Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad is a light, refreshing dish bursting with fresh herbs, tender chicken, and the bright flavors of a tangy, sweet-sour dressing. The combination of rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and flavorful marinated chicken creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. This salad is not only healthy and satisfying but also quick to make, making it an ideal option for a light lunch or dinner. The nuoc cham dressing, with its classic blend of lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sweetness, ties everything together, offering a taste of vibrant Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 200g rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the dressing (nuoc cham):
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and allow to rest, then slice thinly.
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, chili (if using), and water until the sugar is dissolved.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the rice noodles, cucumber, carrot, mint, cilantro, and basil. Add the sliced chicken on top.
- Dress and serve: Pour the nuoc cham dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with chopped peanuts if desired, and serve immediately.
This Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad is a fresh, vibrant meal that’s full of bold flavors and textures, perfect for a healthy and delicious dish any time of the day!
