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Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad
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Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish featuring delicate rice vermicelli noodles, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs tossed in a flavorful nuoc cham dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, colorful side, or light main course, this salad balances crunchy textures with zesty, aromatic flavors that celebrate authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

  • 200g Rice Vermicelli Noodles

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 medium Cucumber, thinly sliced into matchsticks
  • 2 medium Carrots, thinly shredded
  • 1 cup Fresh Mint, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Thai Basil, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Bean Sprouts, rinsed and dried

Protein

  • 200g Grilled Shrimp, Chicken, Pork, or Tofu (choose your preference)

Toppings

  • 1/4 cup Peanuts, toasted and chopped

Nuoc Cham Dressing

  • 3 tbsp Fish Sauce (or Soy Sauce for vegetarian option)
  • 3 tbsp Lime Juice
  • 3 tbsp Water
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1–2 tsp Finely Chopped Fresh Chili (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles: Soak or cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions until tender but still firm. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, then drain well.
  2. Prep the Vegetables and Herbs: Thinly slice cucumbers and carrots into matchstick shapes. Rinse and roughly chop fresh herbs including mint, cilantro, and Thai basil. Rinse bean sprouts thoroughly and pat dry.
  3. Cook Your Protein: Grill, pan-fry, or quickly sauté your chosen protein. Lightly season with salt and pepper or add a splash of fish sauce to enhance the flavor.
  4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, water, sugar, minced garlic, and finely chopped chili to create the classic nuoc cham dressing. Taste and adjust sweetness, acidity, or spiciness as desired.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or individual bowls, layer the cooled noodles, prepared vegetables, fresh herbs, and cooked protein. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
  6. Add Crunch and Serve: Top the salad with toasted chopped peanuts and extra fresh herbs for texture and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh contrasts of the dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs generously to enhance the vibrancy and flavor of the salad.
  • Drain and chill noodles properly to prevent mushiness and maintain texture.
  • Balance the nuoc cham dressing by tasting while whisking to achieve a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
  • Toast peanuts freshly for maximum crunch and nutty aroma.
  • Serve immediately after assembling to preserve the textures and freshness of ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: Vietnamese salad, vermicelli noodle salad, nuoc cham dressing, fresh herbs, healthy salad, gluten free, quick recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/vietnamese-vermicelli-noodle-salad/