Crunch With A Twist

Side Dishes. Sometimes I think they are what can make or break a meal. I also think they are responsible for 95% of meal "ruts". I think it's much easier to come up w/ a main dish than the ones to go alongside it. And it's much harder to come up w/ new and exciting ones to keep things fresh. I mean, burgers aren't that exciting per say, but you can probably serve them once every couple weeks if you switch up what you have w/ them. I know for me, the side dishes are what I catch myself repeating over and over. So any time I have the chance to throw this one into the mix, I'm always happy b/c it's different, unusual and very tasty. In fact, it's a great dish to take to a party or pot luck b/c everyone will ask for the recipe. After all, that's how I got it! Adam's aunt had brings things to family parties a lot, and the very first time I tried it I had to have it! I think there are three things that draw people into this dish and make them love it. One, is the flavor of course. The second has gotta be the crunch factor. There are so many different crunchy type textures in this is screams "I'm fresh." And the last one? Well, it's most definitely the "ummm, what's in this"? After bite one they know there's something different in there. They take bite two and wonder if maybe they know, but it can't be. And then finally, w/ a very confused look, they will just ask, "Are there Ramen noodles in this?" Yes, yes there are!!!! That's the secret! Crazy, right?? So if you are looking for a side dish to take you from boring to wow, or want to totally surprise some dinner guests, this is just the ticket to "Crunchville"!!

Asian Coleslaw
1 pkg. coleslaw mix
1 pkg. chicken flavored Ramen noodles, season packet set aside
4 green onions, chopped, plus a few extra for garnish
1/2 c. sunflower kernels, plus a few for garnish
2/3 c. slivered almonds, a few set aside for garnish

Dressing:
2 TBS sugar
3 TBS white vinegar
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 c. salad oil
seasoning packet

Combine coleslaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower seeds. Place Ramen in a small Ziploc bag and crush using a wooden spoon or rolling pin. Add crushed noodles to coleslaw and mix well. Combine all dressing ingredients and either whisk or shake well. You can dress this a couple ways. If you are making it ahead of time, do NOT dress until serving. It will get mushy. If you are serving it at a party, only put about 1/2 of the dressing on and set the other 1/2 out w/ it. I tend to like less dressing than others b/c I enjoy the crunchiness.
*NOTE* If I serve this at a party, I am always VERY careful to garnish w/ the sunflower seeds and almonds so it is quite clear there are nuts in it. People w/ nut allergies wouldn't expect them to be in coleslaw.

Shared on The Country Cook Jan. 27, 2012
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Jan. 30, 2012 
Shared on Mrs. Happy Homemaker Jan. 30, 2012 
Shared on Chef in Training Jan. 31, 2012 
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Feb. 1, 2012 
Shared on Gooseberry Patch May 24, 2012 

  Salad at Very Good Recipes
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