Crunchy Bok Choy Delight Salad
Elevate your salad game with this Crunchy Bok Choy Delight Salad, a unique and flavorful dish that is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of fresh bok choy, crispy ramen noodles, and toasted almonds creates a delightful contrast in texture, while a sweet and tangy dressing adds an irresistible zing. This salad stands out from the typical leafy greens, thanks to its unexpected ingredients, like the candy crunch of ramen. Prepare it just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch. Perfect as a side for any occasion, this salad will leave your guests raving and asking for the recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (for the noodle mixture)
Sesame Seeds
1/2 cup (toasted)
Ramen Noodles
2 (3 ounce) packages (uncooked, broken up (discard seasoning packs))
Sliced Almonds
1 (3 ounce) package (toasted)
Bok Choy
1 (2 lb) (washed and chopped)
Green Onions
4 stalks (sliced)
Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup (as dressing base)
Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup (as dressing ingredient)
Sugar
1/2 cup (for the dressing)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (for the dressing)
Instructions
1
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and sugar, stirring until well combined.
2
In the same pan, add the broken ramen noodles and sliced almonds. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before breaking them into smaller pieces.
3
While the noodle mixture cools, wash the bok choy thoroughly. Chop it into small, bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Thinly slice the green onions, including the tops, and add them to the bowl.
4
Prepare the dressing by whisking together the vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a separate bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
5
Just before serving, combine the cooled ramen noodle mixture with the bok choy and green onions in the salad bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Bok Choy Delight Salad?
It is a unique and flavorful salad featuring fresh bok choy, toasted ramen noodles, and almonds tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing.
What gives this salad its crunch?
The crunch comes from a toasted mixture of broken ramen noodles, sliced almonds, and sesame seeds cooked in butter and sugar.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components separately, but for maximum freshness and crunch, you should combine them just before serving.
Should I use the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles?
No, you should discard the seasoning packets and only use the uncooked, broken-up noodles.
How is the ramen noodle mixture prepared?
Melt butter in a pan with sugar and sesame seeds, then add the noodles and almonds, stirring until golden brown and fragrant.
Is this salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses butter, vegetables, and plant-based dressing ingredients.
Can I make a vegan version of this salad?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the butter used to toast the noodles with a plant-based butter alternative or oil.
How do I prepare the bok choy?
Wash the bok choy thoroughly and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces before placing it in the salad bowl.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.
How many packages of ramen noodles are needed?
You will need two 3-ounce packages of ramen noodles.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for red wine vinegar to provide a tangy flavor.
Why do I need to let the ramen mixture cool?
The mixture needs to cool completely so that it hardens into a candy-like crunch and doesn't wilt the fresh bok choy.
What part of the green onions should I use?
You should use the entire stalk, including the green tops, thinly sliced.
How much bok choy is required?
The recipe specifies using approximately 2 pounds of bok choy.
Can I serve the dressing on the side?
Yes, serving the dressing on the side allows guests to add it as desired and helps keep the salad crisp.
What color should the toasted noodles and almonds be?
They should be cooked until they reach a golden brown color.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients, including the base, toppings, and dressing components.
Is there sugar in the noodle mixture or the dressing?
Sugar is used in both the toasted noodle mixture and the dressing to provide sweetness.
What kind of oil is best for the dressing?
Vegetable oil is recommended as the dressing base for its neutral flavor.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
While intended as a side dish, you could easily add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more filling meal.
Are the sesame seeds toasted?
Yes, the sesame seeds are toasted in the pan with the butter, sugar, noodles, and almonds.
How do I ensure the sugar in the dressing is dissolved?
Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a separate bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved before adding it to the salad.
What is the flavor profile of this salad?
It is a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a nutty, buttery finish.
Can I substitute the almonds?
Yes, you could substitute with other nuts like cashews or peanuts if you prefer.
What makes this salad a 'crowd-pleaser'?
The combination of the fresh greens with the unexpected 'candy crunch' of the ramen makes it stand out from typical salads.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though the noodles will lose their crunch over time.
Is this salad considered a side dish?
Yes, it is classified as a side dish that is perfect for any occasion or party.
How should I break the ramen noodles?
Break the uncooked noodles into small, irregular pieces while they are still in the package or by hand.
Can I use different greens?
While bok choy is the star ingredient, you could use napa cabbage or a mix of greens if necessary.
Is the soy sauce added to the pan or the dressing?
The soy sauce is added to the dressing mixture along with the oil, vinegar, and sugar.