Mandarin Salad

Submitted by Sharlene~W

"Mmmm, try this for your next pot-luck. Easy to make. I especially love the crunchy sugared almonds and toasted ramen noodles. This could easily be made into a main-dish salad by adding grilled chicken breast strips."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 (3 ounce) package oriental-flavor instant ramen noodles
• 1⁄2 cup sliced almonds
• 5 tablespoons sugar (divided)
• 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon hot sauce (Tabasco)
• 1⁄2 head iceberg lettuce, torn
• 1⁄2 head romaine lettuce, torn
• 5 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange sections, drained

directions

1. Remove flavor packet from soup mix and set aside.
2. Crumble noodles.
3. Bake noodles on a cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes at 350°F until toasted, stirring after 5 minutes.
4. Cool.
5. In small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, cook sliced almonds and 3 tablespoons sugar for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Cook until sugar is dissolved and almonds are evenly coated, and light, golden brown. Be careful not to overcook.
7. Remove from heat and set aside.
8. Whisk together contents of reserved flavor packet, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, oil, and next 5 ingredients.
9. Toss together lettuces, celery and onions in bowl.
10. Drizzle with dressing; toss.
11. Add noodles, almond mixture and oranges; toss.
12. Serve immediately.
13. •Variation: Try this with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro instead of the parsley and a sprinkling of crushed red chili flakes--I love it that way.

Reviews

[Bertha C.]

Very yummy.... Definately a make-again. I fixed the salad, dressing, noodles and almonds ahead of time and tossed it together just before dinner. I didn't watch the almonds closely enough though and they got a little bit "toasted." I have seen sugared almond slivers in the grocery store and will try them next time along with a few water chestnuts.

 

[babeair23 2]

I made this tonight. It was great. I did make a few changes though. I used red wine vinegar No rice wine vinegar.Also omited the parsley and salt, used plain salad mix and omited the celery since we don't care for it. It turned out great. Thanks We will make again. Kim

 

[mom_of_4]

Outstanding!!! I can't believe how good this was. I made the salad as written except, I also added some dried cranberries for fun. Everyone loved it. Infact, I am making it again tomorrow for our Easter dinner. I can't wait.