Vietnamese Crunch Noodle Salad (Printable)

Tender shredded chicken and rice noodles tossed with crisp vegetables and a tangy Vietnamese dressing.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 12 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

# Method:

01 - Cook rice vermicelli noodles following package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
02 - Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add chicken breasts and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from water, cool slightly, and shred using two forks.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, sliced chili (if using), and water until sugar dissolves completely.
04 - In a large bowl, mix noodles, shredded chicken, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, spring onions, and bean sprouts.
05 - Incorporate cilantro, mint, and Thai basil leaves. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine all elements evenly.
06 - Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and fried shallots on top prior to serving for added crunch and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Light lunch or colorful dinner
  • Refreshing with tender shredded chicken and crisp vegetables
02 -
  • Contains fish (fish sauce) and peanuts use substitutions for allergies
  • Serve immediately for maximum crunch
03 -
  • Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version
  • Adjust chili to taste for more or less heat
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