5 Delicious Noodle Salad Recipes to Try Now

In the world of culinary delight, few dishes can match the refreshing and versatile nature of noodle salads. These dishes combine the comforting texture of noodles with crisp, fresh ingredients, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and light. Whether you're in need of a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a healthy meal prep idea, noodle salads are a fantastic option. Here are five delicious noodle salad recipes that you'll definitely want to try now:

1. Vietnamese Bun Cha Gio

Vietnamese Bun Cha Gio, or vermicelli with spring rolls, is a popular Vietnamese street food dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g vermicelli rice noodles
  • 100g Vietnamese spring rolls
  • Fresh lettuce
  • Mint, cilantro, and Vietnamese perilla leaves
  • Grated carrot
  • Cucumber slices
  • Crushed peanuts
  • Nuoc Cham (fish sauce-based dressing)
• Preparation:
  1. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain.
  2. Fry or grill the spring rolls until crispy.
  3. Layer lettuce on the bottom of your serving dish, followed by noodles, then arrange spring rolls and vegetables on top.
  4. Garnish with fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and drizzle with Nuoc Cham.

🌶 Note: Adjust the amount of chili in the Nuoc Cham to your heat preference.

2. Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen)

This Thai Glass Noodle Salad, known as Yum Woon Sen, bursts with lime, chili, and shrimp, making it a vibrant choice for any palate.

• Ingredients:
  • 100g glass noodles (bean thread)
  • 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and Thai chilies for dressing
• Preparation:
  1. Soak the glass noodles in warm water until soft, then drain.
  2. Boil water, and poach the shrimp until just cooked through.
  3. Mix noodles with shrimp, vegetables, and herbs.
  4. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad.

🌿 Note: You can substitute or add other protein like chicken or squid for variation.

3. Soba Noodle Salad with Ginger-Soy Dressing

With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, this Soba Noodle Salad is perfect for a light dinner or a side dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g soba noodles
  • 1/2 cup edamame
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar for dressing
• Preparation:
  1. Cook soba noodles, rinse in cold water, and drain.
  2. Blanch edamame in boiling water, then cool.
  3. Mix noodles with vegetables, then drizzle with the prepared ginger-soy dressing.
  4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra crunch.

🍤 Note: For extra protein, consider adding tofu or shrimp to the salad.

4. Korean Spicy Noodle Salad (Bbibim Naengmyeon)

Bbibim Naengmyeon is a cold noodle salad that’s delightfully spicy and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g buckwheat noodles
  • 1/4 cup julienned pear
  • 1/4 cup cucumber
  • 1/4 cup radish
  • 1 boiled egg, halved
  • Gochujang (Korean chili paste), vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic for the sauce
• Preparation:
  1. Cook buckwheat noodles until chewy, then rinse under cold water.
  2. Layer noodles with julienned vegetables, pear, and boiled egg.
  3. Mix sauce ingredients and drizzle over the salad.

🍐 Note: Pears add a unique sweetness to the dish, balancing out the heat from the chili paste.

5. Mediterranean Orzo Noodle Salad

The Mediterranean Orzo Noodle Salad provides a fresh twist with orzo pasta, embracing the flavors of the Mediterranean.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup diced feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup black olives, pitted
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup parsley
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • Juice of one lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper for dressing
• Preparation:
  1. Cook orzo pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water.
  2. Combine with feta, olives, tomatoes, parsley, and onion.
  3. Whisk the lemon juice with olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing.

🌿 Note: You can enhance this salad by adding spinach or arugula for an extra nutritional boost.

The beauty of these noodle salad recipes lies in their versatility and the joy they bring to your taste buds. With their varying flavors and textures, from the spicy kick of Korean Bbibim Naengmyeon to the zesty freshness of the Mediterranean Orzo Salad, you have options to suit every occasion. These salads are not only delicious but also offer a healthy mix of vegetables, proteins, and carbs. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a dinner, or simply looking for a delightful lunch, these noodle salads are guaranteed to impress with their simplicity and gourmet appeal. Try them out, and let your culinary journey unfold one noodle at a time.

Can I prepare noodle salads in advance?

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Yes, you can make noodle salads ahead of time. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Toss with dressing just before eating for the best texture.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan noodle salad options?

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Absolutely! For vegetarian or vegan versions, you can replace animal proteins with tofu, tempeh, or legumes. Also, use a vegan-friendly dressing by omitting ingredients like fish sauce and using soy sauce or tamari instead.

How do I store leftover noodle salad?

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Store the noodles and vegetables without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add dressing before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.