My mother-in-law routinely makes the best Ramen Slaw to serve beside her otherwise classic Southern cooking. I've been a fan of her recipe for years and can easily eat my weight in this salad. I finally decided to take matters into my own hands and make this a legit entree. What's below is her morphed recipe that's perfect for an entree or with a bowl of chili or baked beans. It will undoubtedly be part of our July 4th weekend.

Here's what you need for the salad:

1 bag of shredded cole slaw (feel free to buy your own cabbage and shred!)
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup slivered or chopped almonds
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
1 package Ramen noodles (uncooked)
1 small can Mandarin oranges
2 diced chicken breasts

Here's what you need for the dressing:

2/3 cup oil
1/3 cup vinegar (rice vinegar is best for an Asian flavor, but you can also use cider or white vinegar)
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 seasoning pack from ramen noodles

Chop green onions. Put cole slaw into a bowl and add chopped onions. Set aside.Chop the almonds (the L is silent!) if you didn't buy them slivered. (I never seem to have slivered almonds handy!)

Toast sesame seeds and almonds. This helps bring out the flavor. I do this on the stovetop since I don't own a toaster oven! (too much counter space!)While the sesame seeds and nuts are toasting, place the uncooked ramen noodles in a ziploc bag and crush.After allowing the nuts and sesame seeds to cool, add to the bag. Set aside.Make the dressing by adding together the oil, vinegar, sugar, and the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles. If you're making this ahead of time, you should store the slaw mixture, the crunchy mixture and the dressing in different containers. Immediately before serving toss the slaw with the dressing FIRST. Don't feel like you have to use all of the dressing. I usually have some left over. You just want the slaw coated.Then add the crunchy mixture and the mandarin oranges.

Add chopped chicken breast. Use only white meat. The dark meat tastes too oily in this salad.Presto!Enjoy your lunch - or dinner - or midday snack!

Ramen Slaw Salad