Refreshing Vietnamese Noodle Salad Ready in Just 25 Minutes

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

There s nothing quite like the crunch of fresh vegetables melding with delicate vermicelli noodles, especially when drizzled with a tangy dressing. That s exactly what you ll find in my 25-Minute Cold Vietnamese Noodle Salad a dish that effortlessly balances flavor and convenience. I discovered this recipe during a busy week, wanting something light yet satisfying after a long day.

Imagine biting into crisp cucumbers and sweet carrots, mixed with aromatic herbs and your choice of protein. Whether you re a vegetarian, a gluten-free eater, or simply someone looking to escape the routine of takeout, this salad is endlessly customizable to suit your tastes. It s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a colorful side at your next gathering. With minimal cooking required, you ll be able to whip this up and enjoy the refreshing explosion of flavors in just about half an hour. Let s dive into this vibrant recipe that turns simple ingredients into something truly special!

Why is Vietnamese Noodle Salad so special?

Simplicity in Preparation: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
Fresh and Flavorful: Each bite is a delightful crunch, thanks to the vibrant vegetables and refreshing herbs.
Customizable to Your Liking: Whether you prefer chicken, tofu, or extra veggies, you can easily adapt this salad to suit your dietary preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a main dish, side salad, or at picnics it s versatile enough to shine in any setting!
Nutritionally Balanced: Low in calories and high in vitamins, this salad is a guilt-free choice that nourishes your body. Make it today and discover a new favorite!

Vietnamese Noodle Salad Ingredients

Get ready to make a light and zesty dish!

For the Noodles

• Vermicelli Noodles Main carbohydrate; provides structure. Can substitute with rice noodles for a different texture.

For the Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumbers Adds crunch and freshness. Use Persian cucumbers for a sweeter taste, or substitute with bell peppers.
• Carrots Sweetness and color; can be used raw or pickled. Julienne or spiralize for a fun twist.
• Green Onions Enhances flavor; provides mild onion notes. Red onions can be a substitute for stronger flavor.
• Bean Sprouts Crunchy texture; adds nutritional value. Skip if unavailable, or substitute with shredded cabbage.

For the Herbs

• Cilantro Fresh herbal flavor; balances the dish. Use parsley if cilantro is undesirable.
• Mint Refreshing herbal note that complements other ingredients. Basil can be used as an alternative for a different flavor.

For Topping and Dressing

• Fried Shallots Adds crunch and umami; a classic Vietnamese topping. Substitute with toasted peanuts for a different texture.
• Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham) Provides tangy, savory depth. Use vegan fish sauce for a plant-based version.

How to Make Vietnamese Noodle Salad

1. Boil the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then add the vermicelli noodles. Cook until they are fully soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes.

2. Prep the Vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, take a large bowl and slice the cucumbers, julienne the carrots, and chop the green onions and cilantro. Toss these fresh veggies together to create a colorful mix.

3. Mix in the Additions: Add bean sprouts, mint, and fried shallots to the bowl with your prepared vegetables. This adds layers of flavor and crunch to your salad.

4. Combine Everything: Once the noodles are cool, gently add them to the bowl of vegetables. This keeps the noodles from wilting the fresh ingredients.

5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle your Vietnamese dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham) over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly so that the dressing evenly coats the ingredients.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your salad immediately, with additional fried shallots sprinkled on top, if desired, for an extra crunch!

Optional: For a spicier kick, add a few slices of chili pepper.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Vietnamese Noodle Salad

• Cool the Noodles: Allow the noodles to cool completely before mixing to prevent them from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.

• Fresh Herb Variety: Incorporate a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for enhanced flavor depth; avoid using wilted herbs for the best taste.

• Dressing Adjustment: Taste as you go and adjust the Vietnamese dipping sauce to find the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness that suits your palate.

• Meal Prep Wisely: If preparing in advance, store ingredients and dressing separately to keep everything fresh and crunchy until you re ready to enjoy your salad.

• Maximize Crunch: For added texture, consider toppings like toasted peanuts or sesame seeds rather than just fried shallots; it keeps the Vietnamese Noodle Salad interesting!

What to Serve with 25-Minute Cold Vietnamese Noodle Salad?

Creating a well-rounded meal is a delightful journey, especially when you have a refreshing Vietnamese noodle salad to anchor your plate.

• Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: Juicy and aromatic, this protein mirrors the vibrant flavors of the salad while adding satisfying heartiness.
• Tofu Satay Skewers: Perfect for a vegetarian option, these skewers bring a smoky depth alongside the colorful salad and are great for a summer BBQ feast.
• Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce: These light and fresh rolls complement the salad beautifully, bringing a playful crunch and adding another layer of flavor to your meal.

