of taste, enhancing the overall salad experience.
• Chopped Roasted Peanuts (Optional): For those seeking an extra layer of texture and flavor, the chopped roasted peanuts bring a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness to the salad, creating a pleasing contrast.
• Ramen Noodles: Adding uncooked ramen noodles brings a unique and crispy texture to the salad. They provide an enjoyable crunch and a playful twist, adding a delightful element of surprise to each bite.

Tips And Tricks For Best Oriental Salad

Following these tips and tricks, you can create a sensational Oriental Salad with a delightful balance of textures, flavors, and freshness.

• Break the crispiest ramen noodles into small pieces and toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown before adding them to the salad. This will enhance their texture and add a delightful crunch.
• When dressing the salad, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more as needed. This will help ensure the salad is evenly coated without becoming overly saturated.
• Opt for fresh and vibrant vegetables to maximize the flavor and texture of the salad. Look for crisp Napa cabbage, firm cucumbers, and vibrant red bell peppers for the best results.
• Enhance the salad’s nutritional value and make it a more substantial meal by adding your choice of protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even edamame can all be delicious options that pair well with Oriental flavors.
• To preserve the fresh and aromatic qualities of the cilantro, sprinkle it over the salad just before serving. This will ensure that the herb retains its vibrant flavor and appearance.
• For maximum flavor, toast the sesame seeds before adding them to the salad. Simply place them in a dry pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until golden and fragrant. This step will intensify their nutty taste and aroma.
• Before serving, give the salad a good toss to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. This will help to distribute the flavors and create a cohesive salad experience.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with these variations, adjusting the ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

• Asian-Inspired Noodle Bowl: Toss the Oriental Salad with cooked and cooled rice noodles, and top it with grilled chicken or tofu for a hearty and satisfying noodle bowl.
• Spicy Thai Twist: Add a tablespoon of Thai red curry paste to the dressing for a spicy kick, and garnish the salad with crushed peanuts and fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of Thai flavor.
• Sesame Ginger Salmon Salad: Grill or pan-sear a salmon fillet marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Serve it on top of the Oriental Salad for a delicious seafood twist.
• Asian Slaw Wrap: Wrap the Oriental Salad in large lettuce leaves or tortilla wraps for a refreshing and portable meal. Add slices of avocado, and drizzle with a creamy sesame dressing for added creaminess.

How To Store Oriental Salad?

• Refrigeration: Store the Oriental salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent wilting or spoilage.
• Dressing Separation: If possible, store the dressing separately and add it to the salad just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients.
• Proper Temperature: Keep the Oriental salad chilled below 40°F (4°C) to ensure food safety and maintain its quality.
• Short-Term Storage: Consume the Oriental salad within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Crispness Retention: To help retain the crunchiness of the salad, avoid overmixing and adding ingredients prone to wilting, such as delicate herbs, until just before serving.

Can You Freeze Oriental Salad?

It is not recommended to freeze Oriental salad due to the high water content of the vegetables, which can result in a loss of texture and crispness upon thawing. For the best quality and taste, it is recommended to enjoy Oriental salad fresh and consume it within a couple of days of preparation.

Oriental Salad Recipe

Oriental Salad

Oriental Salad with Ramen noodles is packed with vibrant vegetables, nutty seeds, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will elevate your salad game.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cooling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 people

Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife for slicing
• Toasted sesame seeds Optional
• Chopping equipment for peanuts (if using) Optional

Ingredients

  

• 1 package coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 1 cup thinly sliced red bell peppers
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
• 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard the flavor packets)

Dressing

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (optional)

Instructions

 

• Combine the coleslaw mix, red bell peppers, cucumbers, scallions, cilantro, sunflower seeds, and toasted sesame seeds in a large mixing bowl.
• Break the instant ramen noodles into small pieces and add them to the bowl. Discard the flavor packets or save them for another use.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha sauce (if desired) to create the dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well until evenly coated.
• Allow the salad for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
• Serve the crunchy Oriental Coleslaw Salad with Ramen noodles, garnishing with additional sunflower seeds and chopped roasted peanuts if desired.
• Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors, textures, and nuttiness the sunflower seeds bring in every bite.
• Note: you can always adjust the ingredients according to your preferences and add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or other toppings of your choice to further personalize your salad.

Video

Notes

These recipe notes will help you navigate different preferences and dietary considerations while adding flexibility and creativity to your Oriental Salad preparation.

Customize the Dressing: Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness of the dressing according to your taste preferences by adding more honey, rice vinegar, or Sriracha sauce, respectively.

Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that the instant ramen noodles you choose are labeled gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Meal Prep Tip: To save time, prepare the vegetables, dressing, and toasted sesame seeds ahead of time, but keep the noodles separate until serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Leftover Noodles: If you have leftover cooked ramen noodles, toss them in sesame oil and store them separately for later use as a quick addition to soups or stir-fries.

Double the Batch: Increase the quantities of the ingredients to make a larger batch of Oriental salad for gatherings or meal planning, but remember to adjust the dressing accordingly.

Nut-Free Option: Omit the roasted peanuts and increase the number of sunflower seeds for a nut-free version of the salad that is still packed with delicious flavors.

Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as sliced almonds, crispy wonton strips, or diced avocado for additional texture and flavor variations.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Fat: Around 10-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams
• Protein: Around 5-8 grams
• Fiber: Approximately 3-5 grams
• Sugar: Around 5-8 grams
• Sodium: Approximately 500-700 milligrams

Keyword Oriental Salad