Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken is a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine tender chicken infused with aromatic lemongrass, nestled atop a bed of delicate vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing that brightens every bite. Each mouthful promises a burst of freshness that makes you feel like you’re lounging in a sun-soaked Vietnamese market.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory waiting to happen. Picture a family gathering where laughter fills the air and everyone is reaching for seconds (or thirds). As the salad disappears faster than your cousin’s last Tinder date, you realize you’ve struck culinary gold. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an elaborate summer barbecue, this Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken will steal the show and leave your guests raving about it for weeks.
Why You'll Love This Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken
- This incredible Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
Every time I make this salad, my friends rave about how it’s their new favorite dish—one even declared it “life-changing” after a few bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
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Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass gives an aromatic zing; look for firm stalks with vibrant green tops
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Vermicelli Noodles: These thin rice noodles cook quickly and soak up flavors beautifully; they’re essential for this salad
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Fresh Mint and Cilantro: These herbs add freshness and brightness; don’t skimp on them unless you’re not a fan
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Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing; choose one that feels firm without soft spots for best results
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Carrots: Grate or julienne them for crunch; they add sweetness and color to the salad
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness in our dressing
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Rice Vinegar: This tangy vinegar enhances flavors without overpowering; opt for unseasoned rice vinegar if possible
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Sugar: Just a touch helps balance out the savory elements in the dressing beautifully
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Chili Flakes (optional): Add these if you like a spicy kick; they bring warmth to each bite
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken
Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced lemongrass, soy sauce, sugar, and chili flakes. Whisk until sugar dissolves completely. This marinade should smell heavenly already.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the marinade and let them soak up those delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes—up to four hours if you want maximum flavor impact.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear—this should get you some delightful char marks.
Cook the Vermicelli Noodles: While chicken cooks, prepare noodles according to package instructions—usually soaking them in hot water for about 5-7 minutes until soft but not mushy.
Assemble Your Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine cooked vermicelli noodles with sliced cucumber, grated carrots, chopped mint, and cilantro. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly without breaking those delicate noodles.
Create Your Dressing : In a small bowl or jar, mix rice vinegar with remaining marinade (only if previously boiled) or just olive oil—whisk until well combined. Drizzle over your salad base generously.
Serve your salad by placing sliced grilled chicken on top of the vermicelli mixture and garnish with extra herbs if desired—prepare yourself for compliments galore!
You Must Know About Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken
- This showstopping Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in a zesty lemongrass mixture while soaking the vermicelli noodles. This allows the flavors to deepen. Sear the chicken until golden brown, then cook the noodles and toss them with fresh veggies. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready simultaneously, enhancing freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your salad with ingredients like grilled shrimp, tofu, or crunchy peanuts for added texture. Swap traditional vegetables for seasonal favorites like bell peppers or snap peas. Experimenting will keep your dish exciting and personalized every time you make it!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover vermicelli noodle salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to prevent mushy noodles. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge—perfect for busy days!
Chef's Helpful Tips for Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken
- This professional-quality Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
Sharing a memorable experience when I served this salad at a family gathering made me realize how quickly my loved ones devoured it! They couldn’t stop singing its praises, which made my heart swell with joy.
FAQ
What is vermicelli noodle salad?
Vermicelli noodle salad is a light and refreshing dish featuring thin rice noodles tossed with colorful vegetables, herbs, proteins like chicken or tofu, and often dressed with a tangy sauce made from lime juice or soy sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To create a delicious vegetarian version of vermicelli noodle salad with lemongrass chicken, simply substitute chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh and add more veggies like carrots and cucumbers for crunch.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat. The outside should be golden brown while remaining juicy inside.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all components separately ahead of time; just combine them right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. Store dressing separately to avoid soggy noodles.
Conclusion for Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken
In summary, this delightful vermicelli noodle salad with lemongrass chicken combines vibrant flavors and textures that please both the eye and palate. With simple steps and customizable options, you’ll impress everyone at your table in no time! Enjoy exploring different variations while keeping family traditions alive through tasty meals shared together!
Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances tender grilled chicken marinated in aromatic lemongrass, delicate vermicelli noodles, and an array of colorful vegetables. Tossed with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing, this salad is not just a meal but an experience that will transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass, minced
- 8 oz vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (unseasoned)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix minced lemongrass, soy sauce, sugar, and chili flakes. Add chicken breasts and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Soak noodles in hot water according to package instructions (typically 5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss cooked noodles with cucumber, carrots, mint, and cilantro.
- In a jar, combine rice vinegar with remaining marinade (if boiled) or olive oil. Drizzle over the salad mixture.
- Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken and garnish with extra herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
