Vietnamese-Inspired Chicken Salad with Rice Noodles

Vietnamese-Inspired Chicken Salad with Rice Noodles is a light, fresh, and vibrant dish that’s packed with crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and soft rice noodles, all tossed in a zesty, umami-rich dressing. It’s a perfect warm-weather meal or a refreshing change of pace any time of year. Bursting with Southeast Asian flavors like lime, fish sauce, garlic, and herbs, this salad is both nourishing and exciting to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing, crunchy, and full of bright, bold flavors
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
• Great for meal prep or a healthy lunch
• Balanced with protein, veggies, and carbs
• Customizable with your favorite herbs and toppings

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

• Cooked rice noodles (vermicelli)
• Shredded cooked chicken (poached, grilled, or rotisserie)
• Carrots, julienned or shredded
• Cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Shredded cabbage (green or purple)
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
• Chopped peanuts or cashews (optional)
• Sliced red chili or jalapeño (optional for heat)

For the dressing:

• Fresh lime juice
• Fish sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Garlic, minced
• Red chili flakes or fresh chili (optional)
• Water (to thin, as needed)

directions

this recipe

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and chili flakes. Taste and adjust to your preferred balance of sweet, salty, and sour.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, shredded chicken, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, cabbage, and fresh herbs.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Top with chopped peanuts and sliced chili if using. Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time (if cooking chicken): 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30–40 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
• Add fruit: Sliced mango or green papaya add a sweet, tangy twist.
• Try different proteins: Shrimp, pork, or beef are all delicious options.
• Use spiralized veggies: Sub some noodles with spiralized zucchini or carrot for a lighter dish.
• Boost with greens: Serve over lettuce or spinach for extra fiber.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For best texture, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.
No reheating required—this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep all components ahead and toss with dressing just before serving for best results.

What type of chicken works best?

Poached, grilled, or rotisserie chicken all work well—just shred or slice it thinly.

Is this salad spicy?

It can be! Adjust the heat by using more or less chili in the dressing or salad.

What kind of noodles should I use?

Thin rice vermicelli noodles are traditional, but any rice noodle will work.

Can I add a nut-free topping?

Yes, try toasted sesame seeds or crispy shallots for crunch without nuts.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Rinse them under cold water after cooking and toss with a little oil if not using right away.

Is fish sauce necessary?

It adds authentic umami flavor, but you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari if needed.

Can I use a pre-made dressing?

You can, but homemade offers fresher, more balanced flavor.

What herbs are best in this salad?

Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil give the most authentic and refreshing taste.

Can I serve this warm?

It’s best served chilled or at room temp, but you can serve the chicken warm if preferred.

Conclusion

Vietnamese-Inspired Chicken Salad with Rice Noodles is a refreshing, flavor-packed dish that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. With crisp veggies, tender noodles, and a bold, tangy dressing, it’s a meal that brings excitement to your plate without weighing you down. Whether you’re prepping lunch or serving a light dinner, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and texture.

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