Crunchy Romaine Salad

I'm linking up with Casey today for a recipe exchange!

This is my staple, "oh my goodness this salad is so good, I want the recipe" salad. I take it to lots of dinner parties and serve it at my own, because it's so yummy! And it totally follows Elizabeth's rules because it is a very pretty and colorful side! I got it from none other than my wonderful mamacita. I'm sure she got it from somewhere, but who knows?!? Enjoy! 
 

Crunchy Romaine Salad

1 head romaine lettuce, washed, torn into pieces (I use 2 of the ready-to-go bags of romaine-easy!)

1 cup chopped pecans

1 pkg. Ramen Noodles (uncooked and broken into pieces....throw away flavor pkt.)

4 Tbsp. butter

4 green onions, chopped

1 can mandarin oranges

chopped fresh broccoli

Optional Ingredient: fresh sliced mushrooms (we love them!)

Directions: Brown Ramen noodles in butter over medium heat. Add pecans toward the end of the browning. Cool and drain on paper towels. Combine with rest of ingredients. Toss and top with dressing. Important suggestion!!!: Don't put the dressing on the salad until right before you are ready to serve b/c it saturates the lettuce too much and the salad gets really soggy. I just bring the dressing along in a tupperware until eating time!

Dressing:  1/2 cup vegetable oil

                1/2 cup sugar

                1/4 cup red wine vinegar

                 1 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce

                Salt and Pepper