Rice Noodle Salad with Sesame Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad features tender rice noodles tossed with crisp vegetables and a tangy sesame-lime dressing. It’s perfect as a light main course or a flavorful side dish.
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If you’re looking for a lunch that brings a burst of flavor and a playful spirit to your day, this Rice Noodle Salad with Sesame Lime Dressing is right up your alley. The mix of soft rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing makes every bite refreshing and fun. It’s a light meal that comes together quickly and leaves you smiling at every forkful.
This salad mixes textures and tastes in a way that keeps your lunch exciting. The noodles serve as a fun base for a colorful mix of veggies, all tossed in a zesty sesame-lime dressing. Perfect for a busy day or a relaxed weekend treat, this recipe gives you a meal that feels as joyful as it looks.
What is a Rice Noodle Salad?
A Rice Noodle Salad is a mix of soft, slippery rice noodles combined with crunchy vegetables and a bright, tangy dressing. It brings a mix of flavors and textures that makes lunch a bit more interesting.
What makes this salad healthy?
Fresh vegetables, light rice noodles, and a dressing made with natural ingredients all work together to create a meal that offers fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a balanced dish that keeps things light and satisfying.
RELATED: Vegan Crispy Thai Noodle Salad – This Vegan Thai Noodle Salad allows you to enjoy a little taste of Thailand in your own home. Suitable for various occasions, from a light lunch to a side dish at a barbecue or potluck, this salad features tender rice noodles mingle with crisp coleslaw mix, colorful bell peppers, and crunchy peanuts, all enveloped in a creamy, peanutty dressing, making this salad a delightful, plant-powered feast for your taste buds.
Why you’ll love this easy lunch salad recipe
This recipe is simple to make and full of flavors that complement each other. You get a mix of textures from the tender noodles to the crisp veggies, all lifted by a zingy dressing that ties everything together in a delightful way.
What tools do you need to make this salad?
- A large pot for cooking noodles
- A colander for draining
- A mixing bowl for tossing the ingredients
- A small bowl and a whisk for the dressing
- A cutting board and a knife for chopping veggies
Ingredients you’ll need
For the salad
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
For the Sesame Lime dressing
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Step-by-step instructions for making Rice Noodle Salad
Here’s hot to make this lunch salad recipe:
- Cook the rice noodles as directed on the package. Drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until the dressing is smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the noodles, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, and green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Optionally, top with chopped roasted peanuts. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold option.
Make this Rice Noodle Salad Recipe, then check out my Vegan Crispy Thai Noodle Salad and more of my vegan salad recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I swap out the rice noodles?
Yes, you can try using soba or udon noodles if you’re in the mood for a different texture.
Is Rice Noodle salad meant to be served cold?
It works great either way. Enjoy it chilled for a crisp bite or at room temperature if you prefer a softer texture.
Can I add extra protein?
Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp make great additions if you’re looking to boost the protein content.
What if I want a stronger dressing flavor?
Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste, adding a bit more lime juice or ginger if you like a bolder kick.
How to store leftovers of Rice Noodle Salad
Place any remaining salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Keeping the dressing separate from the noodles and veggies can help maintain the crunch of the vegetables if you plan to enjoy it later.
This Rice Noodle Salad with Sesame Lime Dressing is a tasty, healthy and fun lunch salad that can be made ahead. It offers a fresh and satisfying meal option for busy days and makes a perfect light bite whenever you need a quick pick-me-up. Enjoy your lunch with a smile!
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Rice Noodle Salad Recipe with Sesame Lime Dressing
Ingredients
For the Rice Noodle Salad
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
For the Sesame Lime Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool them quickly. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the noodles, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, and green onions. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chopped peanuts if desired, and serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes for a colder option.
Nutrition
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