Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad

This Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad is fresh, vibrant, and full of contrast — cool noodles, crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a bold, punchy dressing that ties everything together. It’s light yet deeply satisfying, making it perfect for warm days, meal prep lunches, or when you’re craving something refreshing but still filling.

The nuoc cham dressing is the real star here: tangy, savoury, lightly sweet, and just spicy enough to wake everything up. Tossed through rice noodles, herbs, and shredded chicken, it creates a beautifully balanced dish where every bite feels bright, fresh, and layered with flavour.

Benefits of Each Ingredient

Nuoc Cham Dressing

Lime Juice – Adds fresh acidity that brightens the entire salad.

Coconut Sugar – Brings gentle sweetness that balances the salty and sour notes.

Fish Sauce – Provides deep savoury flavour and authentic Vietnamese character.

Rice Vinegar – Adds light tang without overpowering the other ingredients.

Red Bird’s Eye Chili – Brings heat and liveliness to the dressing.

Garlic – Adds warmth and depth, grounding the sharp flavours.

Salad Components

Chicken Breasts – Tender and filling, they make the salad satisfying and protein-rich.

Vermicelli Rice Noodles – Light and delicate, they soak up the dressing beautifully.

Cucumber – Adds coolness and crunch, keeping the salad refreshing.

Carrot – Brings sweetness, colour, and crisp texture.

Fresh Cilantro – Adds bright, citrusy herbal notes.

Fresh Mint – Lends freshness and a cooling contrast to the chilli heat.

Salted Peanuts – Provide crunch, richness, and a savoury finish.

Fresh, zesty, and perfectly balanced, this Vietnamese chicken noodle salad is one of those dishes that feels exciting yet effortless — a true flavour-packed favourite