Fresh & Zingy Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe

Summer’s heat calls for a vibrant vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad bursting with fresh flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp vegetables and tender noodles create a symphony of textures in this classic dish.

Herbs and grilled protein blend seamlessly to deliver a refreshing meal that cools and satisfies.

Zesty dressing coats each strand, bringing a tangy punch to every bite.

Cool rice noodles provide the perfect canvas for a medley of ingredients that sing with brightness.

This recipe promises a delightful escape from ordinary meals, transporting you to the bustling streets of vietnam with each forkful.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds explore a world of delicious complexity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients For Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Vermicelli Noodles: Delicate rice noodles providing a light, silky foundation for the salad with authentic Vietnamese texture.
• Lettuce: Crisp green base creating a refreshing and crunchy layer that adds volume and nutrition.

• Carrots: Vibrant orange strips bringing sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast to the dish.
• Cucumber: Cool, hydrating slices adding refreshing texture and subtle freshness.
• Bean Sprouts: Delicate, crisp sprouts delivering a delightful crunch and mild nutty flavor.
• Fresh Herbs (Mint, Cilantro, Basil): Aromatic leaves introducing bright, zesty notes and traditional Vietnamese herbal complexity.

• Protein (Grilled Chicken, Shrimp, Tofu): Protein source adding substance and making the salad more filling and satisfying.
• Crushed Peanuts, Sesame Seeds: Nutty, toasted garnishes providing delightful crunch and rich, earthy undertones.

• Fish Sauce, Lime Juice, Rice Vinegar: Tangy liquid base creating a balanced, complex flavor profile.
• Sugar: Sweetener harmonizing and softening the sharp, acidic dressing elements.
• Garlic, Chili: Pungent ingredients adding depth, heat, and traditional Vietnamese flavor complexity.
• Warm Water: Liquid for dissolving and blending dressing ingredients smoothly.

Tools To Toss Together Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing components smoothly.
• Colander: Helps drain noodles after cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Serving Bowls: Large enough to layer salad ingredients attractively.
• Grater or Peeler: For preparing carrots and cucumber.

Steps To Build Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Noodle Preparation

Boil vermicelli noodles until perfectly tender, then shock them in cold water to stop cooking. Let the noodles rest and cool completely.

• Flavor Explosion

Craft a zesty dressing by blending tangy fish sauce, bright citrus juice, subtle vinegar, and a touch of sweetness. Mince fresh garlic and chili for a vibrant kick.

• Salad Symphony

Create colorful layers in your serving bowl with crisp lettuce, silky noodles, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Select your favorite protein to elevate the dish.

• Texture Magic

Sprinkle a delightful crunch of roasted peanuts and nutty sesame seeds across the top of your salad.

• Final Touch

Drizzle the aromatic dressing just moments before serving. Gently toss all ingredients to distribute flavors evenly and enjoy this refreshing culinary journey.

Tips To Add Flavor To Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Noodle Perfection Secrets: Simple tricks to elevate your Vietnamese vermicelli salad game.
• Protein Power Play: Swap proteins easily between grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or pork to match your dietary preferences and mood. Lean meats work wonderfully for a protein-packed meal.
• Herb Heaven Hack: Maximize flavor by using super fresh herbs like mint, Thai basil, and cilantro. Chop them right before serving to preserve their vibrant taste and aromatic qualities.
• Texture Triumph: Keep vegetables crisp by slicing them thinly and chilling before assembling. This maintains a delightful crunch and prevents soggy salad syndrome.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace traditional vermicelli with rice noodles or spiralized zucchini for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. Great for those with dietary restrictions or seeking lighter meal options.

Serve Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Light And Cold

• Vietnamese Summer Picnic Platter: Create a beautiful shared platter with noodles, herbs, and proteins arranged in colorful sections for a communal dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Garden Garnish: Scatter extra fresh mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves on top for a vibrant, aromatic presentation that enhances the salad's flavor profile.
• Protein Power Options: Customize with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, crispy tofu, or sliced beef to match different dietary preferences and create exciting meal variations.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Add extra crispy elements like fried shallots, additional crushed peanuts, or rice paper chips to provide delightful textural contrast to the soft noodles.

Store Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad In The Fridge

• Advance Prep Power: Chop vegetables and prepare dressing up to 2 days before serving to streamline mealtime and reduce kitchen stress.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store components separately in airtight containers – keep noodles, vegetables, herbs, and dressing in separate sections to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Smart Protein Options: Rotate between grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef to create variety without repeating the same protein throughout the week.
• Quick Lunch Hack: Pack dressing separately from salad components when taking this meal to work or school, then combine just before eating to keep ingredients crisp and vibrant.

Vibrant Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Savory vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad delivers fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors with crisp vegetables and grilled protein. Delicate rice noodles combine with zesty herbs, creating a light yet satisfying meal that refreshes palates and nourishes bodies.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup grilled chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu (seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and lemongrass)
• 6 oz (170 g) dried vermicelli rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or butter lettuce)
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup cucumber, julienned
• ½ cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• ¼ cup fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
• 2 tbsps lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup warm water
• ½ cup crushed peanuts (for topping)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Noodle Preparation: Cook vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking process, and drain completely to create a light, refreshing base.
2. Dressing Creation: Blend fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, chili, and warm water into a harmonious Vietnamese-style dressing, whisking until sugar fully dissolves and flavors meld seamlessly.
3. Salad Assembly: Layer lettuce leaves as the foundation in serving bowls, then carefully arrange cooled vermicelli noodles as the central component of the dish.
4. Vegetable Incorporation: Distribute julienned carrots, cucumber slices, and bean sprouts across the noodle base, creating a vibrant and textured vegetable landscape.
5. Herb Infusion: Generously scatter fresh cilantro, mint, and Thai basil leaves throughout the salad, introducing an aromatic and bright flavor profile.
6. Protein Addition: Crown the vegetable medley with your chosen protein – grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu – positioned artfully to complement the existing ingredients.
7. Final Touches: Sprinkle roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds over the salad, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the dish.
8. Dressing Finale: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing evenly and toss gently to ensure each ingredient is perfectly coated with the vibrant Vietnamese-style sauce.

Notes

• Rinse Noodles Thoroughly: Cold water stops cooking and removes excess starch, preventing clumpy, sticky vermicelli that can ruin the salad’s delicate texture.
• Balance Dressing Carefully: Adjust fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar proportions to achieve a perfect sweet-sour-salty harmony that doesn’t overpower other ingredients.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure noodles are completely cooled before assembling to maintain crisp vegetable textures and prevent wilting of fresh herbs.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap proteins easily for dietary needs – try marinated tofu for vegetarians, grilled chicken for low-carb, or tempeh for plant-based versions without compromising authentic Vietnamese flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg