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- Rice vermicelli noodles - Cooked shrimp - Fresh vegetables: bean sprouts, carrot, cucumber, red bell pepper - Fresh herbs: mint leaves, cilantro - Fish sauce - Fresh lime juice - Granulated sugar - Minced garlic - Sesame oil - Crushed peanuts - Lime wedges To make a quick Vietnamese noodle salad, gather these ingredients. Rice vermicelli noodles form the base. They are thin and cook quickly. Cooked shrimp adds protein and flavor. Use fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, carrot, cucumber, and red bell pepper. These add crunch and color. Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro bring brightness to the dish. The dressing is key to the salad's taste. Combine fish sauce, fresh lime juice, granulated sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. This mix gives a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy. For extra texture, consider garnishing with crushed peanuts. Lime wedges add a refreshing kick. You can find the full recipe below, which includes all steps for making this delicious salad. - Bring a pot of water to a boil. - Add the rice vermicelli noodles. - Cook the noodles until they are al dente. - Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Cooking the rice vermicelli is key to this dish. Make sure the water is boiling before adding the noodles. This step helps them cook evenly and stay firm. Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking and keeps the noodles from sticking. - Whisk fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. - Ensure the sugar dissolves completely. The dressing brings flavor to the salad. You must whisk it well until the sugar fully dissolves. This creates a tasty balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes. Fresh lime juice adds brightness, so don't skip it! - Toss noodles with dressing. - Add shrimp and vegetables to the noodles. Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the cooled noodles. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss them. Then, add the cooked shrimp and fresh vegetables. Toss again to mix everything evenly. You want each bite to be full of flavor. - Incorporate fresh herbs. - Serve in individual bowls with garnishes. After mixing, add fresh mint and cilantro. These herbs add a nice crunch and aroma. Spoon the salad into individual bowls. Top each bowl with crushed peanuts for extra texture. Don’t forget lime wedges! They let you add a fresh squeeze right before eating. This Quick Vietnamese Noodle Salad is vibrant and refreshing. You can find the Full Recipe above for all the details you need! - Ensure noodles are rinsed thoroughly. This step cools them down and removes extra starch. - Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. It brightens the salad and adds zing. - Pair with additional lime wedges. Guests can add more lime for a punchy taste. - Serve chilled for a refreshing taste. This makes the salad even more enjoyable on warm days. - Overcooking the rice vermicelli noodles. They should be tender but firm. - Skipping the rinsing step. This can lead to sticky noodles that don’t mix well. {{image_4}} If you want a vegetarian dish, swap the shrimp for tofu or chickpeas. Both options add protein and texture. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. Just press the tofu to remove extra water, then cube it. You can sauté it for a few minutes to give it a nice golden color. Chickpeas add a nutty taste and are easy to use straight from the can. This way, you keep the salad light and fresh while making it filling. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and sauces. Many brands offer rice noodles or other options made from quinoa or brown rice. These noodles cook quickly and have a great texture. Check the labels on sauces, too. Some fish sauces are gluten-free, but always read the ingredients. With these swaps, you can still enjoy the vibrant flavors in this salad. To make your salad crunchier, add chopped nuts or more fresh vegetables. Peanuts are a classic garnish, but you could try cashews or almonds for a twist. You can also add sliced radishes or snap peas for extra crunch. These additions not only enhance the texture but also boost the flavor. Feel free to mix in any seasonal veggies you have on hand. This keeps the recipe flexible and fun! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your Quick Vietnamese Noodle Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help maintain the crispness of the veggies and the flavor of the dressing. Make sure the container seals tightly to keep out air and moisture. Enjoy your salad within two days for the best taste and texture. After that, the ingredients may lose their freshness. The herbs can wilt, and the noodles may become soggy. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. This salad is best served cold. However, if you want to warm it up, you can gently reheat it in a pan. Just heat it on low to avoid overcooking the noodles and vegetables. If you prefer, you can also enjoy it straight from the fridge! Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. This makes it easy for meal prep. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. Just remember to add the herbs just before serving to keep them crisp. You can use soy sauce or tamari for a similar flavor. Both options add a nice salty depth. If you want a fishy taste, you may look for vegan fish sauce, too. Yes, this salad can be gluten-free. Choose gluten-free rice vermicelli noodles and check all sauces. This is key for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. You can try different dressings or add spice with chili flakes. Adding crushed peanuts gives a great crunch. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar to the dressing. Feel free to play with flavors until you find your perfect mix. This blog post covered how to make a quick and tasty Vietnamese noodle salad. We explored key ingredients like rice vermicelli, shrimp, fresh veggies, and herbs. You learned how to prepare the dressing and combine everything for a delicious meal. Remember, using fresh lime juice and thorough rinsing are key for flavor and texture. You can adapt this salad to suit your taste, whether vegetarian or gluten-free. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with friends for a refreshing treat!

Quick Vietnamese Noodle Salad

Discover the ultimate Quick Vietnamese Noodle Salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors! This easy recipe combines rice vermicelli, succulent shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy it chilled and customized to your taste, whether you prefer it vegetarian or gluten-free. Click to explore this refreshing dish and bring a taste of Vietnam to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

200g rice vermicelli noodles

1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup bean sprouts

1 medium carrot, julienned

1 medium cucumber, julienned

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed

1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

3 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 small garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Crushed peanuts for garnish

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Rice Vermicelli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice vermicelli noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Shake off excess water and set the noodles aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, granulated sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a flavorful dressing.

      Combine Noodles and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the cooled rice vermicelli noodles. Using a pair of tongs or chopsticks, gently toss the noodles until they are evenly coated with the dressing.

        Add Fresh Ingredients: To the bowl with the dressed noodles, add the cooked shrimp, bean sprouts, julienned carrots, cucumber, and sliced red bell pepper. Toss everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed and evenly distributed. Then, add the fresh mint and chopped cilantro, and give it one final gentle toss.

          Serve: Spoon the vibrant noodle salad into individual serving bowls. Sprinkle crushed peanuts generously over the top for added crunch and flavor. Include lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their salads to enhance the taste.

            - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, layer the salad ingredients in a glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers. Using a garnish of additional mint leaves or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can elevate the visual appeal!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4