Crunchy Asian Slaw

I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again anyway.

For the sake of posterity.

I'm a side dish gal.

 I could fill my plate with nothing but sides and be a happy camper.

That is my favorite thing about going to potlucks are trying all the side dishes that folks bring.

And a fun summer side dish is this Asian Slaw.

 I know y'all have seen this fun little salad grace many a picnic table.

It seems everyone has a recipe for it with small variations here and there.

But they are all usually delicious and it's something a little different for your guests to try. 

Ingredients:

1 (16 oz.) bag cole slaw mix 
1 bunch green onions, chopped
3 packages beef flavored Ramen noodles 
1 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F degrees

Open packages of Ramen noodles. Put aside all the seasoning packets (we'll be using those soon). Crunch up the noodles into bite size pieces and place into medium sized bowl.
Toss in sliced almonds and combine.

Mix together the melted butter with 2 packets of the Ramen noodle seasoning mix.

Pour over Ramen noodles and almonds and stir well, making sure the noodles and almonds are thoroughly coated.

Spread onto a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes (until golden brown).

Remove from oven and cool.

Place cole slaw mix in food processor (small batches at a time), and chop up cole slaw into smaller pieces.  About 3-4 short pulses should do it.  

This part is optional, but a lot of bags of cole slaw tend to have really large pieces of cabbage in them that aren't really eater-friendly. 

I just realized I can see my reflection in my wedding band...

Plus, I think smaller pieces blend in better with the ramen noodles.

If you like, you can just chop up a medium head of cabbage for this but the bags of cole slaw mix usually have a mix of carrots as well as red cabbage in the them so it adds a bit of color.

Put cole slaw mix in a large bowl and add your chopped green onions.

Once noodles and almonds are cool, add those to the bowl as well and give it all a good mix. 
Your hands are your best tool for this part.

For the dressing, whisk together the sugar, oil, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar

 and the remaining packet of Ramen noodle seasoning.
Pour over cole slaw mix and stir well.

Serve immediately.

The dressing in this has can make the Ramen noodles get a little soft. So you don't want to add the dressing until right before serving. Although, to be honest, I like the way this tastes after it has marinated in the dressing for a while. But it is called Crunchy Asian Slaw so if you want to keep the crunchiness, then add the dressing immediately before serving. 

Enjoy!

Printable Recipe Here