Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat? Look no further than the Glass Noodle Cucumber Salad! This Asian-inspired recipe combines the delicate texture of glass noodles with the crispness of fresh vegetables and aromatic mint, creating a salad that’s not only visually stunning but also a feast for the senses. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering, this salad will have your guests coming back for seconds. Dive into this quick and simple recipe that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 100g glass noodles
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add glass noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft but still have a slight bite.
- Drain the glass noodles in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool.
- While noodles are cooling, julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin, uniform matchstick-sized strips. Ensure vegetables are cut to similar length for even distribution.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled glass noodles, julienned cucumber, julienned carrot, and chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and slightly chill the dish.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of rice vinegar.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, garnishing with additional mint leaves if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Keep a close eye on the glass noodles while they cook; they should be soft yet still have a slight bite. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so aim for that perfect al dente consistency.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color. Just ensure they are julienned to match the size of the cucumber and carrot.
- Dress It Up: Adjust the dressing to suit your taste. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more rice vinegar, or for a sweeter touch, a dash of honey can elevate the dish.
- Garnish for Appeal: Before serving, consider garnishing with additional fresh mint leaves or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
