Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe

Bright & Zesty Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe

Crisp vegetables and savory herbs dance through this vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad, creating a refreshing melody of flavors.

Layers of texture blend seamlessly in each delightful bite.

Cool noodles intertwine with bright ingredients, promising a culinary adventure.

Lightweight yet satisfying, the dish brings zesty charm to any meal.

Packed with vibrant vegetables and delicate rice noodles, each forkful tells a story of balance and freshness.

Combining traditional techniques with modern flair, you’ll discover a perfect harmony of tastes that transports you directly to the streets of vietnam.

Dive into this incredible recipe and let your taste buds explore a world of deliciousness.

Vermicelli Noodle Salad Fresh Light With Tangy Dressing

  • Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this vibrant Vietnamese vermicelli salad in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and lean protein, this salad delivers a balanced and wholesome meal that keeps you feeling energized and satisfied.
  • Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding your favorite toppings to create a personalized dish that suits your taste buds.
  • Refreshing Summer Delight: Cool, crisp ingredients and zesty dressing make this salad an ideal light and refreshing option for hot days, picnics, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Vietnamese Salad Bowl Ingredients

Noodle Base:
  • Rice Vermicelli Noodles: Soft, light base for the salad that provides a delicate texture and absorbs the dressing perfectly. Choose thin, high-quality rice noodles for best results.
Fresh Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Cucumber, Bean Sprouts: Crisp, fresh ingredients that add crunch, nutrition, and color to the salad. Shred or julienne vegetables for even distribution.
  • Cilantro, Mint: Fragrant herbs that bring bright, fresh flavors and a vibrant green appearance. Use fresh leaves for maximum aroma.
Dressing and Toppings:
  • Soy Sauce, Lime Juice, Sugar: Balanced seasoning that creates a tangy, sweet, and savory dressing. Use fresh lime for best flavor.
  • Garlic, Chili: Adds depth and heat to the dressing. Choose fresh garlic and adjust chili to personal spice preference.
  • Peanuts, Fried Shallots: Crunchy toppings that provide texture and nutty, caramelized flavor. Toast peanuts for enhanced taste.

Mixing Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Easily

Step 1: Boil Noodle Base

Cook rice vermicelli noodles following package directions.

Quickly drain and let cool at room temperature.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Dressing

Whisk together key flavor boosters:
  • Soy sauce
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Granulated sugar
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped chili pepper

Blend ingredients until sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Build Vegetable Medley

Combine fresh ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl:
  • Cooked vermicelli noodles
  • Julienned carrots
  • Thinly sliced cucumber
  • Crisp bean sprouts
  • Chopped cilantro leaves
  • Torn mint leaves

Step 4: Toss and Coat

Drizzle prepared dressing over vegetable and noodle mixture.

Gently fold ingredients to ensure even coating and distribute flavors thoroughly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer salad to serving plates.

Sprinkle generously with:
  • Crushed roasted peanuts
  • Crispy fried shallots

Serve immediately for maximum crunch and vibrant taste.

Vermicelli Salad Tips With Vietnamese Balance

  • Rinse rice vermicelli with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticky clumping.
  • Swap protein by adding grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or beef to match your dietary preferences and create a more substantial meal.
  • Adjust the dressing's sweetness and acidity by tasting and gradually adding more lime juice or sugar until you achieve the perfect tangy-sweet balance.
  • Prepare vegetables just before serving to maintain crisp texture and vibrant colors, ensuring the salad remains appetizing and crunchy.
  • Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to prevent soggy noodles and maintain the salad's optimal texture and freshness.

Vermicelli Salad Stores Bright and Crunchy

  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping it fresh and crisp in the refrigerator.
  • Keep dressing separate from noodles to prevent soggy texture and maintain the salad's original crunch.
  • Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and gently toss to redistribute flavors and restore texture.
  • Skip reheating this cold salad; instead, enjoy it chilled for the best taste and texture.

Crisp Matches For Vermicelli Salad

  • Savor Vietnamese Flavor Companions
  • Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine complements the bright, herbal notes of the salad, cutting through its refreshing acidity and enhancing the delicate Vietnamese flavors.
  • Match with Ginger-Lemongrass Iced Tea: Cooling beverage mirrors the salad's aromatic herbs, providing a traditional Southeast Asian refreshment that balances the dish's complex taste profile.
  • Serve with Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: Protein-rich side adds depth and substance, creating a complete meal that highlights the salad's vibrant ingredients while maintaining authentic Vietnamese culinary traditions.
  • Complement with Spring Rolls: Delicate rice paper rolls filled with similar herbs and vegetables create a harmonious dining experience, allowing diners to explore different textures and flavors within the same culinary landscape.

Light Vermicelli Salad Versions

  • Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Replace noodles with quinoa for a protein-rich, gluten-free base. Add grilled tofu or edamame for extra protein content.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Lover: Swap rice vermicelli with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-forward version. Keep all original dressing and herb ingredients.
  • Vegan Vietnamese Fusion: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to create a soy-free dressing. Add roasted tempeh cubes for plant-based protein and deeper flavor complexity.
  • Spicy Summer Roll Bowl: Transform the salad by adding rice paper strips for extra texture. Increase chili quantity and include sliced jalapeños for heat lovers who want a more intense flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What are rice vermicelli noodles?

Rice vermicelli are thin, white noodles made from rice flour. They’re popular in Southeast Asian cuisine and cook quickly, typically taking only 3-5 minutes. These noodles are gluten-free and have a light, delicate texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.

  • Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the fish sauce if used in the dressing and ensure all ingredients are plant-based. You can add tofu or tempeh for extra protein. The recipe is already naturally vegetable-forward with its mix of fresh herbs and vegetables.

  • How spicy is this Vietnamese noodle salad?

The spice level depends on the amount of chili you add. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference. For mild heat, use just a tiny bit of chili; for more kick, add more. You can also use different chilies like jalapeño or serrano for varied heat levels.

  • What makes the dressing in this salad unique?

The dressing combines sweet, sour, and savory elements typical of Vietnamese cuisine. Lime juice provides tartness, sugar adds sweetness, soy sauce brings umami, and chili delivers a spicy note.

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Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe

Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cool summer meets Vietnamese cuisine in this fresh Vermicelli Noodle Salad. Crisp herbs, tender rice noodles, and zesty dressing create a light, refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 200 grams (7 ounces) rice vermicelli noodles
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber

Fresh Herbs and Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
  • 1/4 cup fried shallots

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare rice vermicelli noodles by submerging them in boiling water until they become tender and translucent, then carefully drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
  2. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking together tangy lime juice, umami-rich soy sauce, subtle sweetness from sugar, pungent minced garlic, and a hint of heat from finely chopped chili pepper.
  3. Assemble the salad base by combining the cooled noodles with crisp, julienned carrots, refreshing cucumber slices, crunchy bean sprouts, aromatic cilantro leaves, and delicate mint leaves.
  4. Drizzle the zesty dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture, using gentle folding motions to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated and the flavors are harmoniously distributed.
  5. Enhance the salad’s texture and depth by sprinkling a generous layer of roughly chopped roasted peanuts and crispy, golden-brown fried shallots across the surface, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and crunch.

Notes

  • Choose fresh rice vermicelli noodles for the best texture and authentic flavor, avoiding overcooking to prevent mushiness.
  • Customize the dressing by adjusting spice levels and sweetness to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Prepare vegetables ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy salad when mixing later.
  • Consider protein alternatives like grilled tofu, shredded chicken, or shrimp to make the dish more versatile and satisfying for different dietary requirements.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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