Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad – Fresh, Light, and Full of Flavor

Bursting with vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs, lean protein, and a zesty dressing, this Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad is the perfect way to enjoy a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Often called “bun” in Vietnamese cuisine, this salad is served cold or at room temperature and makes a perfect lunch or light dinner, especially on warm days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Crunchy – Loaded with crisp veggies and herbs for unbeatable texture.
Quick & Easy – Comes together in under 30 minutes.
Customizable – Great with shrimp, tofu, grilled chicken, or your protein of choice.
Light Yet Filling – Vermicelli noodles offer substance without heaviness.
Colorful & Nutritious – Packed with antioxidants and fiber.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 6 oz rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup cucumber, julienned
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• ½ cup fresh basil (Thai basil if available)
• ½ cup chopped scallions
• ½ cup crushed roasted peanuts (optional)
• 8 oz grilled shrimp or chicken breast, sliced

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Noodles

Cook the rice vermicelli according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water, drain well, and set aside.

Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad

Divide the lettuce among four bowls. Top with vermicelli noodles, carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and scallions. Add your choice of protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu).

Drizzle & Garnish

Drizzle each bowl with the dressing. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added crunch, if using.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g

Tips for Success

• Herbs Make It: Use a generous mix of mint, cilantro, and basil for the most authentic flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a few slices of fresh chili or a splash of sriracha if you like heat.
• Go Lean: Stick with grilled proteins for a light and nutritious meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh.

Why This Recipe Works

This noodle salad combines whole ingredients with bold Southeast Asian flavors. The dressing adds tang and umami without being heavy, and the noodles provide a satisfying base. It’s a great way to eat more vegetables while enjoying a balanced, energizing meal.

This Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad is a celebration of freshness and simplicity. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and so flavorful that you’ll want to come back to it again and again. Perfect for lunch, light dinners, or meal prepping for the week!