If you belong to a book club or a bunko group, chances are you’ve had some version of this salad. It’s one of those pass-along, Holy Grail recipes that’s easy yet fancy-looking and loved by everyone. (Kids included.)

In my version, I candy the crushed ramen noodles and almond slivers with a little butter and sugar – a simple step that only takes about 5 minutes on the stovetop. Then I cut back on the sugar in the dressing (there’s still plenty), and use rice vinegar and sesame oil for a more authentic Asian taste. The sweet/sour dressing works on just about anything, and will keep a long time in the fridge. (So make the full amount of dressing, even if you’re planning to make fewer servings of salad.) The ramen crunchies, however, will not last very long because they’re impossible to stop snacking on. If you can’t find baby bok choy (a delicate member of the cabbage family), you could use napa cabbage, kale, romaine – or mix-n-match.

Add leftover chicken or shelled edamame for a light summer meal. Then sit back and enjoy your bestseller.

Baby Bok Choy Salad with Almond-Ramen Crunchies and Sesame Dressing

Serves 6-8

• 8-10 heads baby bok choy, chopped (approx. 10-12 cups)
• 4 scallions, chopped (approx. ½ cup) – light and dark green parts only
• Almond-ramen crunchies
• Sesame dressing

For Almond-Ramen Crunchies:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 package ramen noodles, crushed (seasoning pack discarded)
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• ½ cup sesame seeds (optional)

For Sesame Dressing:

• ¼ cup sugar
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Make Almond-Ramen Crunchies:

Gently crush ramen noodles (right in the packet) with a rolling pin. (Discard seasoning packet.)

In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sugar.

Add crushed ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds (if using). Stir to coat and continue to cook until ramen and almonds are golden brown (about 5 minutes).

Transfer mixture to a baking sheet to cool.

Make Dressing:

Add all ingredients to a jar and shake.

 

Assemble Salad:

To a large salad bowl, add chopped bok choy and scallions.

When ready to serve, toss with ramen crunchies (to taste) and enough dressing to coat. (Depending on how much bok choy you’ve used, you may not need all the dressing.)

Refrigerate any unused dressing. Transfer any unused crunchies to an airtight container.