Vietnamese Noodle Salad

Delicious Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Chicken and Fresh Vegetables

Region / culture: Vietnam | Servings: 4

Introduction

Vietnamese Noodle Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal, packed with fresh ingredients and a delicious dressing.

History

Vietnamese Noodle Salad, also known as Bun, is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is popular throughout the country. It is typically made with rice noodles, fresh herbs, vegetables, and a protein such as chicken or shrimp. The dish is often served as a light and refreshing meal, perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Boil the water and cook the noodles. Prepare a mixture of sauce, lime juice, potato, and spoon. Drain the noodles and combine them with beans, cucumber, carrot, and spring onions. Cook the chicken separately and add it to the salad.

Variations

Swap out the chicken for tofu or beef for a different protein option.
Add in other vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas for extra crunch.
Customize the dressing with different herbs or spices for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles according to the package instructions to ensure they are cooked al dente.

- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for extra flavor before cooking.

- Use fresh herbs like mint and coriander for a burst of flavor in the salad.

- Be sure to toss the salad well to evenly distribute the dressing and ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Vietnamese Noodle Salad with a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles until al dente.

- Cook the chicken until fully cooked and golden brown.

- Toss the salad ingredients together with the dressing for even distribution.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rice noodles instead of egg noodles for a gluten-free option.

- Swap out the prawns for tofu or beef for a different protein option.

- Substitute the mint and coriander with basil or parsley for a different herb flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dressing and marinate the chicken ahead of time for a quick and easy meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Vietnamese Noodle Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with extra herbs and a wedge of lime.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee or a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Fats: 8g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (prawns) and gluten (noodles).

Summary

This Vietnamese Noodle Salad is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and nutritious choice.

Summary

Vietnamese Noodle Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with fresh ingredients and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Vietnamese Noodle Salad. It was many years ago, during my travels in Vietnam. I had always been fascinated by different cuisines and cooking techniques, and Vietnam was a treasure trove of new and exciting flavors.

I was wandering through a bustling market in Hanoi when I stumbled upon a small food stall run by a friendly elderly lady. She was busy tossing together ingredients in a big bowl, and the aroma that wafted towards me was simply irresistible. I couldn't resist asking her what she was making, and she smiled and told me it was a traditional Vietnamese Noodle Salad.

Intrigued, I watched as she deftly mixed together rice noodles, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and succulent grilled chicken, all tossed in a delicious dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and a hint of chili. The colors and textures were a feast for the eyes, and I knew I had to try it for myself.

The kind lady noticed my interest and offered to teach me how to make the salad. I eagerly accepted, and she patiently guided me through each step, explaining the importance of balancing flavors and textures in Vietnamese cuisine. As I chopped, stirred, and tasted, I felt a deep connection to the food and culture of Vietnam.

After I finished making the salad, the lady handed me a bowl and a pair of chopsticks. I took a tentative bite, and my taste buds exploded with a symphony of flavors. The freshness of the herbs, the crunch of the vegetables, the tang of the dressing—all came together in perfect harmony. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had unearthed a culinary gem.

I thanked the lady profusely for her generosity and bid her farewell, promising to cherish the recipe and share it with others. As I walked back to my hotel, I couldn't stop thinking about the Vietnamese Noodle Salad and how it had captured my heart and soul.

Back home, I wasted no time in recreating the salad in my own kitchen. I sourced the best ingredients I could find, carefully following the lady's instructions and techniques. The familiar scents and sounds of Vietnam filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that bustling market stall in Hanoi.

As I sat down to enjoy my homemade Vietnamese Noodle Salad, I felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. The dish was a labor of love, a tribute to the kind lady who had shared her recipe with me. I savored each bite, savoring the memories of my travels and the bonds forged over a shared passion for food.

Over the years, I have made the Vietnamese Noodle Salad countless times, each batch a little different but always bursting with flavor. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the legacy of that chance encounter in Hanoi. And every time I take a bite of the salad, I am transported back to that moment of discovery and joy, forever grateful for the gift of culinary exploration.

The Vietnamese Noodle Salad has become a staple in my repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to connect us across cultures and generations. It is more than just a recipe—it is a story, a memory, a piece of my soul woven into a bowl of noodles and herbs. And as long as I have breath in my body, I will continue to make and share this beloved dish, honoring the tradition and spirit of Vietnamese cuisine.