Name: Party Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1½ bok choy heads; 1 napa cabbage head; 2 carrots; 1 red bell pepper; 6 oz ramen noodles; 3 oz sunflower seeds; 3 oz almonds; 2 tbsp white sugar; ½ cup olive oil; For Dressing:; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp cider vinegar; 2 tbsp peanut butter; 2 tsp white sugar; ½ tsp curry powder; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Step into the world of exotic flavors with this delightful party salad recipe. It’s a fusion of crunchy vegetables, toasted ramen noodles, and a kick of spicy and tangy Asian-inspired dressing. This salad is not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a colorful spectacle for the eyes.

Photos of Party Salad Recipe

Our recipe calls for bok choy and napa cabbage, two types of Chinese leafy greens that can be found in most supermarkets. They provide a nice crunch and a subtle sweetness to the salad. Another special ingredient is the ramen noodles, which will be toasted to give an amazing crunch. You can find ramen noodles in the Asian aisle of your supermarket.

Ingredients for the Party Salad

Bok choy: Commonly used in Asian cuisine, it adds a nice crunch and subtle sweetness to the salad.

Napa cabbage: A type of Chinese cabbage, it's mild and slightly sweet, perfect for salads.

Carrots: Adds color, sweetness, and a healthy dose of vitamins.

Red bell pepper: Provides color contrast and a sweet-tart flavor.

Ramen noodles: Toasted for an amazing crunch. Found in the Asian aisle of supermarkets.

Sunflower seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch.

Almonds: Brings in a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.

White sugar: Balances the flavors of the salad.

Olive oil: Used to toast the noodles and nuts, and also in the dressing.

Soy sauce: Gives the dressing an Asian touch.

Cider vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dressing.

Peanut butter: For a creamy and rich dressing.

Curry powder: Adds a hint of spice to the dressing.

Red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick in the dressing.

One reader, Dillie Sewell says:

This party salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh veggies, crunchy noodles, and flavorful dressing is a hit at every gathering. It's easy to make and always impresses my guests. I love how versatile and delicious it is. A definite must-try for any party!

Dillie Sewell

Key Techniques for Making Party Salad

How to prepare vegetables: Wash and chop the bok choy, napa cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.

How to toast ramen noodles: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the noodle mixture and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until toasted.

How to make dressing: In a bowl, mix the ramen seasoning packets with soy sauce, cider vinegar, peanut butter, sugar, curry powder, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

How To Make Party Salad

Please a crowd with this party salad packed with veggies, almonds, and ramen noodles, all tossed in a curry-spiced dressing, for a crunchy and tasty dish.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½bok choy heads,sliced
1napa cabbage head,sliced
2carrots,or more to taste, diced
1red bell pepper,diced
6ozramen noodles,(2 packages), crushed, with seasoning packet
3ozsunflower seeds,(1 package)
3ozalmonds,(1 package), sliced
2tbspwhite sugar
½cupolive oil

For Dressing:

3tbspsoy sauce
3tbspcider vinegar
2tbsppeanut butter
2tspwhite sugar
½tspcurry powder
¼tspred pepper flakes

Instructions

Mix the bok choy, napa cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper together.
Reserve the ramen seasoning packets. Mix the noodles, sunflower seeds, almonds, and sugar in a separate bowl.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the noodle mixture and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.
Mix the ramen seasoning packets with soy sauce, vinegar, peanut butter, sugar, curry, and red pepper flakes for the dressing.
Toss the vegetables, noodle mixture, and dressing together.
Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 275.20kcal
Fat: 20.34g
Saturated Fat: 3.30g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.71g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.23g
Carbohydrates: 19.17g
Fiber: 3.66g
Sugar: 6.00g
Protein: 6.93g
Sodium: 539.75mg
Calcium: 130.51mg
Potassium: 457.43mg
Iron: 2.12mg
Vitamin A: 261.69µg
Vitamin C: 52.61mg

Helpful Technique Tip for party salad recipe

Toasting the ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and almonds in olive oil not only gives them a delightful crunch, but it also enhances their flavors, making them a standout feature in this salad. Be sure to stir them frequently while toasting to ensure even browning and prevent them from burning.

Time-Saving Tips for party salad recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge to save time on the day of preparation.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of ingredients and freeze them for future use in various recipes.

