Name: Zesty Thai Rice Noodle Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 oz wide rice noodles; 1 cup julienned carrots; 1 cup julienned zucchini; 1 cup shredded napa cabbage; 1 red chili, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tsp black sesame seeds; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp maple syrup or honey; 1 clove garlic, minced; Pinch of red chili flakes

Jump to Recipe

Zesty Thai Rice Noodle Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that brings together colorful veggies and flavorful noodles. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a picnic favorite. The combination of rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing makes every bite enjoyable.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to enjoy a meal that is both healthy and satisfying. It is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something nice without too much fuss. The use of fresh vegetables and flavorful ingredients makes this salad not just tasty, but also a feast for the eyes. Plus, it can easily be customized to suit your taste!

How to Make Zesty Thai Rice Noodle Salad

Ingredients

8 oz wide rice noodles
1 cup julienned carrots
1 cup julienned zucchini
1 cup shredded napa cabbage
1 red chili, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp black sesame seeds
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
1 clove garlic, minced
Pinch of red chili flakes

Directions

Soak Noodles: Cook or soak rice noodles according to package directions. Rinse under cold water and drain.
Prep Veggies: Julienne the carrots and zucchini, shred the cabbage, and slice the chili.
Mix Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
Toss: In a large bowl, combine noodles, veggies, herbs, and vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat everything.
Serve: Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and extra chili if desired.

How to Serve Zesty Thai Rice Noodle Salad

Serve the Zesty Thai Rice Noodle Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic main dish or a side dish for grilled meats or seafood. You can also add some protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make it a complete meal.

How to Store Zesty Thai Rice Noodle Salad

If there are leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. However, the noodles may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a little more dressing before serving it again.

Tips to Make Zesty Thai Rice Noodle Salad

Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have available.
If you like spice, consider adding more chili or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
For added crunch, you can include chopped peanuts or cashews.

Variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup. You can also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles like soba, pad Thai noodles, or even whole wheat pasta if you prefer.

2. How can I make it spicier?
You can add more sliced red chili or include some chili paste in the dressing for an extra kick.

3. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge and can be enjoyed over a few days. Just store the dressing separately if you want to keep the noodles from getting too soggy.

Enjoy making and sharing your Zesty Thai Rice Noodle Salad!