Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad

Short Description

Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad (Bún) is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish featuring delicate rice noodles, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy-sweet dressing. Often topped with grilled protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu, this salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal, great for warm-weather dining or a quick and easy lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and refreshing yet packed with flavor
• Customizable with different proteins and vegetables
• Naturally gluten-free when using rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce
• Perfect for meal prep—enjoy it fresh or store leftovers for later
• Healthy and nutritious, full of fresh herbs and veggies

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• Vermicelli rice noodles
• Carrots (julienned)
• Cucumber (julienned or sliced)
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
• Lettuce (shredded)
• Bean sprouts
• Crushed peanuts
• Red chili or jalapeño (optional, for heat)
• Protein of choice (grilled shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu, or pork)

For the Dressing (Nuoc Cham):

• Fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
• Lime juice
• Rice vinegar
• Sugar
• Garlic (minced)
• Red chili (finely chopped, optional)
• Water

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, chili, and water until well combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables & Herbs: Julienne the carrots and cucumber, chop the herbs, and shred the lettuce.
4. Cook the Protein: If using shrimp, chicken, tofu, or another protein, grill or pan-fry it until fully cooked.
5. Assemble the Salad: Place the noodles in a bowl, top with vegetables, fresh herbs, and protein. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Toss everything together and serve immediately!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use tofu and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
• Spicy Kick: Add more chopped red chili or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in sliced radishes or fried shallots for more texture.
• Nut-Free: Skip the peanuts or substitute with toasted sesame seeds.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Best served cold, but if using grilled protein, reheat it separately before serving.
• Meal Prep Tip: Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

What type of noodles should I use?

Use thin vermicelli rice noodles, often labeled as “bún” in Vietnamese cuisine.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep all ingredients separately and combine just before serving for the freshest taste.

What protein works best for this salad?

Grilled shrimp, chicken, pork, beef, or tofu all pair wonderfully with this dish.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes! Peanut sauce or a sesame-ginger dressing also works well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use rice noodles and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

How can I make it more filling?

Add extra protein, avocado, or even a soft-boiled egg for a heartier meal.

What’s the best way to julienne vegetables?

Use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to create thin, uniform strips.

Can I use pre-cooked noodles?

Yes, just rinse them in cold water and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

How do I keep the noodles from clumping together?

Rinse them under cold water after cooking and toss with a little oil if not using immediately.

Can I substitute fish sauce?

Yes, soy sauce or coconut aminos work well as vegetarian alternatives.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad is a light, refreshing, and customizable dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer it with grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu, its combination of fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressing makes it a delicious and healthy meal. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Vietnamese cuisine at home!

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