Why Make This Recipe

Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Tangy Dressing is a refreshing dish that brings a burst of flavors and textures to your table. It’s light, vibrant, and packed with fresh ingredients like shrimp, vegetables, and herbs. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as a side dish at a barbecue. The tangy dressing ties everything together, making each bite delightful and satisfying.

How to Make Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Tangy Dressing

Ingredients

• 200g rice vermicelli noodles
• 100g cooked shrimp, peeled
• 100g cucumber, julienned
• 100g carrots, julienned
• 50g fresh mint leaves
• 50g fresh cilantro
• 50g roasted peanuts, crushed
• 60ml fish sauce
• 30ml lime juice
• 15ml rice vinegar
• 30g sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, finely sliced

Directions

1. Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, rinse under cold water, and drain.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili until the sugar dissolves.
3. In a large bowl, combine noodles, shrimp, cucumber, carrots, mint, and cilantro.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts before serving.

How to Serve Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Tangy Dressing

Serve the Vietnamese Noodle Salad in bowls or on a large platter. You can add extra crushed peanuts or a few mint leaves on top for a nice presentation. This salad is best enjoyed fresh. You can pair it with grilled meats or fish for a complete meal.

How to Store Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Tangy Dressing

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving for maximum freshness. The salad should be eaten within two days for the best taste.

Tips to Make Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Tangy Dressing

• Make sure to rinse the noodles with cold water well. This helps prevent sticking.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of chili based on your spice preference.
• You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts for extra crunch.
• For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with tofu.

Variation

You can customize this dish by using chicken or pork instead of shrimp. Also, you can swap mint and cilantro with other herbs like basil if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use other noodles, but rice vermicelli is traditional for this dish.

2. What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.

3. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance, but it’s best to mix everything together and add the dressing just before serving for the freshest taste.