Tossed Salad with a Difference
Description:
A delightful twist on your typical salad, this Tossed Salad with a Difference is perfect for pairing with Asian dishes or as a standalone treat. The flavorful noodles, combined with a creamy and tangy dressing, create a dish that’s more than just a side. The dressing can be prepared ahead of time, making the final assembly quick and effortless.
Ingredients:
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For the Dressing:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 6 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (additional)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced
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For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces cooked noodles (your choice, but thin egg noodles work well)
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For the Salad:
- 1 large head of lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the minced garlic, salt, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, chopped parsley, and finely chopped green onions. Blend well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and an additional tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. Blend until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while blending, then add the curry powder. Blend again to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the sliced water chestnuts and pulse briefly to mix them into the dressing. This adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the dressing.
- Transfer the dressing to a bowl or container, cover it, and refrigerate. For the best flavor, let it chill for at least an hour, or prepare it up to 24 hours in advance.
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Prepare the Noodles:
- Preheat your oven to 200ยฐF (95ยฐC).
- In an oven-proof dish, combine the cooked noodles with a little of the prepared dressing, ensuring the noodles are well coated.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat the noodles for about 15 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the noodles and keeps them warm for serving.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, place the washed and torn greens or lettuce.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the water chestnuts over the greens.
- Remove the warm noodles from the oven and add them to the salad bowl.
- Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and noodles.
- Toss everything together gently to ensure an even coating of the dressing.
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Serve:
- Garnish the salad with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm noodles and crisp greens.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 310.5
- Fat Content: 22.8 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6.8 g
- Cholesterol Content: 25.4 mg
- Sodium Content: 498.2 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 25.8 g
- Fiber Content: 1.8 g
- Sugar Content: 3.6 g
- Protein Content: 2.9 g
Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful salad thatโs both unique and satisfying, perfect for enhancing your meals or standing out on its own! ๐๐ฅ๐
