Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
- 1 large cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or Tamari)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Typically, this involves soaking them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain the noodles immediately and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking; set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the peanut dressing by whisking together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of warm water in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. If the dressing is too thick, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until a drizzle consistency is achieved.
- Step 3: Prepare all the fresh vegetables and herbs, ensuring the cucumber and carrots are julienned into thin matchsticks, and the mint leaves are roughly chopped.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled rice vermicelli noodles, julienned cucumber, grated carrots, and fresh mint. Toss lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: To assemble the salad, lay a bed of mixed greens on serving plates. Top the greens with an equal portion of the noodle and vegetable mixture. Drizzle generously with the prepared peanut dressing before serving.
Notes
- For best crunch, store the salad components (greens, noodles, and veg) undressed for up to 2 days; always keep the peanut dressing sealed separately in the refrigerator.
- Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended; if the chilled peanut dressing is too stiff, allow it to warm up slightly on the counter or whisk in a splash of warm water before serving.
- Boost flavor and texture by topping the assembled salad with a sprinkle of toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or some quickly grilled shrimp for added protein.
- The secret to perfect vermicelli noodles is rinsing them vigorously in cold water immediately after draining; this step stops carryover cooking and keeps them light and separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American