CRUNCHY ASIAN RAMEN NOODLE SALAD (A.K.A. BASICALLY THE BEST POTLUCK SALAD EVER)

CRUNCHY ASIAN RAMEN NOODLE SALAD (A.K.A. BASICALLY THE BEST POTLUCK SALAD EVER) image

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

Salad Ingredients:
1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
2 (3-ounce) packages of ramen noodles, crumbled (you will not use the seasoning packet)
1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and julienned (or diced)
1/2 cup thinly-sliced almonds
1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions (scallions)
Asian honey vinaigrette (see ingredients below)
Asian Honey Vinaigrette
2/3 cup vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
1/3 cup honey (or agave, to make this vegan)
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
pinch of salt and black pepper

Steps:

To Make The Salad: (Optional first step: Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread the crumbled ramen noodles and sliced almonds out on a baking sheet, and stir a bit to combine. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the almonds and noodles are slightly toasted and golden. Remove baking sheet, and give the mixture a good stir to toss. Then return it to the oven and toast for an additional 3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on the mixture so that it does not burn. Remove and set aside.) Add ingredients (including the vinaigrette) together in a large bowl, and toss until combined. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. (This salad is much better eaten the first day, as the noodles lose their "crunch" the longer it sits, and the avocado may brown a bit. Still, it's perfectly edible and enjoyable even after a few days!) To Make The Vinaigrette: Whisk all ingredients together until combined.