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    Home » All Recipes » Salads

    Quick and Easy Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Tangy Dressing

    Published: Feb 19, 2021 · Modified: Feb 20, 2021 by Jamie · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 29 Comments

    45.1K shares
    Jump to Recipe
    Photo of Vietnamese noodle salad with text overlay for Pinterest.
    Photo of Vietnamese noodle salad with text overlay for Pinterest.
    Photo of Vietnamese noodle salad with text overlay for Pinterest.
    Photo of cold Asian noodle salad with text overlay for Pinterest.
    Photo of Vietnamese noodle salad with text overlay for Pinterest.

    This Vietnamese noodle salad is made with vermicelli rice noodles, fresh herb, and vegetables! It’s tossed with a delicious tangy and savory Vietnamese dressing and can be served cold! 

    Vietnamese noodle salad with vermicelli rice noodles, basil, cilantro, carrots, and green peppers being lifted from a white bowl.

    This Vietnamese noodle salad is light, refreshing, and full of crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs! It's a great cold noodle salad to serve with any Asian meal or can be eaten as a main course.

    It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to your liking. Add any choice of protein for a filling, satisfying meal. Or add a variety of vegetables for a healthy, vegan Vietnamese noodle salad!

    Vietnamese noodle salad with dressing made with vermicelli rice noodles, vegetables, lime, carrots, and fresh herbs in white bowl with wooden chopsticks.

    This Asian noodle salad can be served cold or at room temperature. It's a great recipe to bring to any potluck as you can make it ahead of time and serve it chilled.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Vietnamese noodle salad including vermicelli rice noodles, fresh herbs, and vegetables on a white surface.
    • Vermicelli rice noodles - use thin rice noodles because they can be rehydrated simply by soaking in boiling water. You can also use thin mung bean noodles.
    • Fresh herbs - use any combination of fresh herbs. My favorites are Thai basil, cilantro, and mint. Scallions are another good option.
    • Jalapeno peppers - add jalapenos or sriracha to make it a spicy Asian noodle salad.
    dressing for Vietnamese noodle salad in a small glass bowl

    The dressing for this cold Asian noodle salad is a simple Vietnamese sauce made of soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, rice wine vinegar, and garlic. If you'd like, you can replace the soy sauce for fish sauce. Otherwise keep it as is for a vegan noodle salad.

    Instructions

    1. Soak the vermicelli rice noodles in boiling water for about 3 minutes or until completely soft. Drain completely.
    2. Prep your vegetables and chop your herbs - basil, cilantro, and mint. Place them on top of the noodles.
    3. Pour the dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
    • Vermicelli rice noodles in a stainless steel bowl next to carrots, cucumber, lime, vermicelli dressing, and herbs.
      Soak noodles in hot water, then prep vegetables and herbs.
    • Vietnamese noodle salad with vermicelli rice noodles, basil, cilantro, carrots, and cucumbers next to a bowl of dressing.
      Arrange vegetables on top. Refrigerate to serve chilled.
    • Vietnamese cold noodle salad tossed together with fresh herbs, jalapenos, carrots, and cucumber next to a bowl of tangy dressing.
      Toss together with vegetables to loosen the noodles.
    • Cold Vietnamese rice noodle salad with dressing being poured on from a small white bowl.
      Add the dressing right before serving.
    Vietnamese cold noodle salad with vermicelli rice noodles, basil, cilantro, carrots, and vegetables being served with silverware.

    It's a quick and easy recipe that's ready in about 15 minutes. Keep it in the fridge to serve as a cold Asian noodle salad that's perfect for summer.

    Variations

    Add any of the following vegetables:

    • shredded lettuce
    • shredded cabbage
    • green beans
    • bean sprouts
    • Red and orange bell peppers

    This pairs excellently with Thai tofu satay or any other protein!

    FAQ

    Vietnamese noodle salad made with fresh herbs, vegetables, and lime in a white bowl next to a salad dressing and a jalapeno pepper.
    Can I make this in advance?

    Yes! Assemble the noodle salad but leave out the dressing. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap as the herbs can dry out. Keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

    Add the dressing right before serving.

    What other noodles can I use?

    You can use any thin noodles you like. I used thin vermicelli rice noodles in this recipe but you can also use thin mung bean noodles.

    Thicker noodles may be used - just cook them according to the package then rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain them well with a colander before adding it to the salad.

    Related recipes:

    • Baked Thai Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce
    • 3 Classic Spring Roll Dipping Sauces
    • Easy Japchae (Korean glass noodle stir fry)
    • Spicy Szechuan Noodles with Garlic Chili Oil
    • 15 Minute Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry (Pad Krapow)
    • 15 Minute Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles
    close up of Vietnamese noodle salad with vermicelli rice noodles, carrots, basil, cilantro, and peppers.

    Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Tangy Dressing

    This Vietnamese noodle salad is made with vermicelli rice noodles, fresh herbs and vegetables! It’s tossed with a delicious tangy and savory Vietnamese dressing and can be served cold! 
    5 from 210 votes
    Pin Share Print
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course, Salad, Sides
    Cuisine Asian, Vietnamese
    Servings 4

    ☑ Ingredients
     

    • 7 oz thin vermicelli rice noodles - - (dried) about 200g; substitute with any thin noodle
    • 3 cups cucumber - - julienned; about 2 cucumbers
    • 3 cups carrots - - julienned; about 2 medium carrots
    • 2 ⅓ cups fresh herbs - basil, cilantro, mint, scallions - - packed tightly
    • 2 jalapeno peppers - - (optional); cut into thin rounds
    • lime wedges - - (optional); for serving
    • crushed peanuts - - (optional); for garnish

