Asian Rice Noodle Salad

Enjoy this super flavorful Asian Rice Noodle Salad inspired by the bright, fresh flavors of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. It’s light, vibrant, and bursting with flavor — the kind of salad you’ll find yourself craving all summer long.

Made with tender rice noodles, crisp lettuce, fresh herbs, carrots, thinly sliced shallots, cucumber, and tomatoes, all tossed in a spicy-sweet fish sauce and lime dressing that brings everything together beautifully.

This salad is light, bright and bursting with fresh flavors perfect for summer.

Why you’ll love this Asian Rice Noodle Salad?

This dish blends two of my favorite Asian cuisines — Thai and Vietnamese — into one craveable, refreshing bowl. Think: the flavor profile of a Thai beef salad meets the texture and build of a Vietnamese vermicelli bowl.

I’ve eaten this salad six times in two weeks — it’s that good. And best of all, it’s easy to prep ahead so you can throw it together in minutes during the week.

Once the dressing is prepared, store it in the fridge and use it as needed. Just soak or quickly boil the noodles, switch up the toppings as you like, and you’re good to go.

Asian Rice Noodle Salad Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Asian Rice Noodle Salad:

• Vermicelli noodles: thin, angel hair-style noodles for that light texture. Here’s my favorite.
• Protein of choice: I used steak. Shrimp, salmon, or lemongrass chicken all work well.
• Lettuce: Use a green that hold up well to the dressing. I’ve used mixed greens, butter lettuce and romaine. spinach will also work well.
• Cucumber: for that perfect crunch.
• Tomatoes: I like to use sweet tomatoes. The juice of the tomatoes goes great with the dressing.
• Shallot: thinly sliced. You can also use red onion.
• Carrots: julienned
• Fresh herbs: fresh mint, Thai basil and cilantro. Adds great flavor to this salad.

For the dressing (My Take on Nuoc Cham)

This dressing is bold, balanced, and so good. It’s spicy, sweet, salty, and citrusy — the ultimate finishing touch.

• Thai chilies: optional, if you want more heat. Use to your discretion. I like to use 1-2 chilies
• chili garlic paste: For heat and flavor! Sambal works perfectly here if that’s what you have on hand. This isn’t too spicy. So if you prefer more spice, add the Thai chilies.
• minced garlic: fresh is best.
• fish sauce: Pantry staple for that salty umami flavor.
• water: warm water to help melt the sugar.
• sugar: traditionally palm sugar is used. But white sugar, or brown sugar will also work.
• lime juice: fresh is best.

Tip: You can prep this dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 1 month.

How to Assemble this Asian Rice Noodle Salad

Here’s how I love to build this salad for maximum flavor:

1. Toss the veggies: In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, shallots, and carrots. Add a splash of the dressing, plus a handful of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and mix until coated.
2. Build your bowl: Start with a base of vermicelli noodles and lettuce. Top with the dressed veggie mix.
3. Add protein: Finish with your choice of cooked protein, then drizzle with more dressing and dig in!

Serving Ideas:

• Add some crunch: Egg rolls are served alongside vermicelli noodle bowls at a lot of Vietnamese restaurants, and I love adding a few on the side for that perfect crispy bite.
• Crispy fried onions: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top — they add the most satisfying crunch.
• Pick your protein: This salad works with just about anything! I personally love it with tender steak or lemongrass chicken, but it’s just as good with shrimp, salmon, or tofu.

Tools & Serving Essentials

Here are some of my favorite tools to make prep easier.

• Silicone tongs – Great for gently tossing delicate herbs and noodles without bruising them.
• Mandoline slicer – Perfect for thinly slicing cucumbers and shallots evenly.
• Julienne peeler – Makes prepping carrots a breeze.
• FAVORITE BOWLS – These are my go-to bowls for salads, noodles, and pastas — they’re wide, shallow, and perfect for layering.

More Asian Inspired Recipes To Try:

• Spicy Thai Beef Salad (Yum Neua)
• How to Make Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice
• Easy Red Curry Wonton Soup Recipe
• Better Than Take-out Crab Rangoon
• Delicious Asian Smashburger

If you try this Asian Rice Noodle Salad, please be sure to leave a comment, and or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.

Did you make it? 

Tag @cookwithci on Instagram and hashtag #CookwithCi