Fresh Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe: Zingy & Light

A vibrant Vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad bursting with fresh flavors that dance across your palate.

Colors and textures merge in a delightful culinary experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of hanoi.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender noodles, creating a refreshing meal perfect for warm afternoons.

Herbs scattered generously add an unexpected brightness to each delectable bite.

Protein options like grilled chicken or tofu bring substantial satisfaction to this light yet filling dish.

The zesty dressing ties everything together with a tangy punch that makes you want to dive right in.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this amazing salad that promises to become your new go-to summer meal.

Tasty Variations For Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Grilled Seafood Fusion: Swap protein with grilled shrimp or calamari, adding a smoky ocean-fresh dimension to the classic Vietnamese noodle salad.
• Vegetarian Garden Bowl: Replace meat with crispy tofu or tempeh, incorporate roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for extra plant-based protein and texture.
• Spicy Korean-Vietnamese Crossover: Introduce gochujang or kimchi for a fiery kick, blend traditional Vietnamese herbs with Korean chili paste to create a bold, innovative flavor profile.
• Cold Noodle Summer Roll: Transform the salad into hand-rolled spring rolls using rice paper, keeping the same fresh ingredients and dressing for a portable, refreshing meal option.

FAQs About Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• What makes Vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad so special?

This dish is a perfect balance of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and textures. It combines cool noodles, crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy dressing that creates an explosive taste experience unique to Vietnamese cuisine.

• Is this a healthy meal option?

Absolutely! The salad is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, herbs, and lean protein. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and offers a great mix of vitamins and minerals. The light dressing adds flavor without heavy calories.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, easily! Simply replace the traditional protein with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like grilled mushrooms or edamame. The core recipe remains the same, and you’ll still enjoy all the delicious Vietnamese flavors.

• Why do I need fish sauce in the dressing?

Fish sauce is a key ingredient that provides a deep, umami flavor fundamental to Vietnamese cooking. It adds complexity and saltiness that can’t be replicated by other condiments. If you’re concerned about the strong taste, you can adjust the quantity to suit your preference.

Why Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Is A Fresh Favorite

• Craft a Flavor Explosion: This Vietnamese vermicelli salad delivers a vibrant mix of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that dance across your taste buds with every bite.
• Embrace Refreshing Texture Play: Crisp vegetables, silky noodles, and crunchy peanuts create an incredible sensory experience that keeps your palate excited and engaged.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to swap proteins and adjust ingredients, making it perfect for different dietary preferences and quick weeknight meals.
• Quick and Nutritious Delight: Packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and lean protein, this salad comes together in less than 30 minutes, providing a balanced and satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on taste or health.

What You’ll Need For Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Vermicelli Noodles: Thin rice noodles that provide the soft, light foundation for the salad. Rice vermicelli works best, look for ones made in Vietnam.

• Grilled Chicken, Tofu, Shrimp: Protein that adds substance and flavor to the salad. Choose fresh, high-quality proteins for best taste.

• Lettuce, Cucumber, Carrots, Bean Sprouts: Crisp vegetables that add freshness, crunch, and nutrition. Select vegetables that are firm and vibrant in color.

• Mint, Cilantro, Thai Basil: Aromatic herbs that provide bright, complex flavor layers. Fresh herbs are key to authentic Vietnamese taste.

• Fish Sauce, Lime Juice, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Garlic, Chili: Tangy and savory components that create the classic Vietnamese dressing. Balance is crucial for authentic flavor.

• Crushed Peanuts, Sesame Seeds: Crunchy toppings that add texture and nutty flavor. Lightly toasted nuts enhance the overall taste.

How To Make Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

Step 1: Noodle Preparation

Boil water in a pot. Drop vermicelli noodles and cook until perfectly tender. Drain completely and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let noodles cool and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Tangy Dressing

• Fish sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Rice vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Minced garlic
• Finely chopped chili pepper
• Warm water

Whisk ingredients until sugar fully dissolves, creating a vibrant liquid sauce.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Crisp lettuce leaves
• Cooled vermicelli noodles
• Julienned carrots
• Sliced cucumber
• Crunchy bean sprouts
• Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro
• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu

Step 4: Sprinkle Crunchy Accessories

• Crushed roasted peanuts
• Toasted sesame seeds

Step 5: Drench and Devour

Drizzle prepared dressing across noodle bowl. Gently toss to distribute flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of Vietnamese culinary magic!