    Dressing

    • ¼ cup fish sauce - use soy sauce for vegan option
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • ⅓ cup water
    • 2 Tablespoons lime juice - - freshly squeezed (about half a lime)
    • 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
    • 1 clove garlic - - minced
    • 1 small Thai chili pepper - - (optional) finely diced
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Rehydrate your noodles by soaking them in boiling water for about 3 minutes or until completely soft. Drain the noodles and set them aside in a colander to drain off excess water.
      This method works if using thin noodles. Otherwise, follow the directions on the package to cook the noodles. Meanwhile prep the vegetables and herbs.
      Vermicelli rice noodles in a stainless steel bowl next to carrots, cucumber, lime, vermicelli dressing, and herbs.
    • Add all the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl and stir to combine. Taste and adjust according to your preferences. Makes about 1 cup of sauce.
      dressing for Vietnamese noodle salad in a small glass bowl
    • Place the noodles in a large bowl and top with the cucumbers, carrots, basil, cilantro, and any other fresh herbs. Add the jalapenos at this time (if using). Add the dressing and toss to combine.
      Cold Vietnamese rice noodle salad with dressing being poured on from a small white bowl.
    • Serve immediately as a main course or as a side. Add your choice of protein on top. See Notes for make ahead instructions.
      Vietnamese noodle salad with vermicelli rice noodles, lime, basil, vegetables, and dressing in a white bowl with chopsticks.

    ✎ Recipe Notes

    Make Ahead:
    If making ahead, leave out the dressing and store the noodle salad in the fridge to serve cold. As the herbs can bruise and dry out easily, cover tightly with plastic wrap. Add the dressing and toss to combine right before serving. Make ahead a day in advance.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 880mg | Potassium: 547mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 16936IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was and give it a 5 star rating! Tag @drivemehungry to show off your creations! I love seeing your photos!

    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.

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    45.1K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dannii

      March 05, 2021 at 11:51 pm

      5 stars
      I love this light and fresh noodle salad. Added in extra basil and cilantro and it was so good. The dressing tastes amazing too.

      Reply
    2. Jacqueline

      March 03, 2021 at 5:28 am

      5 stars
      I've been craving noodles this week and this was perfect. So easy, delicious, and refreshing. What good timing!

      Reply
    3. Amy

      March 02, 2021 at 7:13 am

      5 stars
      I love these easy, delicious, and healthy salads for my family, and this one is perfect for all of us. We served this with some grilled chicken on the side. Thank you for sharing this with us, really appreciate it.

      Reply
    4. Anjali

      March 01, 2021 at 11:41 pm

      5 stars
      This noodle salad was super easy to make and turned out great! It was the perfect side dish for our dinner tonight!

      Reply
    5. Maria

      March 01, 2021 at 11:28 pm

      5 stars
      Wow this dish is so incredibly flavorful and perfect for a delicious, healthy lunch or dinner! Love your bright and vibrant photography style as well.

      Reply
    6. Debbie

      February 28, 2021 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      I'm a fan of rice noodles and this noodle salad is fantastic! Full of texture and the dressing is sweet, savory, and tangy. This is the perfect salad for any occasion, I will be making this again.

      Reply
    7. Alex

      February 27, 2021 at 8:22 pm

      5 stars
      Love this delicious noodle salad - Vietnamese flavours are some of the very best!

      Reply
    8. Priya

      February 27, 2021 at 4:20 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for this easy recipe! We loved it, especially all the fresh herbs with the Vietnamese salad dressing. My husband wants me to make it again!

      Reply
    9. Natalie

      February 26, 2021 at 2:42 am

      5 stars
      The dressing is super delicious. I love how light and healthy this salad is. Yum! I will def make this again.

      Reply
    10. Veena

      February 25, 2021 at 10:47 pm

      5 stars
      This is so well chopped and the dressing so perfect. Love your presentation too. I love the combinations to this Salad.

      Reply
    11. Ashley

      February 25, 2021 at 9:00 pm

      5 stars
      I always mess up my vermicelli rice noodles when cooking them.
      Thanks for the easy to follow directions in making this turn out perfectly!

      Reply
    12. Gail Montero

      February 20, 2021 at 8:14 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favorite Asian dishes! Love the many complex and delish flavors in this salad.

      Reply
    13. Jere Cassidy

      February 20, 2021 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      I am so glad to have found this salad recipe. My favorite Vietnamese Restaurant closed and they had a salad very similar to this. I am headed to the store for noodles and cucumber.

      Reply
    14. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      February 20, 2021 at 3:07 am

      5 stars
      So fresh and vibrant, this will be perfect warm or cold this summer.

      Reply
    15. Emese

      February 20, 2021 at 12:47 am

      5 stars
      This looks awesome. I never tried vermicelli in salads, only in soups. Will it not dry out or the dressing is enough to keep it moist?

      Reply
      • Jamie

        March 19, 2021 at 2:54 am

        Thanks Emese! If you like extra dressing, you can double the amount and serve it on the side. The recipe makes about 1 cup of dressing as written. I recommend waiting until right before serving to add the dressing.

        Reply
    16. Dannii

      February 20, 2021 at 12:28 am

      5 stars
      I love a noodle salad, and this looks flavour packed.

      Reply
    17. Cathleen

      February 19, 2021 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good noodle salad, and this one looks so perfect for the warmer months!! Bookmarked for when it's warmer here in Chicago, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂

      Reply
    18. Alison

      February 19, 2021 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      This noodle salad has such bright and vibrant colors! The fresh herbs with the spicy jalapeños couple so nicely together.

      Reply
    19. Claudia Lamascolo

      February 19, 2021 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      This dressing was the best I ever had and I love that lime is in there that really made the difference for us!

      Reply
    20. Sandhya's Kitchen

      February 19, 2021 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      Love Quick and Easy Noodles Salad recipe. Looks so delicious.

      Reply
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