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College students almost always have packages of ramen noodles in the pantry. These recession-friendly noodles are quick to prepare and can often be purchase for ten cents each. However, there is no need to eat them plain. It is easy to use them in healthy and delicious meals, by adding a few of your favorite ingredients.

If you crumble the dry noodles instead of cooking them, they make a wonderful accent in Chinese chicken salad instead of fried wonton strips or chow mein noodles. The seasoning packets can be incorporated to flavor to the dressing. This recipe features cooked chicken breast, which can be made the night before. Using leftover chicken saves you time and cooking.

Top Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

1 head cabbage, shredded or thinly sliced
4 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1 packages uncooked oriental-flavor ramen

2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or cubed

Dressing:

4 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 cup sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
6 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

Directions:

1. Combine cabbage, onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, almonds, crushed noodles, and chicken large bowl.
2. Mix all dressing ingredients with the Ramen noodle seasoning packet and pour over salad.
3. Toss well and refrigerate several hours or overnight.

One of the great things about this recipe is that it gets better after a few hours in the refrigerator. If you are having company, you can prepare it in the morning and it will taste great by the time your party gets started. Put it together before work and you will not have to worry about cooking at the end of the day.

Other great additions to this salad include water chestnuts, avocado, mandarin oranges, bean sprouts or peanuts. If you do not have cabbage on hand, or if you do not enjoy it, you can use romaine lettuce as a substitution. Fresh minced ginger goes wonderfully in the dressing for a stronger flavor.

When dining on a budget, there are many ways to turn inexpensive ingredients into complete meals. Take a look around your pantry for cheap staples. They just may inspire a unique dinner idea.

Learn more about this author, K.A. Smith.
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