Craving something sweet? A light dessert will round out your dining experience perfectly!

• Mango Sticky Rice: This luscious treat offers creamy richness that balances well with the salad s bright flavors, creating a delightful end to your meal.
• Coconut Sorbet: Light and refreshing, this icy dessert enhances the tropical notes of your main dish without overwhelming your palate.
• Pineapple Chunks with Lime: A simple, zestful treat, these juicy bites serve as a bright finishing touch to your Vietnamese noodle salad.

For drinks, consider a refreshing herbal iced tea or a light sparkling water with citrus to cleanse the palate and enhance your dining experience!

How to Store and Freeze Vietnamese Noodle Salad

Fridge: Store leftover Vietnamese noodle salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days for optimal freshness; keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain crunch.

Freezer: It s best not to freeze the assembled salad, as the texture of fresh vegetables and noodles can decline. However, cooked noodles can freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed bag.

Reheating: If you have frozen noodles, thaw them in the fridge overnight and briefly reheat in warm water; then mix fresh ingredients and dressing for delicious results.

Preparation: For meal prep, store individual components like noodles, vegetables, and dressing in separate containers, assembling the salad within a day for the best taste and texture.

Vietnamese Noodle Salad Variations

Feel free to personalize your salad and bring your own flair to this delightful dish!

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, prawns, or tofu for a heartier meal. Simply toss in cooked protein to blend seamlessly with the noodles.

• Vegetable Medley: Incorporate bell peppers, snow peas, or spiralized zucchini for extra color and crunch. This twist not only adds variety but also loads your salad with vibrant nutrients.

• Spicy Kick: Toss in sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a flavorful heat that elevates your salad s profile.

• Nutty Flavor: Mix in chopped roasted peanuts or cashews to enhance texture and give your salad a delightful crunch.

• Herbal Switch: Replace mint with Thai basil for a unique twist that offers an aromatic shift, or experiment with dill for an unexpected yet delicious flavor.

• Pickled Addition: Add pickled vegetables, like carrots or daikon radish, for a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the refreshing elements of the salad.

• Crispy Topping: Instead of fried shallots, try adding crispy wonton strips for an inventive crunch that everyone will love.

• Sweetness Upgrade: Drizzle with a touch of honey or agave syrup to balance the savory notes of your dressing, creating a sweet and tangy delight.

Embrace these variations and make this Vietnamese noodle salad truly your own!

Make Ahead Options

These Vietnamese Noodle Salad components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to assemble a refreshing dish in no time! You can prepare the vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, green onions, and herbs) up to 3 days in advance by storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. The vermicelli noodles can be cooked up to 24 hours ahead; just cool them completely before refrigerating. To ensure the noodles don t become mushy, add them only right before serving along with the Vietnamese dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham). By prepping ingredients ahead of time, you ll create an effortlessly delicious meal, ready at your fingertips!

25-Minute Cold Vietnamese Noodle Salad Recipe FAQs

Which vegetables are best for Vietnamese Noodle Salad?
Absolutely, fresh and crunchy vegetables are ideal! Cucumbers, carrots, and bean sprouts are traditional favorites. I often recommend using Persian cucumbers for their sweetness and maybe adding bell peppers or zucchini for variety. Just remember, the goal is to create a vibrant mix that adds both color and crunch to the salad!

How should I store Vietnamese Noodle Salad?
To keep your noodle salad fresh, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Try to keep the dressing separate until you re ready to enjoy it. This will help maintain the crunch of the vegetables, ensuring every bite is just as refreshing as the first!

Can I freeze the ingredients for Vietnamese Noodle Salad?
While it s not ideal to freeze the assembled salad due to potential texture changes in the fresh veggies, you can freeze the cooked vermicelli noodles! Store them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. When you re ready to use them, thaw overnight in the fridge, then briefly reheat in warm water before adding fresh ingredients and dressing.

What if my noodles absorb too much dressing?
No problem! If your noodles soak up too much dressing and become soggy, try cooling the noodles entirely before mixing them with other ingredients. Alternatively, you can add a bit more sauce just prior to serving this will help restore some of the flavor without further saturation.

Are there any dietary considerations for this salad?
Very much so! This Vietnamese Noodle Salad is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free with the right sauce substitutions. If cooking for others, it s always good to check for allergies, especially related to peanuts or shellfish if using certain sauces. You can easily customize proteins or opt for plant-based sauces to suit various dietary needs.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes! Meal prep is totally manageable with this recipe. I often store the individual components noodles, chopped veggies, and dressing in separate containers. Assemble everything within a day or two for optimal freshness; this way, you can enjoy a delightful bowl of Vietnamese Noodle Salad without the fuss on a busy day!