oriental salad recipe

charmer recipes

Discover how to make a delicious Oriental Salad Recipe with cabbage, Ramen noodles, and tangy dressing.Perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 12

Calories 195 kcal

Cabbage is a crucial ingredient in any Oriental salad serving as the salad's base. You’ll typically find both red and green cabbage in the mix. Red cabbage brings a vibrant color, while green cabbage offers a milder, crisper texture. This combination not only enhances the salad’s visual appeal but also balances the flavors.
Cabbage is rich in nutrients such as fiber vitamin C, and antioxidants. It is low in calories and contains compounds that promote digestive health. Moreover, cabbage has a slightly bitter flavor, which works harmoniously with the sweet and savory dressing.
When preparing cabbage for Oriental Salad it’s important to shred it finely. This allows the dressing to coat the cabbage more evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Ramen noodles typically included in the pre-packaged soup, are one of the defining characteristics of Oriental Salad. The noodles provide a crispy texture when broken into smaller pieces and mixed with the cabbage and dressing. While Ramen noodles are often associated with quick meals, in the context of this salad, they add a satisfying crunch and a mild flavor that absorbs the tangy dressing.
To break the Ramen noodles down properly you can either crush them by hand or use a rolling pin. This will give you bite-sized pieces that are easy to mix into the salad. The noodles are then left to soften slightly in the dressing, offering the perfect balance between crunch and softness.
Almonds and Sunflower Seeds
Almonds and sunflower seeds are commonly added to Oriental Salad for their crunchy texture and nutritional benefits. Almonds provide a nutty flavor and a dose of healthy fats while sunflower seeds offer additional protein. Both ingredients help elevate the texture of the salad, making it more filling and satisfying.
In terms of nutritional value almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E, selenium, and healthy fats, which contribute to overall heart health and well-being. The addition of these nuts and seeds enhances both the flavor and the nutritional profile of the salad.

The seasoning and dressing in Oriental Salad are key to achieving its signature flavor. Typically the dressing is made with a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while sesame oil brings a nutty flavor. Rice vinegar adds acidity, and sugar provides sweetness to balance the other ingredients. The seasoning packet from the Ramen noodles can also be used to further enhance the flavor.
This harmonious balance of sweet salty, and savory flavors is what makes the dressing so irresistible. It coats the cabbage and noodles, blending all the ingredients together into a refreshing yet hearty salad.

To make a delicious Oriental Salad, the first step is preparing the base, which includes cabbage, carrots, and scallions. Begin by washing the cabbage thoroughly and removing the tough outer leaves. Then, shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform pieces. Shredding the cabbage allows it to absorb the dressing better and creates a better texture overall.
Next, peel and julienne the carrots. Carrots add both sweetness and crunch to the salad, so it’s important to cut them into thin strips. Alternatively, you could use pre-shredded carrots for convenience. Chop the scallions into thin rings, as their mild onion flavor adds a fresh element to the salad.
Once these vegetables are prepared, transfer them into a large mixing bowl.

The dressing is the heart of this salad, and it is crucial to get the proportions just right. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of canola oil, 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and ¼ teaspoon of sesame oil. Add the seasoning packet from the Ramen noodles to this mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves, and the dressing is smooth. The key is to balance the sweetness of the sugar with the saltiness of the soy sauce and the acidity of the vinegar. The sesame oil adds a rich, nutty undertone, which complements the other ingredients in the salad.

Once the base and dressing are prepared, it’s time to toss the salad. Break the Ramen noodles into small pieces and add them to the cabbage mixture. Then, pour the dressing over the salad and toss it thoroughly to coat every ingredient. The noodles should soften slightly but still maintain a bit of crunch.
For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more delicious. When serving, you can either serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Keyword Asian Noodle Salad, Crunchy Salad, Oriental Salad