This works well even if you don't brown the noodles, although it does give a different flavor. If you watch it carefully, you don't need butter either, if you are worried about calories. The butter does give a richer flavor, and also helps avoid burning, but if you watch the almonds and seeds like a hawk you don't need it. Try adding bite-sized cooked chicken for a special treat!

You can also add the flavor packet from the noodles to the dressing ingredients, we prefer beef flavor but hey be creative and enjoy

Like Diane, I add the flavor packet also. I also add craisins to it. Depending on what kind of nutty or chewy snacks I happen to have on hand, I'll add those too. It's different every single time.

This is a good, light salad. I have tripled the recipe to take for a covered dish affair. Always compliments.

A little too much sugar? Can we use Splenda?

I don't cook a lot but this was so easy and a big hit. I did not brown the noodles and it came out perfect.