Mandarin Salad Oriental

Ingredients

• 1 (3-ounce) package Oriental-flavored ramen noodle soup mix
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 5 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, torn
• 1/2 head romaine lettuce, torn
• 5 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin orange sections, drained

Preparation

1. Remove flavor packet from soup mix, and set aside. Crumble noodles.
2. Bake noodles in a shallow pan at 350° for 10 minutes or until toasted, stirring after 5 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool.
3. Cook almonds and 3 tablespoons sugar in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, 5 to 6 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and almonds are evenly coated. Remove from heat.
4. Whisk together reserved flavor packet, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, oil, and next 5 ingredients.
5. Toss together lettuces, celery, and green onions in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing; toss gently to coat. Add noodles, almond mixture, and orange sections, and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.