Sister Salad Sunday

Some recipes become favorites because they're delicious. Others become favorites because they're attached to people we love.

For years, my sister Pam and I had a standing tradition we called Sister Salad Sunday. Whenever we were in the same place, we would always make plans on Sundays to make a big salad, try a new dressing, experiment with ingredients, and spend time together around the table.

The arrangement was pretty simple: I usually cooked, and she entertained me. She always had a story to tell, a funny observation, or some piece of family gossip to share while I chopped vegetables and pulled ingredients together. We chose these moments to purposely spend time together and often invited nieces or other friends to join in. 

Some Sundays were elaborate. Some were simple. The salads changed constantly, but the tradition stayed the same. In the fall and winter, we would add soups to the mix. "Sister Salad Soup Sunday." But the goal was always the same - spending time together. 

This crunchy ramen salad was one she would have loved. She loved cabbage, and one thing everyone who knew Pam understood was that she hated chicken. I mean, she passionately hated all things with wings. This version made with venison, beef, or pork would have been right up her alley.

Tomorrow marks one year since I lost my sister to cancer. Grief has a funny way of showing up in the kitchen. Sometimes it's a recipe. Sometimes it's a smell. Sometimes it's reaching for the phone to tell someone about a new dish before remembering you can't.

Food has always been one of the ways I remember the people I love. So, while this salad is absolutely worth making for the crunchy noodles and carrot-ginger dressing, it's also a reminder of the many Sister Salad Sundays that came before it.

This one's for you, Pam.

And if you're lucky enough to still have your person, whether it's a sister, a friend, or someone who always seems to find their way to your table, make the salad and invite them over. The recipe is good, but the company is what you'll remember.

Crunchy Ramen Asian Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing