Ramen Noodle Asian Cole Slaw

Ramen Noodle Asian Cole Slaw

You know how you get a craving for something you have not eaten for a long time?  I had one for Ramen Noodle Cole Slaw.  I have not had it for years.  I’ve had it several different ways.  You can let your imagination go and play with it.  You can use broccoli slaw, pumpkin seeds, almonds, or I had it made with a lettuce mix instead of cabbage slaw when mom and I went to the Cellar at Goods Furniture in Kewanee, Illinois. Today I’m just making and sharing it the simple way with sesame seeds and cabbage slaw because that is what I’m craving and it's simple.  You may wish to cut this in half, but I'm feeding 6 tonight.

16 oz. package of store bought cabbage cole slaw mix

2 Packages of Ramen Oriental Noodles 

6 Green onions or scallions (I'm using green onions)

1 Cup sunflower seeds (I’m using flavored Ranch because that is what I have)­

Dressing:

1 cup vegetable oil

½ cup rice vinegar

½ cup sugar
1 tsp. soy sauce

2 Packets from Ramen Oriental Noodles

Mix you dressing.  I put it in a mason jar and shake it until it is mixed well and set aside.  Taste it and adjust to your liking.

Chop your green onions.  I just use the greens, but you can also use some of the white of the onion if you like.  Set aside.

Mix your cole slaw, crushed noodles (set a few aside to put on top for a crunch just before serving if you like), chopped onions and sunflower seeds and pour your dressing over the salad.  Toss the salad until it is covered well.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.  Secret is the longer you refrigerate and marinate the better it is.  Serve cold.    

Variations:

·       Use mixed lettuce mix with carrots and purple cabbage to replace the cabbage slaw mix.

·       Use a broccoli slaw or kale mix.

·       Use roasted pumpkin seeds, cashews, peanuts or almonds in addition to the sunflower seeds.

·       If you are adding peanuts to the salad, try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to your dressing.

·       Add some chopped red pepper for color and flavor.

·       Replace the oil with olive oil or a flavored olive oil like red pepper oil to give it a little heat or toss a few red pepper flakes into your mason jar.

·       You can also use cider vinegar or plain white vinegar.  Whatever you have.

·       You can add sesame seeds (add black for more color) and a small teaspoon of sesame oil for a more Asian flavor.  You can add additional soy sauce to the dressing. There is some soy flavor in the Ramen flavor packet, but I like a little more.

·       I love avocado and they are so good for you!  Try adding some avocado to the salad.

·       You can try adding bean sprouts or edamame to the mix.

·       Try adding something sweet like Mandarin oranges or sliced kiwi.

·       Make it a one course meal by adding cold baked chicken or cold shrimp.

·       Don’t have Oriental Ramen Noodles but have chicken or another flavor.  Just use the noodles but add soy sauce and a dash of salt to your dressing.

·       Want a more traditional slaw?  Add a little mayo to your dressing.

There are no rules when being creative.

Now the big question is what to have with it or it makes a great light lunch by itself.  It goes with almost anything.  Just enjoy your creation. 

Have a great day.  God bless you and yours.