Thai Rice Noodle Salad

Name: Thai Rice Noodle Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 (8 ounce) package dried rice noodles; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ head romaine lettuce, chopped; ¼ red bell pepper, diced; ¼ cup chopped red onion; 3 green onions, chopped; ¼ cucumber, diced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste; 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger root, minced; ¼ jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ⅓ cup olive oil; ¼ cup rice vinegar; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup white sugar; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 lime, juiced; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric; ¼ teaspoon paprika

By Olivia

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This Thai Rice Noodle Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing. Whether served warm or cold, this salad makes a perfect side dish or light meal. The combination of rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce creates a deliciously satisfying dish that comes together quickly.

Quick Benefits

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is a perfect weeknight meal or lunch option.
Fresh and Flavorful: The dish is bursting with fresh ingredients like cucumber, cilantro, and basil, along with the bold flavors of garlic, ginger, and jalapeño.
Customizable: This salad can be served warm or cold, and you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil, this salad is a light yet filling option.

Essential Ingredients

Dried Rice Noodles: The base of the salad, these noodles are soft and chewy, providing a perfect texture to complement the fresh veggies.
Olive Oil: Used to coat the noodles and to add richness to the sauce.
Romaine Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness to the salad.
Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Green Onions, and Cucumber: These veggies add color, crunch, and natural sweetness to the dish.
Fresh Basil and Cilantro: These herbs infuse the salad with aromatic flavors and brighten the overall dish.
Fresh Ginger Root, Jalapeño Pepper, and Garlic: These ingredients give the salad a punch of flavor with a bit of heat and spice.

For the Sauce:

Olive Oil: Forms the base of the dressing and adds a smooth, rich texture.
Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity and balance to the dressing.
Soy Sauce: Brings umami flavor to the dressing and ties everything together.
White Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the acidity.
Lemon and Lime Juice: These citrus juices bring a fresh, tangy kick to the dressing.
Salt, Turmeric, and Paprika: These spices add depth and flavor to the dressing.

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Noodles: Fill a bowl with boiling water and add the rice noodles. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the noodles are softened. Drain and toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix the romaine lettuce, red bell pepper, red onion, green onions, cucumber, basil, cilantro, ginger root, jalapeño pepper, and garlic.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, white sugar, lemon juice, lime juice, salt, turmeric, and paprika until the sauce is well combined.
Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked rice noodles to the vegetable mixture, and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss well to coat the noodles and vegetables evenly in the sauce.
Serve: You can serve the salad immediately while warm or refrigerate for later to serve it cold. Toss again right before serving.

Health Benefits

High in Fiber: The fresh vegetables in this salad, including cucumber and lettuce, are high in fiber, which helps support digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for overall health.
Antioxidant-Rich: Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, as well as ginger and garlic, are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Vitamin C: The citrus juices, along with the fresh vegetables, provide a good dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Low in Protein: While the dish is not a significant source of protein, you can add a protein source like tofu, tempeh, or chicken for a more balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a more filling meal.
Serve with Spring Rolls: Pair with fresh Thai-style spring rolls for a complete meal.
Side Dish: This salad works as a light side dish to accompany grilled meats or other Asian-inspired dishes.
With a Garnish: Top with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Creative Variations

Spicy Version: Increase the amount of jalapeño or add some sriracha sauce to the dressing for a spicier kick.
Add Crunch: Throw in some toasted peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
Add Fruit: Try adding mango or pineapple for a sweet, tropical twist.
Noodle Variation: You can use other types of noodles like soba or vermicelli for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad can be served cold and makes a great meal prep option.
Noodle Texture: If you prefer to keep the noodles more separated, store the noodles and vegetables separately and combine them with the dressing when ready to serve.
Dressing Storage: The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. It also works well as a dressing for other salads.

Pro Tips

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be sure to follow the instructions and avoid overcooking the rice noodles, as they can become mushy and lose their texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the herbs and vegetables makes a big difference in flavor, so use fresh basil, cilantro, and other vegetables for the best taste.
Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of ginger, garlic, and jalapeño to match your spice preference. If you’re making it for a crowd, keep the spice level moderate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you are gluten-sensitive.

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time, but for the best texture, keep the noodles, vegetables, and dressing separate and toss them together just before serving.

Can I use different noodles?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of noodle, feel free to substitute with soba noodles or even rice vermicelli.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?
Toss the cooked noodles in a small amount of olive oil immediately after draining to prevent them from sticking.

This Thai Rice Noodle Salad is the perfect combination of fresh flavors, crunchy textures, and vibrant ingredients, making it a delightful and customizable dish for any occasion!