If you’re looking for a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful salad, look no further than this Crunchy Ramen Bok Choy Salad. This recipe combines the crispiness of fresh bok choy and ramen noodles with a savory dressing that will leave your taste buds tingling. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!
Ingredients
To make this Crunchy Ramen Bok Choy Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
Salad:
- 4 cups of fresh bok choy, thinly sliced
- 2 packages of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 1 cup of red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ramen Noodles
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Break the ramen noodles into small pieces and spread them out on a baking sheet.
- Bake the noodles for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- While the noodles are baking, thinly slice the bok choy and red bell pepper, and shred the carrots.
- Chop the green onions and set all the vegetables aside in a large salad bowl.
Step 3: Toast the Almonds and Sunflower Seeds
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds and sunflower seeds until they are golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat and let them cool.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- Add the baked ramen noodles, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the salad immediately for the best crunch. Enjoy as a side dish or a light main course.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but wait to mix them until just before serving to keep the noodles crunchy.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Peanut Butter Dressing: For a nutty twist, you can make a peanut butter dressing by replacing the honey with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
- Bok Choy Salad Korean Style: Incorporate Korean flavors by adding a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the dressing and sprinkling sesame seeds on top.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Conclusion
This Crunchy Ramen Bok Choy Salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The crispy ramen noodles and fresh vegetables, paired with the savory dressing, create a salad that’s both satisfying and delicious. Give it a try and see why it’s a hit with everyone who tastes it!
Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let us know how you liked the recipe. Share your own tips and variations, and be sure to share the recipe with your friends on social media. Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips.