Best Citrus Shrimp Noodle Salad

Discovering the Perfect Summer Dish

My Favorite is Citrus Shrimp Noodle Salad and It was a scorching summer day, the kind where you crave something light and refreshing for dinner. I had just returned from the farmer’s market, bags brimming with fresh produce. As I unpacked my finds, the vibrant oranges of the mandarin slices caught my eye, and a burst of inspiration hit me. What if I could create a dish that encapsulated the zestiness of citrus and the satisfying chew of noodles? Thus, the idea for the Citrus Shrimp Noodle Salad was born.

Experimenting in the Kitchen

I started by cooking the Mandarin Orange-flavored Yakisoba Noodles, their delightful aroma filling the kitchen. I quickly prepared the shrimp, ensuring they were perfectly cooked and tender. The combination of mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and fresh snow peas seemed like a delightful mix. As I chopped the scallions, I could already imagine how their mild oniony taste would complement the sweetness of the oranges and the nuttiness of the almonds. It was a medley of textures and flavors waiting to come together.

Crafting the Perfect Dressing

The dressing was the final touch that would tie all these elements together. Using the seasoning packet from the Yakisoba Noodles as a base, I whisked in fresh orange juice, ponzu sauce, hot pepper sauce, honey, olive oil, and almond butter. The result was a tangy, nutty, and slightly spicy dressing that tasted incredible. Pouring it over the noodle mixture, I tossed everything together, ensuring each ingredient was well-coated. I covered the bowl and placed it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld while I anticipated dinner.

Enjoying the Final Creation

Two hours later, I pulled the salad from the fridge, the ingredients now beautifully marinated. The first bite was a revelation – the chewy noodles, succulent shrimp, and crunchy almonds were all perfectly balanced by the sweet and tangy dressing. It was light yet satisfying, exactly what I had hoped for. My family gathered around, each of them praising the vibrant flavors. This Citrus Shrimp Noodle Salad had quickly become a household favorite, a testament to how sometimes the simplest ideas can lead to the most delicious creations.

Chef’s Notes-Citrus Shrimp Noodle Salad

• Ensure the Yakisoba noodles are well-drained and fluffed after microwaving to avoid clumping. This step helps the noodles better absorb the dressing.
• Allow the salad to chill for at least 2 hours. This not only enhances the flavors but also helps the dressing to fully coat the ingredients.
• For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the salad. This will bring out their nutty flavor and add a satisfying texture.
• If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra orange juice or water. The dressing should be smooth and coat the salad evenly.
• Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cucumbers to enhance the salad’s freshness and nutrition.

Citrus Shrimp Noodle Salad

Course: Main Course, SaladCuisine: Asian, FusionDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Resting Time

2

hours 

Total time

2

hours 

20

minutes

Dive into a burst of flavors with this Citrus Shrimp Noodle Salad! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines chewy noodles, succulent shrimp, and sweet mandarin oranges, all tossed in a tangy, nutty dressing. It’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a must-try for any home cook looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal!

Ingredients

• Noodles and Shrimp

• 2 packs Mandarin Orange-flavored Yakisoba Noodles

• 16 large shrimp, cooked and deveined

• Fruits and Nuts

• 1 cup canned mandarin orange slices

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

• Vegetables

• 1 cup thinly sliced snow peas

• 2 scallions, chopped

• Dressing

• 1 seasoning packet from the Yakisoba Noodles

• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice

• 1/3 cup citrus soy sauce (ponzu)

• 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Substitute with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Almonds: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

• Ponzu Sauce: Replace with a mix of soy sauce and lemon juice.

• Almond Butter: Peanut butter or tahini can be used as alternatives.

Directions

• In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved seasoning packet, orange juice, ponzu sauce, hot pepper sauce, honey, olive oil, and almond butter until smooth and well combined.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared noodles with cooked shrimp, mandarin orange slices, sliced almonds, snow peas, and chopped scallions. Mix well and refrigerate while preparing the dressing.
• Remove noodles from the Yakisoba packages and set aside one seasoning packet. Place noodles in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Microwave for 2 minutes until heated through. Drain and fluff the noodles with your hands to separate them.
• Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Enjoy this refreshing dish chilled.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• microwave-safe bowl
• tongs

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 12g
• Vitamin A: 10IU
• Vitamin C: 40mg
• Calcium: 8mg
• Iron: 10mg

FAQ-Citrus Shrimp Noodle Salad

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute Yakisoba noodles with soba noodles, rice noodles, or even whole wheat noodles if preferred. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle used.

Can I make this salad in advance?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness.

What can I use instead of almond butter?

You can use peanut butter or tahini as alternatives to almond butter. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well in the dressing.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Both alternatives will complement the salad well and provide a satisfying protein source.

Can I freeze the Citrus Shrimp Noodle Salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the noodles and vegetables may become mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.