Asian Noodle Salad

I’ve always had a soft spot for the vibrant and refreshing flavors of Asian Noodle Salad. It reminds me of summer picnics and gatherings with friends, where everyone brings a dish to share. The first time I made this recipe, I simply wanted something light yet satisfying. As I tossed the colorful veggies and fragrant herbs together, it was like a burst of sunshine in a bowl. Each bite was not only delicious but also a celebration of the season’s bounty. This Asian Noodle Salad has become a staple in my kitchen, whether for a quick lunch or a side at dinner. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and always leaves me feeling good.

Essential Ingredients for Asian Noodle Salad

The ingredients in this Asian Noodle Salad come together beautifully to create a balanced dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Each component plays a role, from the crunch of fresh vegetables to the creamy richness of nut butter. Together, they form a delicious harmony that is irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Coconut Aminos: A soy sauce alternative that adds a sweet and savory flavor.
• Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: For creaminess and a nutty taste.
• Fish Sauce: Essential for that umami kick. Use it sparingly!
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a light acidity to the salad.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds a warm spice that brightens every bite.
• Garlic: For depth and flavor.
• Chili Sauce: Optional heat to balance the dish.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A fragrant oil that enhances the overall flavor.
• Lime: Freshly juiced for brightness and zing.
• Vermicelli Rice Noodles: The main carbohydrate that makes this salad hearty.
• Carrots: Adds crunch and color.
• Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: Sweetness and vibrant hues.
• Scallions: For a mild onion flavor.
• Purple Cabbage: Adds crunch and a pop of color.
• Snap Peas: For a sweet crunch.
• Cucumber: Refreshing and hydrating.
• Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that ties the flavors together.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted for a nutty finish.
• Shredded Chicken: Optional protein for a heartier meal.
• Cooked Edamame: For added protein and texture.
• Chopped Peanuts: For extra crunch.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: For serving.

Asian Noodle Salad Instructions

Making this Asian Noodle Salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious dish that everyone will love:

1. Start by adding all the sauce ingredients—coconut aminos, peanut butter, fish sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, chili sauce, and toasted sesame oil—to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Next, prepare your Vermicelli rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help them stay firm and not stick together in the salad.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, toss together the chopped carrots, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, scallions, purple cabbage, snap peas, cucumber, and cilantro. Mix them until they are evenly distributed.

4. Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the veggies. You want to ensure they are well combined. The colors should be vibrant and inviting!

5. Now it’s time to pour the sauce over the noodle and veggie mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together, ensuring each ingredient is coated with the flavorful sauce.

6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add extra lime juice for acidity or more chili sauce if you like some heat.

7. If you’re using shredded chicken or edamame, fold those in now, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad.

8. Serve the salad cold. Garnish with extra scallions, peanuts, and lime wedges on the side for a finishing touch.

9. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Keep in mind that the noodles will absorb the sauce over time, so add a bit of fresh sauce or lime juice before serving leftovers!

10. The best part is how versatile this Asian Noodle Salad is—feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins!

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Asian Noodle Salad is its versatility. Here are some tips to make it your own:

• Try different proteins: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the salad heartier.
• Experiment with vegetables: Add or substitute with any of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas.
• Adjust the spice: For those who love heat, increase the amount of chili sauce or add sliced jalapeños.
• Add nuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted peanuts or cashews over the top before serving.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint or basil can give a unique twist to the flavor profile.
• Make it a wrap: Use this salad as a filling for lettuce wraps, adding a fun twist to your meal.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving the Asian Noodle Salad, there are countless delightful options to consider:

• Summer BBQs: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or veggies.
• Picnics: Pack it up for a fun day out; it holds up well and is refreshing.
• Family Dinners: Serve it alongside a protein of your choice and a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Asian-inspired meals: It complements dishes like teriyaki chicken or stir-fried veggies perfectly.
• Light Lunches: Enjoy it on its own for a satisfying and nutritious lunch option.
• Meal Prepping: Prepare in advance for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Asian Noodle Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that beautifully combines an array of flavors and textures. It’s not only easy to make but also a fantastic choice for meal prep or entertaining. I encourage you to give it a try; once you do, it might just become a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. Enjoy the vibrant burst of flavors with every bite!

Asian Noodle Salad

The ultimate in fresh and vibrant flavors, this Asian Noodle Salad combines crisp vegetables with delicate noodles in a zesty sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side, this easy weeknight dinner is customizable and utterly delicious. Make it tonight and discover a refreshing dish that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/3 cup Coconut Aminos
• 3 tablespoons Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Fish Sauce
• 2 teaspoons Rice Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Fresh Ginger grated, more to taste
• 2 teaspoons Garlic grated, more to taste
• 2 teaspoons Chili Sauce
• 2 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil plus more to put on noodles
• 1/2 lime Lime juiced, more to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional, more to taste
• 1 package Vermicelli Rice Noodles cooked based on package instructions
• 2 carrots Carrots sliced thin
• 1 Red bell pepper Red Bell Pepper sliced thin
• 1 Yellow bell pepper Yellow Bell Pepper sliced thin
• 1/4 cup Scallions sliced thin
• 1/4 purple cabbage Purple Cabbage sliced thin
• 1 cup Snap Peas
• 1 cucumber Cucumber sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro roughly chopped, more to taste
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
• 1 Shredded rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken Shredded Chicken
• 1 Cooked de-shelled edamame Cooked Edamame
• 1 Chopped peanuts Chopped Peanuts
• 1 More Cilantro More Cilantro
• 1 Fresh lime wedges Fresh Lime Wedges

Equipment

• Blender
• Chef's Knife
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Add all sauce ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until combined. Set aside.
2. Toss chopped veggies, rice noodles, cilantro, and sesame seeds into a medium mixing bowl. Add in chicken if using. Pour in sauce and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Serve cold topped with protein, scallions, and peanuts if adding.
4. Store: Leftovers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the noodles will absorb the sauce as it sits, so the leftovers may be a bit dry. If you want to give it a refresh, whip up some extra sauce to add later on! Add an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice, too!

Notes

• Cook noodles al dente: A little bite helps them hold up better in the sauce.
• Chop everything evenly: Make sure all of the veggies are pretty uniform in size so they incorporate well together.
• Customize: Feel free to add other veggies, proteins, etc., like broccoli florets, chopped zucchini, chickpeas, or shredded turkey.
• Storing: Keep in mind that the noodles will absorb the sauce as it sits, so the leftovers may be a bit dry. If you want to give it a refresh, whip up some extra sauce to add later on! Add an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice, too!

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Meet Naomi Prince

Cooking is about excitement, and I love taking simple ingredients and turning them into something bold. I work on every aspect of the blog, from brainstorming zesty new combinations to styling the final plate. I tested this recipe in my own home to guarantee it packs the perfect punch of flavor for you.