Ramen Noodle Salad with Mandarin Oranges

Ramen Noodle Salad (with Mandarin Oranges) is one of those dishes that brings a sense of joy. It’s colorful, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Imagine biting into crunchy toasted ramen noodles complemented by sweet, juicy mandarin oranges. It’s a salad that offers the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. If you’re looking to wow your guests or simply enjoy a refreshing meal, this salad is it! Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can switch out ingredients depending on what you love or what you have on hand. This recipe is great for any occasion—whether it’s a summer picnic, a family gathering, or just a light lunch. Let’s get started on how to make this delicious salad that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why This Recipe Works

Ramen Noodle Salad with Mandarin Oranges offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make it irresistible. The toasted ramen noodles provide a crunchy base, while the fresh vegetables add a satisfying crispness. When mixed together, the tangy dressing enhances the sweetness of the mandarins and the nuttiness of the almonds. This contrast creates a culinary experience that’s both refreshing and fulfilling. Every bite is a little celebration, making it hard to resist going back for just one more serving.

Why You’ll Love This Ramen Noodle Salad (with Mandarin Oranges)

This salad shines at any gathering, from summer picnics to winter gatherings. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, plus you can serve it right away or let it chill for a bit. Chilling allows the flavors to mingle and develop. Additionally, it’s highly customizable, enabling you to tweak it according to your taste. Whether you eat it as a side dish or as a light meal, the Ramen Noodle Salad delivers deliciousness on every front.

Ingredients

• 2 3-ounce packages ramen noodles, crushed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1.5 cups sliced almonds
• 2 pounds tri-color cole slaw
• 8 ounces fresh snow peas, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained
• 8 ounces diced water chestnuts, drained
• 4 green onions, sliced (green parts only)
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Toast the Noodles and Almonds

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When it’s hot, stir in the crushed ramen noodles and sliced almonds. You want to cook these, stirring frequently, until they’re toasted and lightly golden brown. This process should take about 8-10 minutes, but keep a close eye on them—you don’t want them to burn! Once they reach that perfect golden color, transfer them to a plate to cool down while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Prepare the Dressing

Now, let’s tackle the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add in 1/2 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk until everything is well blended and you have a smooth dressing. Set it aside for a moment; it’s going to be the finishing touch that brings our salad together.

Assemble the Salad

Grab a large bowl and start assembling your salad. Toss in 2 pounds of tri-color cole slaw, the 8 ounces of sliced snow peas, and both the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Then, add in the 15 ounces of drained mandarin oranges and the 8 ounces of drained water chestnuts. Next, sprinkle in 4 sliced green onions and 1/3 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. This medley of fresh ingredients makes your salad colorful and inviting!

Combine Noodles and Dressing

It’s time to combine everything! Add the toasted noodle and almond mixture to the salad bowl. Next, pour the dressing over the top. Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure that every ingredient is coated in that delightful dressing. This stage really pulls everything together, enhancing each flavor and creating a tantalizing aroma.

Serve the Salad

Now that everything is mixed beautifully, serve the salad immediately. If you’d like, you can garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch. This adds a nice crunch and showcases the salad’s fresh appeal.

Tips for Success

• Toast the noodles and almonds carefully. Watch them closely to prevent burning; it’s crucial for achieving that great flavor.
• Chill the salad for a bit before serving. It enhances the taste, but don’t let it sit for too long; you want to keep that crunchy texture.
• Taste and adjust the dressing. Everyone has different preferences for sweetness, so feel free to tweak it to your liking.

Variations

If you’re in the mood to mix things up, here are some great variations:

• Add protein: Grilled chicken or tofu can make this a heartier meal.
• Spice it up: A splash of sriracha or some red pepper flakes can provide a nice spicy kick.
• Use seasonal veggies: Depending on what’s available, consider adding or substituting veggies like shredded carrots, cucumbers, or snap peas.

Serving Suggestions

This Ramen Noodle Salad pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp or chicken, creating a complete meal. It also works wonderfully as a side dish for barbecued meats, offering guests something fresh and crunchy to savor alongside their main course.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular noodles instead of ramen?
Yes, feel free to swap them out, but keep in mind the texture might differ.

2. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for about 3 days. Just note, the noodles may lose their crunch over time.

3. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the salad ingredients in advance, but add the dressing right before serving to maintain the texture.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?
No, it’s not gluten-free since it contains ramen noodles, but you can use gluten-free noodles if you prefer.

5. What other fruits can I add?
Think about adding chopped apples or peaches. They can enhance the sweetness and give your salad a lovely twist.

This Ramen Noodle Salad with Mandarin Oranges is more than just a dish; it’s a lively celebration of flavors and textures that everyone will adore. Its refreshing taste suits various occasions, from casual get-togethers to festive dinners. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and discover your ideal combination for an experience that keeps everyone coming back for another helping!

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