Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 4 oz vermicelli rice noodles, dry
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, shredded (1-2 large carrots)
- 2 cups purple cabbage, shredded (or green cabbage)
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced (about ½ an English cucumber)
- 3 stalks green onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup edamame, cooked
- ¼ cup peanuts, chopped
Herbs
- ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Thai basil, finely chopped
Peanut Dressing
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 Tbsp juice)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 Tbsp ginger root, finely grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2-4 Tbsp water, as needed to thin it out
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Make Dressing: While the noodles are cooling, whisk together all the peanut dressing ingredients—peanut butter, lime juice, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and water—in a small bowl until smooth. Alternatively, blend these ingredients in a food processor or blender for a creamier texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled noodles, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, diced cucumbers, chopped green onion, cooked edamame, chopped peanuts, and the fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil). Toss gently to mix.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the peanut dressing over the combined ingredients and toss everything together carefully until all components are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. For those who prefer a saucier dish, consider doubling the peanut lime dressing amount.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Adjust water in the dressing to achieve your desired consistency.
- Make sure to rinse noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking.
- Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
- This dish can be served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Vegetarian