Refreshing Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe for Summer

Crisp and vibrant ingredients dance in this vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad that promises a refreshing culinary adventure.

Layers of texture burst through each carefully composed bite.

Mint leaves add unexpected brightness while tender rice noodles create a perfect canvas.

Crunchy vegetables contrast against delicate protein selections, making every forkful exciting.

Cool and zesty flavors intermingle like a sophisticated flavor ballet.

Succulent herbs weave complexity into this classic dish that feels both traditional and modern.

Lean in and prepare to experience a symphony of tastes that will revolutionize your meal perspective.

Vietnamese Vermicelli Salad That’s Cool, Crunchy, and Balanced

• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Whip up this Vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you crave something fresh and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Loaded with crisp vegetables, herbs, and protein-rich toppings, this salad delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while providing essential nutrients and vitamins in every colorful bite.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily swap proteins or adjust spice levels to match your taste preferences, making this recipe a versatile canvas for personal creativity and dietary needs.
• No-Sweat Cooking Experience: Requires minimal cooking skills with simple techniques like whisking a dressing and tossing ingredients, ensuring even novice cooks can confidently prepare an impressive and delicious meal.

Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Ingredients

• Rice Vermicelli Noodles: Light and delicate base for the salad, quick to cook and perfect for absorbing dressing flavors. Choose thin, high-quality rice noodles for best texture.

• Carrots, Cucumber: Crisp vegetables that add freshness and crunch. Shred or julienne for even distribution throughout the salad.
• Bean Sprouts: Provide a cool, crisp texture with a subtle nutty flavor. Look for fresh, crunchy sprouts.

• Cilantro, Mint: Fresh herbs that bring bright, zesty flavors to the dish. Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Garlic: Adds depth and sharpness to the dressing. Fresh garlic cloves work best.

• Soy Sauce: Provides salty, umami base for the dressing. Use low-sodium if preferred.
• Lime Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the flavors.
• Sugar: Balances the salty and sour elements of the dressing.

• Peanuts: Crushed nuts add crunch and nutty flavor. Roasted peanuts work great.
• Fried Shallots: Provide a crispy, savory garnish with extra texture.

• Chili: Adds optional heat to the dressing for those who enjoy spicy food.

Vietnamese Noodle Salad Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Rice Vermicelli

Boil water in a medium pot.

Gently add rice vermicelli and cook until perfectly tender and soft.

Follow package timing carefully.

Drain noodles in a colander and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.

Let noodles sit and cool completely.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

• Fresh lime juice
• Soy sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Minced garlic
• Chopped red chili pepper (optional for heat)

Blend ingredients until sugar dissolves completely, creating a bright and tangy sauce.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Vegetables

• Crisp cucumber
• Shredded carrots
• Fresh bean sprouts
• Chopped cilantro
• Torn mint leaves

Ensure vegetables are cut into thin, elegant pieces for perfect texture.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Vegetables

Toss cooled vermicelli with prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Drizzle and Dress

Pour prepared dressing over noodle mixture.

Use tongs to coat every strand and vegetable piece thoroughly.

Step 6: Finish with Crunchy Toppings

• Crushed roasted peanuts
• Crispy fried shallots

Serve immediately at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Noodle Salad Tips from a Vietnamese Kitchen Playbook

• Rinse rice vermicelli with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or grilled beef to suit different dietary preferences or create variety in your meal.
• Let the dressing sit for 10-15 minutes before mixing to allow garlic and chili to infuse more robust flavors into the sauce.
• Chop herbs and vegetables just before serving to maintain crisp texture and maximize nutritional value and taste.
• Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to keep ingredients crisp and prevent soggy noodles.

Store Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the dressing separate to prevent soggy noodles.
• Before serving, gently toss the noodles with a splash of fresh dressing to revive the flavors and restore moisture.
• Skip freezing this salad as the fresh vegetables and delicate noodles will lose their crisp texture and become mushy.
• Consume cold or at room temperature for the best taste and texture, as reheating can make the noodles soft and less appealing.

Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Serving Ideas

• Harmonize Vietnamese Vermicelli Salad with Perfect Companions
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling that complements the salad's bright, herbal flavors and cuts through the zesty dressing.
• Match with Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Brew strong Vietnamese coffee, sweeten with condensed milk, and serve over ice to balance the salad's cool, tangy profile and provide a rich, contrasting beverage.
• Enhance with Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: Add succulent, marinated grilled chicken strips on top of the salad to introduce protein and create a more substantial meal with complementary Southeast Asian aromatics.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Spring Rolls: Prepare delicate rice paper spring rolls with shrimp or tofu to create a complete Vietnamese-inspired dining experience that shares similar fresh ingredients and texture.

Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Vietnamese Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use rice noodles and verify all condiments are gluten-free.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Substitute meat with crispy tofu, tempeh, or edamame. Add grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice vermicelli with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Increase vegetable content and use fewer noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Spicy Lovers' Remix: Increase chili content by adding sriracha sauce, fresh jalapeños, or red pepper flakes. Include additional hot sauce or Thai chili paste for more intense heat.

FAQs

• Are vermicelli noodles different from other Asian noodles?

Vermicelli noodles are thin, round rice noodles originating from Vietnam, lighter and more delicate compared to wheat-based noodles like udon or soba. They cook quickly and have a soft, translucent appearance.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

Yes, this Vietnamese vermicelli salad is nutritionally balanced with lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and herbs. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and provides essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit any meat and replace it with tofu or additional vegetables. The dressing and core ingredients are naturally plant-based, making it easy to adapt to vegetarian and vegan diets.

• What makes the dressing unique in this recipe?

The dressing combines sweet, sour, and savory flavors typical in Vietnamese cuisine. The combination of soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, and garlic creates a complex, balanced taste that enhances the fresh ingredients.

Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Discover pure culinary magic with Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad, a refreshing symphony of textures dancing on your plate. Crisp vegetables, tender noodles, and zesty herbs create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired feast you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins and Noodles:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) rice vermicelli noodles

Vegetables and Fresh Herbs:

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

Seasonings, Sauces, and Toppings:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• 1/4 cup fried shallots

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Instructions

1. Immerse rice vermicelli noodles in boiling water, following package guidelines until they transform into soft, translucent strands. Carefully drain and rinse under cool water to halt cooking process.
2. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking together tangy lime juice, umami-rich soy sauce, delicate sugar, aromatic minced garlic, and optional fiery chili for an electrifying flavor profile.
3. Create a harmonious base by combining the cooled vermicelli with crisp, julienned carrots, refreshing cucumber slices, crunchy bean sprouts, fragrant cilantro, and delicate mint leaves in a spacious mixing vessel.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable and noodle medley, gently tossing with folding motions to ensure each ingredient receives an even coating of the zesty mixture.
5. Elevate the dish’s texture and visual appeal by scattering crushed roasted peanuts and golden, crispy fried shallots across the salad’s surface, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
6. Serve immediately at room temperature, allowing the complex layers of flavor and texture to shine through, creating a refreshing and satisfying Vietnamese-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Rinse noodles in cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Customize the salad by adding protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a more substantial meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Prepare the dressing in advance and store in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and save time during meal preparation.
• Use fresh herbs at the last minute to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, preventing wilting and preserving the salad’s bright, refreshing qualities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg