Oriental Coleslaw Recipe
Overview:
Oriental Coleslaw is a delightful combination of crunchy vegetables, toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, and ramen noodles tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. This recipe, a culmination of experimentation and refinement, promises to be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a potluck, picnic, or weeknight dinner. Prepare to impress your guests with this flavorful and refreshing dish!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours (refrigeration time)
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup olive oil 🫒
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 🍎
- 1/4 cup sugar 🍬
- 1 seasoning packet (from ramen noodles) 🍜
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped 🧅
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 🌻
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds 🥜
- 1 package (16 oz) coleslaw mix 🥗
- 1 package (3 oz) ramen noodles, crushed (discard seasoning packet or reserve for another use) 🍜
Instructions:
1. Toast the almonds:
- Spread the slivered almonds on a microwave-safe pie plate.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and the seasoning packet until the sugar is dissolved. Alternatively, you can shake the ingredients in a sealed container.
- Set the dressing aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
3. Mix the salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds.
4. Dress the salad:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture.
- Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill the salad:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. During this time, the mixture will reduce in volume by approximately half.
6. Add the ramen noodles:
- Just before serving, add the crushed ramen noodles to the coleslaw mixture.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
7. Serve and enjoy:
- Transfer the Oriental Coleslaw to a serving bowl or platter.
- Garnish with additional toasted almonds or green onions if desired.
- Serve chilled and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 324.7
- Total Fat: 24.7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 4.5mg
- Sodium: 138.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 5.3g
Tips and Variations:
- Make it Ahead: Oriental Coleslaw can be prepared several hours or even a day in advance. The flavors develop even more as it sits in the refrigerator.
- Customize Your Coleslaw: Feel free to add extra ingredients like shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, or chopped cilantro for added color and flavor.
- Crunchy Toppings: Experiment with different types of nuts and seeds for added crunch. Cashews, peanuts, or sesame seeds would all be delicious options.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing.
- Serve with Protein: Turn this coleslaw into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top.
With its vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and irresistible flavor, Oriental Coleslaw is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a refreshing side dish, this recipe is a winner every time!