Refreshing Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad – A Light, Healthy, and Flavourful Meal Packed
Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad is light, colorful, and full of fresh ingredients.Rice vermicelli noodles provide a soft and satisfying base.Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables add vibrant flavor and crunch.Tangy nước chấm dressing brings sweet, salty, sour, and savory notes together.The salad is easily customized with chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, or pork.It's perfect for healthy lunches, dinners, meal prep, and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 ounces rice vermicelli noodles
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- ½ cup Thai basil leaves
- ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Nước Chấm Dressing
- ¼ cup fish sauce
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped
- ¼ cup warm water
Instructions
- Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, chili, and warm water until the sugar dissolves.
- Prepare all the vegetables by slicing the cucumber, carrots, lettuce, herbs, and green onions.
- Arrange the lettuce in serving bowls.
- Add the cooled rice noodles on top.
- Layer the cucumber, carrots, bean sprouts, herbs, cooked protein, peanuts, and green onions over the noodles.
- Drizzle generously with the nước chấm dressing.
- Toss gently before eating and serve with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
- Rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Fresh herbs are essential for authentic flavor.
- Prepare the dressing ahead of time for convenience.
- Add the dressing just before serving.
- Adjust the chili to your preferred spice level.
- Roasted peanuts add delicious crunch.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Store the components separately for meal prep.