Cold Vietnamese-Inspired Rice Noodle Salad with Herbs and Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing cold rice noodle salad tossed with fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing perfect for light meals. This vietnamese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes blends rice vermicelli noodles, medium, julienned carrot, small, thinly sliced red bell pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 6 oz rice vermicelli noodles for 4-5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then drain well.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, 1 julienned medium carrot, 1 thinly sliced seeded cucumber, 1 small thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 thinly sliced green onions.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp chili flakes until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is balanced between sour, salty, and spicy.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the noodle salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped peanuts on top before serving for added texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cold Vietnamese-Inspired Rice Noodle Salad with Herbs and Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cold Vietnamese-Inspired Rice Noodle Salad with Herbs and Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cold Vietnamese-Inspired Rice Noodle Salad with Herbs and Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cold Vietnamese-Inspired Rice Noodle Salad with Herbs and Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cold Vietnamese-Inspired Rice Noodle Salad with Herbs and Lime Dressing?

Vietnamese vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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