Ramen Noodle Salad with Mandarin Oranges Recipe

This is a specialty of Aunt Maggie

Ramen Noodle Salad with Mandarin Oranges Recipe

Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Shopping List: Produce

• 4 heads Romaine lettuce
• 2 cans Mandarin oranges
• 4 cups chicken breast or thighs (or other protein)
• 2 packages ramen noodles (3 ounces each)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 cup slivered almonds (optional)
• ¼ cup butter

Dressing:

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar (only if making dressing)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (only if making dressing)
• 1 cup canola oil (only if making dressing)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (only if making dressing)

Dressing options: Sesame Ginger Dressing, Asian Salad Dressing, Sweet Soy Dressing, or Honey Mustard Dressing

Instructions

Prepare the Salad:

1. Wash, dry, and chop the Romaine lettuce. Place it in a large bowl.
2. Drain the Mandarin oranges and add them to the lettuce.
3. Cook the chicken: Season and slice raw chicken, then cook it in a skillet with oil. If using pre-cooked chicken, heat it in the oven. Let it cool.

Make the Crunchies:

1. Crush the ramen noodle packages with a rolling pin. Discard the seasoning packets.
   
   Optional: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the crushed ramen noodles, sesame seeds, and almonds. Stir until crispy and golden. Remove from heat and let cool.

Combine:

1. Add the crunchies and cooked chicken to the salad. Toss gently.

Prepare the Dressing (Optional):

1. In a bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar, sugar, canola oil, and soy sauce until the sugar dissolves.
2. Drizzle over the salad