Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Asian Noodle Salad featuring tender rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty ginger-lime dressing and topped with crunchy toasted peanuts. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish bursting with bright flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 200g rice noodles
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 1–2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
Garnish
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (lightly toasted if possible)
- Extra lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the Ginger-Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh grated ginger, lime juice, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil if using. Adjust sweetness or acidity to your taste for a balanced dressing.
- Chop the Vegetables and Herbs: Thinly slice cucumber and bell pepper into strips. Grate the carrot, finely chop the green onions, and roughly chop the cilantro and mint leaves to add fresh flavor and crunch.
- Toss Salad Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained noodles with all the chopped vegetables and herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bite with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle crushed peanuts over the salad for a delightful crunch. Add extra fresh herbs or lime wedges on the side for additional brightness if desired.
Notes
- For gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce or tamari used is gluten-free.
- Lightly toasting the peanuts enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day; toss again before serving.
- You can customize with additional vegetables like shredded cabbage or snap peas for added texture.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your preference, adding more lime for acidity or honey for sweetness.
Keywords: Asian noodle salad, ginger lime dressing, rice noodles, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, fresh herb salad, crunchy peanut salad
