Crunchy Noodle Salad

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish to beat the heat on those scorching summer days?Let’s make Crunchy Noodle Salad! This vibrant and refreshing salad is a delicious combination of crisp vegetables and tender rice noodles, making it the perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal during the hot summer months.

Why this recipe works

The Crunchy Noodle Salad recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavors, textures, and nutrition. It brings together a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, radishes, and green onions, all of which provide a vibrant array of colors and nutrients. The addition of rice vermicelli noodles complements the crunchy vegetables, adding a delicate and satisfying element to the dish.

What is Crunchy Noodle Salad

Crunchy Noodle Salad is a refreshing and light Asian-inspired dish that combines crisp vegetables with tender rice noodles, tossed in a flavorful dressing. It is known for its vibrant appearance, satisfying crunch, and the fusion of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. This salad is perfect for those seeking a healthy and delicious meal that can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to a variety of main courses.

Best ingredients for Crunchy Noodle Salad

• Rice vermicelli noodles: Use 6 oz (170g) of rice noodles for the perfect balance between texture and flavor. Rice noodles are gluten-free and provide a delicate and light base for the salad.
• Vegetables: The star of the salad is a combination of fresh vegetables. Opt for 1 cup (150g) of matchstick or shredded carrots, 1 cup (100g) of shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup (75g) of chopped bell peppers, 1/2 cup (75g) of sliced radishes, and 1/4 cup (35g) of chopped green (spring) onions. These vegetables add a vibrant and crunchy element to the salad.
• Dressing: The dressing brings all the flavors together. Combine 2 tablespoons (30ml) of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional). Adjust the dressing according to your taste preferences.
• Topping: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped roasted peanuts over the salad just before serving. The peanuts provide a delightful nutty contrast to the fresh vegetables and noodles.

How to make Crunchy Noodle Salad

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Cook the rice vermicelli noodles

Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and shortly rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetable mixture

To the large bowl add the shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, radishes, edamame beans and green onions.

Step 3: Prepare the dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined, forming a flavorful dressing.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients

Pour the dressing over the vegetable and noodles mixture in the large bowl. Toss with the dressing, ensuring that ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Let the flavors meld

Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. During this time, the vegetables will absorb the dressing, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

Step 6: Add the final touch

Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the top of the salad. The peanuts will add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy!

Serve the Crunchy Noodle Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a light main course.

Storing and freezing tips

If you have any leftovers, store the Crunchy Noodle Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to 2 days. However, note that the texture of the noodles may soften slightly over time. This salad is not suitable for freezing.

Top tips for the best Crunchy Noodle Salad

• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences and seasonal availability. Snow peas, bean sprouts, or thinly sliced cucumbers can be great additions.
• Adjust the dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors to suit your palate. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, lime juice for tanginess, or honey for sweetness.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Be careful not to overcook the rice vermicelli noodles, as they can become mushy. Follow the package instructions and rinse them under cold water promptly to maintain their texture.
• Double the dressing: If you prefer a more heavily dressed salad, you can easily double the dressing ingredients. Simply adjust the quantities to your liking.
• Freshness matters: For the best results, use fresh and crisp vegetables. They not only add vibrant colors to the salad but also retain their crunchiness, enhancing the overall texture of the salad.
• Get creative with toppings: While I suggest using chopped roasted peanuts as a topping, feel free to experiment with other toppings as well. Sesame seeds, crushed cashews, or even a drizzle of sriracha sauce can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
• Add protein for a complete meal: To make the Crunchy Noodle Salad a more substantial main course, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These protein options will not only provide satiety but also complement the flavors of the salad.
• Make it ahead of time: While the salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, you can make certain preparations ahead of time to save time. You can chop the vegetables and cook the noodles in advance, storing them separately. When ready to serve, simply combine the ingredients and toss with the dressing.

Serving suggestions

• The Crunchy Noodle Salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.
• It also makes a great accompaniment to grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
• Serve it as a side dish alongside Asian-inspired mains like stir-fries or teriyaki dishes.
• You can even pack it up for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy work lunch option.

You may also enjoy…

Sticky Salmon Rice Bowl

Summer Pasta Salad

Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Gremolata

Chicken Stir Fry Noodles

Caprese Stuffed Chicken

Polish version of this recipe available here.