Ramen Salad

On weeknights, easy is a must.  And nothing is easier than spaghetti.  This spaghetti was a little different than usual - made with local buffalo.  I would like to say the sauce is homemade, but I enlisted the help of a jar :)  We always add a few extra veggies to our sauce, though - tonight was green bell pepper and red onion.  It really adds to the flavor - the more, the merrier!  On the side were fresh, local greenbeans.  I steamed them with a little sea salt and garlic gold.  I LOVE greenbeans!

Also on the side was ramen salad, which is my absolute favorite salad in the whole world!  We honestly make it about once a week.  I've been making it for about 3 years now and have never tired of it.  I always take it to potlucks and parties and everyone always loves it.  I know top ramen isn't exactly real food, but for this salad I will gladly make the exception!  Plus who doesn't secretly love top ramen?

We give Callie very small portions at dinner, then if she's still hungry give her more.  We have better luck with her finishing everything this way.  This plate was actually a little more than we usually give her, but she must have been hungry because she asked for more!

Hi Bambi!

Sometimes it's ok to play with your food :)

"The slurp!"

Ramen Salad (original recipe from my friend, Whitney)

Dressing - shake in jam jar:
- top ramen seasoning packet - chicken flavor
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste

Salad
- romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
- 1/2 onion or cucumber, chopped
- crushed top ramen noodles
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
- mandarin oranges

Add chicken and make it a meal!