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3 Noodle Salads Ready for Summer! ๐ŸŒฑ Asian-Inspired Recipes that are Easy, Healthy & VEGAN!

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Bun Chay is a traditional Vietnamese dish that showcases the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients of the region. Often enjoyed as a light meal or snack, this vegetarian noodle salad reflects the Buddhist influence on Vietnamese cuisine, where meatless dishes are common. It has gained popularity not only in Vietnam but also among health-conscious eaters worldwide, celebrated for its refreshing taste and versatility.

Ingredients

  • โ—rice vermicelli noodles
  • โ—tofu
  • โ—carrots
  • โ—cucumbers
  • โ—bean sprouts
  • โ—fresh herbs
  • โ—peanuts
  • โ—lime
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—sugar
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—chili
  • โ—sesame oil
  • โ—vegetable oil
  • โ—salt
  • โ—black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions until tender, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. 2Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry tofu until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4Prepare the vegetables by julienning carrots and cucumbers, and rinsing bean sprouts.
  5. 5In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, fried tofu, carrots, cucumbers, and bean sprouts.
  6. 6Add fresh herbs like mint and cilantro to the bowl.
  7. 7In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and chili to create the dressing.
  8. 8Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss gently to combine.
  9. 9Top with crushed peanuts and additional herbs as desired.
  10. 10Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges.

Ingredient Alternatives

tofu

Healthier: tempeh

Cheaper: cooked chickpeas

Tempeh adds protein while chickpeas are budget-friendly.

rice vermicelli noodles

Healthier: zucchini noodles

Cheaper: spaghetti

Zucchini noodles are low-carb while spaghetti is more affordable.

peanuts

Healthier: sunflower seeds

Cheaper: pumpkin seeds

Sunflower seeds are lower in fat, pumpkin seeds are often cheaper.

soy sauce

Healthier: coconut aminos

Cheaper: tamari

Coconut aminos are lower in sodium, tamari is gluten-free.

Techniques

boilingfryingmixing

Equipment

large potskilletcutting boardknifemixing bowl
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธMediumsoypeanuts

Also Known As

Vietnamese Vegetarian Noodle SaladBun Chay Salad

Ingredients

  • โ—200g rice vermicelli noodles
  • โ—1 cup shredded carrots
  • โ—1 cup shredded cabbage
  • โ—1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
  • โ—1/2 cup bean sprouts
  • โ—1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • โ—1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • โ—1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
  • โ—2 tbsp soy sauce
  • โ—2 tbsp lime juice
  • โ—1 tbsp sesame oil
  • โ—1 tbsp sugar
  • โ—1 clove garlic, minced
  • โ—1/2 tsp chili flakes

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, cucumber, and bean sprouts.
  3. 3Add the cooked vermicelli noodles to the bowl with the vegetables.
  4. 4In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes to make the dressing.
  5. 5Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
  6. 6Add the fresh mint and cilantro leaves, and toss again.
  7. 7Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.
  8. 8Top with crushed roasted peanuts for garnish.
  9. 9Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Equipment

large bowlsmall bowlwhiskserving platter
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธLow

Ingredients

  • โ—2 large cucumbers
  • โ—1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • โ—1 tbsp sesame oil
  • โ—1 tbsp soy sauce
  • โ—1 tsp chili paste
  • โ—1 tsp honey
  • โ—1/2 tsp salt
  • โ—1/4 tsp black pepper
  • โ—1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • โ—1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • โ—1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1Spiralize the cucumbers to create noodle-like strands and place them in a large bowl.
  2. 2In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chili paste, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. 3Pour the dressing over the cucumber noodles and toss to coat evenly.
  4. 4Add the chopped cilantro and sliced green onions to the bowl and mix gently.
  5. 5Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. 6Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
  7. 7Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Equipment

SpiralizerMixing bowlWhisk
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธMedium

Ingredients

  • โ—8 oz rice noodles
  • โ—1/4 cup peanut butter
  • โ—2 tbsp soy sauce
  • โ—2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • โ—1 tbsp sesame oil
  • โ—1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • โ—1 clove garlic, minced
  • โ—1/2 cup carrots, julienned
  • โ—1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • โ—1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • โ—1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • โ—1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • โ—1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. 2In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
  3. 3In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, julienned carrots, sliced bell pepper, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
  4. 4Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
  5. 5If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat and mix well.
  6. 6Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
  7. 7Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
  8. 8Enjoy your Peanut Ginger Noodle Salad!

Equipment

large potmixing bowlwhiskmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonscutting boardknife

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