If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, refreshing, and bursting with authentic flavors, look no further than this Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of light rice noodles, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a tangy, savory dressing that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Vietnam. Whether you want a quick lunch or a stunning side for your dinner table, this salad combines simplicity with taste in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe plays an essential role, bringing unique texture, color, and bold flavors that make the dish so irresistible. From soft noodles to fresh herbs and crunchy toppings, these simple components come together effortlessly.
- 8 oz vermicelli rice noodles: These delicate noodles provide the perfect base with their tender yet slightly chewy texture.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and a vibrant orange pop to the salad.
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned: Brings a refreshing crunch and coolness to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Offers a bright, citrusy aroma that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped: Adds a subtle coolness and complexity to each bite.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped: Gives a sweet, slightly peppery note that complements the herbs.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for crunch): Toasted peanuts bring satisfying texture and nuttiness.
- 1/4 cup fried shallots (optional, for garnish): Crispy shallots add a deeply savory crunch that amps up flavor.
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional): Fresh bean sprouts offer lightness and a delicate snap.
- 3 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian option): The salty, umami backbone of the dressing.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Provides zesty acidity that brightens the salad.
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed): Adds fresh citrus tang that awakens the palate.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Balances the acidity and saltiness for a harmonious taste.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses a subtle savory kick into the dressing.
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional for heat): Adds a gentle spicy warmth to excite your senses.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps emulsify the dressing to coat ingredients smoothly.
How to Make Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package instructions—usually by boiling for just a few minutes until tender. Once they’re perfectly cooked, drain immediately and rinse under cold water. This crucial step stops the cooking process, prevents the noodles from sticking together, and ensures that each bite is light and refreshing.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs
While the noodles are cooling, get to work on the vegetables. Shred the carrots finely, julienne the cucumber into matchstick pieces, and chop the cilantro, mint, and basil. These fresh herbs inject the salad with aromatic layers that are signature to Vietnamese cuisine, giving each forkful an inviting complexity.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian twist), rice vinegar, freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, chopped chili if you like some heat, and water. This dressing is where the magic happens—balancing salty, sweet, sour, and spicy notes into a perfectly harmonious blend. Taste and adjust it to find your ideal balance.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Combine the cooled noodles with the shredded carrots, cucumber, and chopped herbs in a large bowl. Toss everything together to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed and the salad looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Step 5: Dress and Garnish
Drizzle the dressing over the noodle mixture, then toss gently again so every strand and vegetable is coated. Finish by sprinkling chopped peanuts, crispy fried shallots, and fresh bean sprouts on top for an exciting medley of textures that elevate the dish from everyday to extraordinary.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
This Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and vibrant flavors. If you prefer, chill it for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld even further before digging in.
How to Serve Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can add your personal touch. The classic crunch of chopped peanuts and fried shallots enhances every bite, but a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or fresh lime wedges on the side can also make a neat presentation and extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like lemongrass chicken or pork skewers, offering a cool contrast that balances smoky, rich flavors. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside fresh spring rolls or a simple bowl of miso soup for a delightful Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try building individual salad bowls with layers of noodles, vegetables, and herbs topped with dressing and garnishes. Or serve the salad in small cups or lettuce wraps for an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party. The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to preserve the fresh textures and flavors.
Freezing
Because of the fresh herbs and crisp vegetables, this salad is not suitable for freezing. Freezing would cause the noodles and vegetables to become mushy and lose their vibrant taste after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not recommended. If you want to enjoy it again, simply let refrigerated leftovers come to room temperature and toss with fresh dressing and garnishes for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make this Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian-friendly dressing without compromising on taste.
What can I substitute if I don’t have vermicelli noodles?
Rice vermicelli is traditional, but you can also use thin rice stick noodles or even thin spaghetti in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them al dente and rinse with cold water afterward.
How spicy is this noodle salad?
The heat level depends on how much chili you add. You can leave it out altogether for a mild, crowd-pleasing flavor or increase the amount for a lively kick that perfectly complements the fresh herbs.
Can this salad be prepared ahead of time?
You can prep the noodles, vegetables, and dressing ahead but keep them separate. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Vermicelli rice noodles are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your soy sauce substitute is gluten-free if using that instead of fish sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a taste of vibrant Vietnamese street food into your home kitchen. It’s fresh, flavorful, and quick to make, which makes it a go-to for busy days or when you want to impress guests with something colorful and light. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious layers of texture and flavor that make this salad so unforgettable.
Print
Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and light Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad featuring tender rice noodles, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, flavorful dressing. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal or side dish, this salad combines aromatic cilantro, mint, and basil with a zesty fish sauce and lime dressing, finished with optional crunchy peanuts and fried shallots for texture.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 oz vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1/4 cup fried shallots (optional, for garnish)
Dressing
- 3 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian option)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles from sticking together.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the noodles are cooling, shred the carrots, julienne the cucumber, and chop the cilantro, mint, and basil to prepare the fresh vegetables and herbs for the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, chopped chili if using, and water. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more sugar or lime juice as desired for a balanced tangy and savory flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled vermicelli noodles with the shredded carrots, cucumber, and fresh herbs. Toss well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture and toss again thoroughly so everything is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, fried shallots, and bean sprouts over the top for added crunch and texture, if using.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and freshness or chill it for 10-15 minutes beforehand to allow the flavors to meld together nicely before serving.
Notes
- This salad is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free fish sauce or soy sauce.
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred heat level or omit entirely.
- Chilling the salad briefly enhances the flavors but avoid leaving it too long to prevent noodles from becoming soggy.
- Fresh herbs are essential for authentic flavor—don’t skip the mint, basil, or cilantro.
- Optional toppings like fried shallots and peanuts add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for simplicity.