Invest in quality tools: High-quality knives and kitchen gadgets can streamline the cooking process and save time.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean to work efficiently and avoid wasting time searching for ingredients and tools.

Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan to streamline grocery shopping and meal preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Party Salad Recipe

bok choy - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard has a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for bok choy in salads.
napa cabbage - Substitute with green cabbage: Green cabbage can be used as a substitute for napa cabbage, providing a similar crisp texture and slightly peppery flavor.
carrots - Substitute with jicama: Jicama can be used as a crunchy and slightly sweet substitute for carrots in salads, adding a refreshing element to the dish.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, offering a similar sweet and crisp flavor to the salad.
ramen noodles - Substitute with soba noodles: Soba noodles can be used as a healthier alternative to ramen noodles, providing a nutty flavor and firm texture to the salad.
sunflower seeds - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds can be used as a substitute for sunflower seeds, offering a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the salad.
almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can be used as a substitute for almonds, providing a creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of white sugar, adding a distinct flavor and sweetness to the dressing.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a mild flavor and healthy fats to the salad dressing.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, offering a similar savory and umami flavor to the dressing.
cider vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can be used as a substitute for cider vinegar, providing a slightly milder and sweeter flavor to the dressing.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, offering a nutty flavor and creamy consistency to the dressing.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala can be used as a substitute for curry powder, providing a warm and aromatic flavor to the dressing.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute for red pepper flakes, adding a spicy kick to the salad dressing.

Best Presentation Ideas for Your Party Salad

Elevate the plating: When presenting this party salad, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement. Use a combination of vibrant colors and textures to make the dish visually striking. Consider using a mix of leafy greens, such as bok choy and napa cabbage, as a base and layering the other ingredients strategically for a sophisticated presentation.
Incorporate edible garnishes: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by incorporating edible garnishes that complement the flavors of the salad. Consider using delicate microgreens, edible flowers, or thinly sliced vegetables as a finishing touch to add a touch of finesse to the presentation.
Utilize unique serving vessels: Opt for unique and stylish serving vessels to showcase the party salad. Consider using sleek, modern bowls or plates that complement the overall aesthetic of the dish. The choice of serving vessel can elevate the dining experience and leave a lasting impression on the judges.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each component of the salad to ensure precision and symmetry in the presentation. Aim for clean lines and balanced arrangement to demonstrate attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Incorporate height and dimension: Create visual interest by incorporating height and dimension into the presentation. Consider stacking or layering the ingredients to add depth to the dish, showcasing your creativity and mastery of presentation techniques.

Essential Tools for Making party salad recipe

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing dressings or marinades.
Whisk: Used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for sautéing and frying.
Food processor: Used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients.
Salad spinner: Used for washing and drying salad greens and vegetables.
Saucepan: Used for heating and cooking sauces, dressings, and other liquid ingredients.
Tongs: Used for tossing and serving salad ingredients.
Grater: Used for grating vegetables or cheese.
Large serving bowl: Used for serving the prepared salad.

Storing and Freezing party salad recipe

This party salad is best served immediately after tossing all the ingredients together. If you need to make it ahead of time, store the vegetables, noodle mixture, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
The vegetables can be prepped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
The noodle mixture can be toasted and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
The dressing can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When ready to serve, toss the vegetables, noodle mixture, and dressing together in a large bowl.
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the noodles will soften and lose their crunch over time.
Freezing this party salad is not recommended, as the vegetables will lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. The noodle mixture will also lose its crunch and become soft.

How To Reheat party salad recipe Leftovers

To reheat leftover party salad, start by separating the vegetables from the noodle mixture and dressing. This will prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy during the reheating process.
Place the noodle mixture in a skillet over medium heat. Toss the mixture occasionally until it's heated through and slightly crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
In a separate skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the vegetables and sauté until they're heated through and slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should retain some crunch.
In a small saucepan, gently heat the dressing over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the dressing seems too thick, you can add a small amount of water or olive oil to thin it out.
Once all the components are heated, combine the vegetables, noodle mixture, and warm dressing in a large bowl. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
If desired, you can add some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions to brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color to the reheated salad.
Serve the reheated party salad immediately, while all the components are still warm and crispy. Enjoy your leftovers!

