Vietnamese Crunch Noodle Salad (Printable)

Vibrant salad with shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, rice noodles, and a tangy Vietnamese dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (12.3 oz)

→ Noodles

02 - 7 oz dried rice vermicelli noodles

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
04 - 1 cup shredded carrots
05 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 cucumber, julienned
07 - 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup bean sprouts

→ Herbs

09 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
10 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
11 - 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)

→ Crunch & Garnish

12 - 1/3 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
13 - 2 tablespoons fried shallots (optional)

→ Dressing

14 - 3 tablespoons fish sauce
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
16 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
17 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
18 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
19 - 1 small red chili, finely sliced (optional)
20 - 3 tablespoons water

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add chicken breasts and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from water, let cool slightly, then shred using two forks.
03 - Whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, sliced chili (if using), and water in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles, shredded chicken, shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper slices, julienned cucumber, sliced spring onions, and bean sprouts.
05 - Add cilantro, mint, and Thai basil leaves. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine.
06 - Top salad with chopped roasted peanuts and fried shallots before serving immediately to preserve crunch.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Light and refreshing meal
  • Combination of vibrant flavors and textures
02 -
  • Fish sauce contains allergens so handle carefully for sensitive eaters
  • Peanuts add crunch but can be omitted for allergies
03 -
  • Cook noodles just until tender for best texture
  • Chill all ingredients before assembly to maximize freshness
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