Deliciously Refreshing Glass Noodle Salad Recipe You’ll Love

So, let me tell you about this glass noodle salad—it’s just one of those dishes that, when you take a bite, your taste buds do a little happy dance… It’s vibrant and refreshing, with those delicate glass noodles blending perfectly with colorful veggies. Honestly, it reminds me of sunny summer picnics, where everything just tastes better, you know? You can customize it however you like, which means you can make it your own. A light main course or side, this salad is really something you’ll want to have in your repertoire…

Why You’ll Crave It

• Light yet filling, perfect when you’re craving something refreshing.
• Totally customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins!
• It’s a showstopper—looks gorgeous on the table.
• Great for meal prep, so you can whip it up for the week.
• It’s quick! You can have it on the table in about 20 minutes.

The first time I made this, my family just devoured it… absolutely no leftovers!

What You’ll Need

• Glass noodles: 100g, they’re those lovely transparent noodles that soak up flavor so well
• Carrot: 1 medium, julienned for that nice crunch and color
• Cucumber: 1 medium, diced—adds that refreshing bite
• Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced, because we want pretty, right?
• Spring onions: 2, chopped, gives a lovely oniony kick
• Fresh coriander (cilantro): a handful, chopped for a burst of flavor
• Peanuts: 1/4 cup, crushed (optional, but oh so good!)
• Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons, for that essential umami hit
• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons, it adds such a richness
• Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon, brightens everything up
• Honey or sugar: 1 tablespoon (to taste), because a hint of sweetness is nice
• Chili flakes: to taste (optional, if you want a bit of heat)

Easy How-To

Cook the Glass Noodles

First, soak your glass noodles in warm water… for about 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re pliable and soft. Drain them and rinse under cold water to just stop them from cooking too much. You want them to be tender but not mushy, you know?

Prepare the Dressing

Now, let’s whip up that dressing! Just grab a bowl and whisk together some soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey or sugar, until the sugar dissolves nicely… Oh, and if you like garlic, you can add a minced garlic clove too!

Chop the Vegetables

Chop your veggies—slice up that cucumber and bell pepper, and chop the spring onions and coriander. Honestly, this is where you can have fun. Throw in other veggies if you fancy. No hard rules here!

Toss Everything Together

In a big mixing bowl, combine those soaked noodles with your gorgeous veggies and fresh herbs. Pour over the dressing and toss gently until everything is well coated… This is where the magic happens—and, oh, it already smells amazing!

Chill the Salad

Now, if you can resist, chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This really helps all those flavors come together. It’s totally worth the wait!

Good to Know

• If you want it spicy, add some chili flakes or fresh chilis to the dressing.
• You can totally switch up the veggies based on what you have—shredded carrots, bean sprouts, whatever you fancy!
• This salad will keep well for about two days in the fridge—though it’s best fresh.

Serving Ideas

• Serve it alongside grilled meats or seafood, or enjoy it as a light meal all on its own!

Top Tricks

• Don’t skip the chilling step—just trust me, it makes a huge difference in bringing out the flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of noodles instead of glass noodles?

For sure! If you can’t find glass noodles, you can swap them out for rice noodles or vermicelli. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will change a bit!

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep… just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Keeps fresh in the fridge for a couple of days.

Can I add protein to the salad?

Definitely! Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu to make the salad filling. It’s super versatile!

What if I don’t have certain ingredients?

No worries! Use any veggies you have on hand. This recipe is all about flexibility—be creative!

How do I store leftover salad?

Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge… but remember, it’s best enjoyed fresh. The flavors are so vibrant when eaten right away!

Conclusion

This glass noodle salad is such a delight… with the perfect balance of crunchy veggies and those slurp-worthy noodles. It’s fresh, healthy, and oh-so-easy to whip up. Whether it’s for a sunny picnic or a quick weeknight meal, it truly stands out! You’ll definitely want this in your collection of go-to recipes.

More recipe suggestions and combinations

• Thai Chicken Salad: A tasty salad with shredded chicken and a zippy dressing.
• Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with fresh veggies and a yummy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry: Quick sautéed tofu with veggies and a spicy sauce, a great addition to any meal.
• Asian Quinoa Salad: Quinoa, edamame, and a bright citrus dressing—perfect for a healthy alternative.
• Prawn and Mango Salad: A tropical twist with juicy prawns and sweet mango, paired with a zesty dressing.