Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad

Description: There is plenty of crunch in this salad from the Napa cabbage, toasted almonds, and dried ramen noodles. If you want a little more zing, sprinkle some crushed red chile peppers. Also try substituting peanuts for the almonds.

Ingredients:

• 1 head napa cabbage, shredded or thinly sliced
• 4 green onions, thinly siced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaf
• 3 tablespoons toasted almonds, sliced
• 2 (3 ounce) packages uncooked oriental-flavor instant ramen noodles (save 1 seasoning mix packet for dressing) or 2 (3 ounce) packages chicken-flavored ramen noodles, crushed (save 1 seasoning mix packet for dressing)
• 2 cups chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup sesame oil (or 1/4 cup sesame oil and 1/4 cup cooking oil for milder flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh gingerroot, minced (optional)

Steps:

1. Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Mix all dressing ingredients and 1 Ramen noodle seasoning packet and pour over salad.
3. Mix well.
4. Refrigerate overnight or several hours.