Simple Tips For Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Boost Noodle Texture: Rinse vermicelli with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Customize Protein Power: Swap protein options easily between grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef to match dietary preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
• Master Dressing Balance: Taste and adjust the dressing by adding more lime juice for brightness or sugar for sweetness until you achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
• Herb Freshness Hack: Chop herbs right before serving to maintain maximum flavor and prevent wilting, keeping your salad vibrant and aromatic.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers, assembling the salad just before serving to maintain crisp vegetables and prevent soggy noodles.

Best Way To Store Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy noodles.
• Separate Components: Store protein, noodles, and vegetables in different compartments to maintain freshness and texture.
• Reheat Noodles: Gently warm noodles in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Avoid overheating to maintain their delicate texture.
• Dress Before Serving: Add fresh herbs and drizzle with dressing right before eating to revive the salad's vibrant flavors and crisp vegetables.

What Goes Well With Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the bright, tangy flavors of the Vietnamese vermicelli salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light wines enhance the fresh herbs and zesty dressing without overpowering the delicate noodle dish.
• Match with Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Balance the salad's refreshing profile with a classic Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá). The rich, sweet, and strong coffee provides a perfect contrast to the light, herbal salad ingredients.
• Serve with Jasmine Green Tea: Cool down the potential heat from chili and create a harmonious dining experience with a smooth, fragrant jasmine green tea. Its subtle floral notes will cleanse the palate between bites of the vibrant salad.
• Enjoy with Refreshing Limeade: Create a complete flavor experience by pairing the salad with a homemade limeade. The citrusy drink echoes the lime in the dressing and adds an extra layer of zesty refreshment to the meal.

Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad brings together fresh herbs, grilled protein, and zesty dressing in a light, refreshing harmony. Crisp vegetables and tangy nuoc cham sauce create a perfect balance you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 cup grilled chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu (seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and lemongrass)

Noodles and Vegetables:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) 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

Dressing and Toppings:

• ¼ cup fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup warm water
• ½ cup crushed peanuts (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform vermicelli noodles into a delicate, chilled base by following package cooking guidelines. Thoroughly rinse under cold water to halt cooking and eliminate excess starch, then allow to drain completely.
2. Craft a vibrant Vietnamese-style dressing by whisking fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, tangy rice vinegar, granulated sugar, minced garlic, finely chopped chili, and a splash of warm water until sugar dissolves seamlessly.
3. Create a colorful layered foundation in serving bowls by arranging crisp lettuce leaves as the initial platform, followed by the cooled vermicelli noodles as the central element.
4. Enhance the salad’s texture and nutritional profile by strategically placing julienned carrots, thinly sliced cucumbers, and crunchy bean sprouts across the noodle base.
5. Elevate the dish’s aromatic complexity by generously scattering fresh cilantro, mint, and Thai basil leaves throughout the salad, creating a fragrant herb landscape.
6. Introduce a protein component like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, positioning it attractively atop the vegetable medley.
7. Provide a delightful crunch by sprinkling roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds across the salad’s surface.
8. Immediately before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing uniformly, using a gentle tossing motion to ensure every ingredient becomes harmoniously coated.

Notes

• Maximize noodle texture by cooking exactly to package instructions, preventing mushiness or hardness.
• Rinse noodles thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping, ensuring each strand remains separate and light.
• Customize protein options to suit dietary preferences, such as grilled tofu for vegetarians, shredded chicken for lean protein, or seared shrimp for seafood lovers.
• Balance dressing flavors by adjusting sugar and lime juice ratios, creating a perfect harmony between sweet, tangy, and savory notes that complement the fresh vegetables.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg