Discover the vibrant and refreshing flavors of Vietnam with this Saigon Noodle Salad. Bursting with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and tender rice noodles, this dish is drizzled with a tangy, sweet, and savory dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this noodle salad captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in every bite.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
- 200g (7 oz) grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 100g (3.5 oz) bean sprouts
- 50g (1.75 oz) red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 50g (1.75 oz) fresh mint leaves
- 50g (1.75 oz) fresh basil leaves
- 50g (1.75 oz) fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon water
Method of Preparation
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chopped red chili, and water until the sugar is dissolved.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles, grilled chicken, carrot, cucumber, bean sprouts, and red cabbage. Add the fresh mint, basil, and cilantro leaves.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
- Divide the salad into individual bowls. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. They add a bright and aromatic element to the salad.
- Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables and proteins, such as shrimp or tofu.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the vegetables crisp, dress the salad just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?- Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.
- You can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian version.
- Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
Enjoy the refreshing and vibrant flavors of this Saigon Noodle Salad, a perfect balance of textures and tastes that brings the essence of Vietnamese cuisine to your table. Whether you're looking for a light meal or a flavorful side dish, this salad is sure to delight your senses and leave you craving more.