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Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad Bowls

Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad Bowls

Craving something light and refreshing? Try these Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad Bowls, bursting with fresh vegetables and sweet berries. Perfect for a healthy lunch or a vibrant dinner, these bowls are quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying. Make them tonight for a delightful culinary experience!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
  • 8 cups spring lettuce greens
  • 2 cups berries such as blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or pomegranate seeds
  • 2 carrots thinly shredded or sliced
  • 1 cucumber seeded and thinly shredded or sliced
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 1 cup mint leaves torn or sliced
  • 1 cup cilantro chopped
  • ½ cup fish sauce
  • ½ cup seasoned rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • sliced limes
  • peanuts

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Start by softening the vermicelli noodles. Place them in a large bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they’re tender. After soaking, use a fork or your fingers to gently separate the noodles, then rinse them under cold water and drain well.
  2. Next, prepare your serving bowls. Divide the spring lettuce greens equally among four bowls, creating a fresh and inviting base.
  3. Once the greens are in place, it’s time to add the berries. Divide the berries evenly between the bowls, layering them on top of the lettuce for a colorful presentation.
  4. Now, add the carrots and cucumber. Sprinkle the shredded carrots and sliced cucumber over the berries, providing a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
  5. Next, layer on the red onion, green onions, cilantro, and mint. These ingredients not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of your salad.
  6. To make the dressing, in a separate bowl or a glass jar with a lid, combine the fish sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Whisk or shake until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well mixed.
  7. When you're ready to serve, pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the dressing over each salad bowl. If you have any left, save it for regular green salads; it’s delicious!
  8. Finish by sprinkling the salads with chopped peanuts, more cilantro, mint, and sliced limes. The final touch of lime juice adds a burst of freshness that ties everything together.
  9. The salads are best enjoyed the day they’re made at room temperature. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and aromas before diving in!

Notes

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Aim to consume them within two days for the best flavor and texture.
  • Freezing: It's not recommended to freeze this salad, as the fresh ingredients may become mushy when thawed.
  • Pairing: Consider serving these bowls with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, or enjoy them on their own as a light meal.
  • Customization: Feel free to mix in other veggies you enjoy, like bell peppers or radishes. The possibilities are endless!
  • Make ahead: You can prepare all components ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Serving size: These bowls are quite filling, thanks to the noodles and toppings. Adjust serving sizes based on your appetite.