Interesting Fact About Party Salad

The ramen noodles used in this recipe were originally invented in China, not Japan. They were brought to Japan in the early 20th century and have since become a staple in Japanese cuisine.

Is Making party salad recipe at Home Cost-Effective?

This party salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as bok choy, napa cabbage, and carrots, are affordable and readily available. The addition of ramen noodles and almonds may slightly increase the cost, but they add texture and flavor. The dressing ingredients like soy sauce and peanut butter are also budget-friendly. Overall, this recipe is a great option for a household looking for a delicious and economical dish. Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $12-15 USD for a household of 4 people.

Is This Party Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

This party salad recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich vegetables like bok choy, napa cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The inclusion of almonds and sunflower seeds adds healthy fats and protein to the dish.

However, the recipe also contains some less healthy ingredients. The ramen noodles are typically high in sodium and processed carbohydrates, while the added sugar in the noodle mixture and dressing contributes to the overall sugar content. The use of olive oil for toasting the noodle mixture also adds extra calories and fat.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the ramen noodles with whole grain noodles or quinoa for a more nutrient-dense alternative
Reduce the amount of added sugar in the noodle mixture and dressing, or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use a smaller amount of olive oil when toasting the noodle mixture, or opt for a healthier cooking method like baking or air frying
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the salad to boost its nutritional value
Add lean protein sources, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to make the salad more satiating and balanced

By incorporating these changes, you can transform this party salad into a more nutritious and well-rounded dish that still retains its delicious flavors and textures. Experiment with different vegetable combinations and dressing ingredients to create a salad that suits your taste preferences while prioritizing your health.

Editor's Opinion on This Party Salad Recipe

The party salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables, toasted ramen noodles, and a flavorful dressing. The use of bok choy and napa cabbage adds a unique twist, while the addition of sunflower seeds and almonds provides a satisfying crunch. The dressing, with its blend of soy sauce, vinegar, peanut butter, and spices, ties everything together beautifully. Overall, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish for any gathering.

Enhance Your Party Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Elevate the classic grilled corn on the cob by adding a zesty lime and chili seasoning for an extra kick of flavor.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Indulge in the perfect combination of crispy bacon and tender asparagus, seasoned with a hint of garlic and parmesan for a savory side dish.

Fruit Kabobs: Create a colorful and refreshing fruit kabob platter with a variety of seasonal fruits, drizzled with a honey-lime glaze for a sweet and tangy twist.

Similar Recipes to Try Instead of party salad recipe

Hearty Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: Zesty lemon chicken is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light and healthy dinner. The tangy lemon flavor pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a dish that's sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Berrylicious Fruit Salad: This berrylicious fruit salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that's perfect for a summer barbecue or picnic. Packed with a variety of fresh berries and a hint of mint, it's a sweet and tangy treat that's sure to please everyone's taste buds.

Appetizers and Desserts to Serve With This Party Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with a savory and indulgent appetizer that features a rich and flavorful filling nestled inside tender mushroom caps. This elegant and satisfying dish is sure to impress and set the stage for a memorable dining experience.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in a creamy and decadent dip that combines the earthy flavors of spinach and the tangy richness of artichokes. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfect for sharing and is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense flavor will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Party Salad Recipe:

This recipe is a trusted favorite, crafted by a seasoned chef with a passion for fresh and vibrant ingredients. The combination of bok choy, napa cabbage, and bell pepper creates a delightful crunch, while the addition of toasted ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and almonds offers a satisfying texture. The flavorful dressing, made with soy sauce, cider vinegar, and peanut butter, adds a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. With a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy your guests.

Share your thoughts on the Party Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any creative twists or variations to this delicious dish!

FAQ:

What is the serving size for this party salad recipe?

The serving size for this party salad recipe is approximately 8-10 people as a side dish.

Can I make any substitutions for the nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the almonds and sunflower seeds with other nuts or seeds of your choice, such as cashews, peanuts, or pumpkin seeds.

How far in advance can I make the dressing for this salad?

You can make the dressing for the salad up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and the toasted noodle mixture ahead of time. However, it's best to toss everything together with the dressing just before serving to maintain the optimal texture and flavor.

Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, you can use gluten-free ramen noodles or substitute them with rice noodles. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free.