Description
This vibrant Asian Noodle Salad combines soft rice noodles with crisp fresh vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, fragrant herbs, and a zesty natural dressing. Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a colorful side dish, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors with easy preparation under 30 minutes. Adaptable to gluten-free and vegetarian diets, this salad is ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 6 oz rice noodles
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Protein
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas, thinly sliced
Fresh Herbs
- 1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup Thai basil, roughly chopped
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup toasted peanuts or cashews
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Dressing (natural)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Rinse them under cold water to stop cooking, drain well, and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Fresh Vegetables and Herbs: Thinly slice the carrot, red bell pepper, cucumber, and snap peas. Roughly chop cilantro, mint, and Thai basil to release their fragrant aromas.
- Prepare the Dressing (natural): In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce (natural), lime juice, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, honey, and chili flakes until well combined.
- Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, add the noodles, smoked turkey bacon, vegetables, and herbs. Pour the dressing (natural) over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted peanuts or cashews and sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately or chill slightly for a refreshing cool salad.
Notes
- Choose fresh vegetables for the best crunch and vibrant color.
- Do not overcook the noodles to maintain the perfect bite and absorb dressing well.
- Toast nuts lightly to enhance their flavor and add satisfying crunch.
- Adjust the dressing’s sweetness, sourness, and heat by tasting and tweaking to preference.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing salad or at room temperature for a comforting flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Asian noodle salad, rice noodle salad, fresh vegetable salad, turkey bacon salad, gluten free salad, quick Asian salad
